Topping countless online "Best of the Decade" lists of late, Moulin Rouge! was certainly a pivotal film in cinema. Not only did it redefine a fairly set-in-its-way genre, but it re-ignited it after a slumber of several decades. No easy feat for a Bohemian, bizarre, obscure romantic drama. But thanks to insanely breathtaking visuals, a keen vision from director Baz Luhrmann, surprisingly killer chops from stars Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, and a relentless trail of followers who breathed in all things Moulin Rouge! for years following (who doesn't still have that soundtrack on their regular listening cycle?), it achieved what several other musicals have since tried to and failed at -- making a totally original, decadent treat that combines nearly every facet of the arts into one big, lush event. Had it not been for the several other movies that seemed to overshadow it by the time the following January rolled around, I hesitate to say that most Academy voters would agree that it was arguably at least the second-best movie of the year. (More on that later.)Standout Performance: I've got to go with Kidman on this one. It was the role that launched her career, and, let's be honest, it's the one that will define it for the remainder of her career.
3 comments:
I absolutely agree. Amen, brother.
I'm devoted to this film, but as the years have gone by I've become more open to criticize it and it's by no means a perfect movie.
Although in terms of viewing pleasure, few things work like this.
One of the better films of the decade, that totally got robbed of that Best Picture. Great review!
Post a Comment