Moulin Rouge is by far one of my favorite musicals! I remember the first time I watched it. My best friend, Kaleigh, was shocked when she found out I hadn't seen it, so she made me watch it immediately. I honestly didn't think I would like it, but by the time it was over I had probably used an entire box of Kleenex. I am a major weeper (someone name that movie)! So this isn't really that surprising, but I bawled through a lot of this movie!
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| All pics via google |
A lot of musical lovers wouldn't even consider calling Moulin Rouge a "real" musical, and get upset when someone refers to it as one! I just had this debate with someone, so I am not making this stuff up! So, why wouldn't it be considered a "real" musical you might ask? Well, the musical does not use original songs. Honestly, that is what I think is great about it, but others think that makes it less noteworthy. It encompasses many popular hits such as: "The Sound of Music," "Lady Marmalade,""Like a Virgin," and "Roxanne" to name a few!
The setting for the film is 1900 Paris, France. However, it mainly focuses around the Moulin Rouge and the surrounding area. The contrast between the era being portrayed and the modern music is wonderfully done, in my opinion. Like I said though, many don't agree with me on this one, so you will need to check it out for yourself and see what you think!
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| Elephant Love Melody |
Basic plot line - A young British poet/writer trying to make his mark in Paris' Bohemian culture falls in love with the terminally ill star of the Moulin Rouge. The musical is a tangled mess of mistaken identities, passion, and jealously! Ewan McGregor plays Christian, the poet, in the film (if for no other reason, isn't McGregor reason enough to watch it). And Nicole Kidman plays Satine, the star of Moulin Rouge. I think the pair do a great job with this film, and their singing is pretty impressive as well. I have heard that Kidman had no musical training before she played this role!
The soundtrack to this musical is phenomenal. I listen to it at least a couple times a week on my iPod. My favorite songs are: "Your Song," "Elephant Love Melody,""Come What May," and "El Tango de Roxanne." The "Elephant Love Melody" and "El Tango de Roxanne" are by far my favorite! I literally sing at the top of my lungs in my car to these songs. The rendition of Roxanne is probably the best scene of the entire movie (my opinion)!
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| El Tango de Roxanne |
The film was nominated for eight Oscars in 2002! Nicole Kidman was up for "Best Actress" and the film was up for "Best Picture" (it had been ten years since a musical had been nominated). It only won two of the eight Oscars though, "Best Art Direction" and "Best Costume Design." Nevertheless, this musical was the first to receive some love in a long time.
So, if you haven't seen this musical yet, do yourself a favor and go rent it! I would recommend a box of Kleenex for your viewing experience! After watching it, let me know what you think! Do you think it is a good musical or a knock-off with no originality? What are your favorite scenes and/or songs? Can't wait to hear from you!
