The spectacle that is Moulin Rouge is coming to the Cornerhouse Cinema on the 23rd October to enchant our hearts once again. The final instalment of Lurhman’s ‘Red Curtain Trilogy’ provides a feast for the senses that underpins the magnitude of his instinctive artistic ingenuity. Allow yourself to be swept away on the love infused journey and indulge in the theatrical exuberance of underworld Moulin Rouge.
Taking inspiration from Bollywood culture, Lurhman broke the confines of mainstream, conventional cinema to construct an original genre altogether – intertwining period romance with contemporary musical influences. Set in the year 1899, Christian (McGregor), an English poet driven by notions of love, heads to the centre of the bohemian world (the Montmartre Quartre) falling almost instantaneously for mesmerising courtesan, Satine (Kidman). This tragic romance is carried along by a complete musical assemble of 20th century hits; an innovative spin transforms tracks from the likes of Queen, Elton John, Madonna and The Police onto the big screen. Lurhman’s vision encapsulated through his unorthodox cinematography, persistent flashy editing and bold mise-en-scene allows this epic to be distanced from both mainstream and art-house films – it is one of a kind.
Despite being shot entirely within Australian sound stages, Moulin Rouge received much deserved recognition for its artistic individuality at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival and the 74th Academy Awards. Lurhman swooped to take home both the Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design Oscars – others didn’t stand a chance!
So mark the date in your diary, reserve your ticket, sit back and revel in Moulin Rogue’s chaotic brilliance.
