Film Review: Moulin Rouge (12) (From Penarth Times)

Film Review: Moulin Rouge (12)

DIRECTED by one of the more critically acclaimed directors in Hollywood, Moulin Rouge is one of the biggest films of the year.

After a huge success in Cannes, it has now hit the screens but surely it can't be as good as the critics make out, or can it?

It's the end of the 19th century and Christian goes to the Moulin Rouge in France to become a writer.

When he arrives, he meets the artist Toulouse-Lautrec, who introduces him to Satine, the "queen" of the nightclub. Then they fall in love, but as her health fails and their love gets in the way of her performances, things look bad .

I'm not quite sure what to make of it. The camera work, costumes, music and acting are utterly brilliant. But in terms of entertainment, it's not very good. In fact, most of it is depressing.

Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor are perfect as the lovers (John Leguizamo as Toulouse steals every scene) but the story hardly ever lightens up.

Director Baz Luhrmann seems to have been let off his leash. If you are not a fan of his movies (Romeo and Juliet) you still can't deny that his direction is always excellent.

Over the top it may be, but this film is one of the best examples of escapism.

We haven't had a decent musical in years and this is pretty good, but you are not going to go home in a good mood. McGregor and Kidman's will keep you pleased, though.

If you are looking for high art, Moulin Rouge will appeal to you, but if you are expecting a happy evening at the pictures, go and see something else.