Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 musical Moulin Rouge! became a bit of a slow burn hit. Its unfiltered story of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love struck a chord with some movie goers, but the unique and frenetic visual style left some viewers exhausted and annoyed. Spurred on by the popularity of Hamilton, another musical set in a historic period that uses modern music stylings, Nate and Ryan wanted to revisit the utterly singular Moulin Rouge! Nate and Ryan have typically fallen in line with those who love the movie, but wanted to look back and see if there is more to the movie than pop songs and emotion. They explore Luhrmann’s postmodern vision and the merit of bald-faced emotion that toes the line between sincerity and cliche.
What do you remember about Moulin Rouge? Is Luhrmann a visionary, or a lunatic? Where does Moulin Rouge! rank among movie musicals? Let us know!
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I’ll have to reach this film. I remember being moved by the passion and swayed by the music but a bit confused by the plot and wild visuals. I believe it was also the first time I’d ever hear Nature Boy, which I often play now but still don’t understand. I will try to find an evening to review this. Thanks, guys.
Hey Bill! Thanks for listening. Great song. I never even caught that it was a Nat King Cole tune until you just mentioned it. Seen Moulin Rouge quite a few times and still digging up all the buried treasures. Would love to hear you play it sometime!
I was with Ryan when he first saw Mamma Mia and can confirm that he did not like it.
Ha! Nate, I remember Baxter playing that CanCan scene. That class was so great.
A classic Baxter moment.