Moulin Rouge (Blu-ray) (2001)

Editor's Note Cross LA BOHÈME with CABARET, throw in a little bit of RENT, and you might almost begin to describe Baz Luhrmann's visually opulent, fast-paced, funny, heartrending MOULIN ROUGE. The film, which premiered as the opener to the 2001 Cannes Film Festival, is a musical set in 1899 Paris at the notorious Montmartre cabaret club, the Moulin Rouge. Directed by Luhrmann (WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S ROMEO AND JULIET, STRICTLY BALLROOM), the movie stars Nicole Kidman as the high-kicking courtesan, Satine; Ewan McGregor as the sensitive poet, Christian; and John Leguizamo as the flamboyant artist and matchmaker, Toulouse-Lautrec. Luhrmann's use of eclectic lighting and saturated color, the fast zooms and quick cuts of his camera, and his magnificent costumes and sets perfectly capture the excess and freneticism for which the Moulin Rouge was famous. Beautifully led by McGregor and Kidman, the flawless supporting cast brings to life the culture of belle époque Paris with magical realism. Above all, the anachronistic, energetic contemporary soundtrack is what drives MOULIN ROUGE, with popular songs by L'il Kim, Christina Aguilera, David Bowie, and Beck--as well as Kidman and McGregor adding their own superb vocals.

	Natalie Mendoza
	John Leguizamo
	Ewan McGregor
	Richard Roxburgh
	Jim Broadbent
	David Wenham
	Nicole Kidman
	Kylie Minogue
	Baz Luhrmann - Screenwriter
	Catherine Knapman - Co-Producer
	Martin Brown - Producer
	Ozzy Osbourne - Voice
	Donald McAlpine - Director of Photography
	Fred Baron - Producer
	Baz Luhrmann - Producer
	Craig Armstrong - Composer
	Craig Pearce - Screenwriter
	John O'Connell - Choreographer
	Baz Luhrmann - Director

Rolling Stone
"...Luhrmann's technique is flamboyantly operatic...[He] creates visual miracles..." 06/07/2001 p.119-20

New York Times
"...There are more volatile or seductive shades of red than even Toulouse-Lautrec might have dreamed of....Mr. Luhrmann has the eye of an artist..." 05/18/2001 p.E10

Variety
"...Baz Luhrmann displays often amazing resourcefulness as he mixes a multitude of film and song styles to relate his quintessential tale of la vie boheme..." 05/14/2001 p.21-8

USA Today
"...Spectacularly drenched in color, décor and other visual oh-la-la..." 05/18/2001 p.8E

Premiere
"...Astonishing....The sweet-voiced Kidman has never been sexier....Daring..." -- 3 1/2 out of 4 stars 07/01/2001 p.82-3

Box Office
"...Stunning cinematic artistry....Dazzling....It is a powerful impression of Luhrmann as a technically dexterous visual virtuoso..." 07/01/2001 p.99

Sight and Sound
"...Breathless....McGregor's wide-eyed readiness to perform is an undiluted pleasure and he is at his most charismatic here..." 09/01/2001 p.51-2

Los Angeles Times
"...A fever dream of musical spectacle....It showcases excellent work from co-stars Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor..." 05/18/2001 p.1