Strictly Red

This article by Graham Fuller examines the impact directorial choices, specifically art direction and soundtrack selection, had on Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rogue. I enjoyed his articulation of how the inclusion of contemporary songs not only casts the movie in a different light, but also changes the framework of the song just as substantially. Luhrmann’s devotion to “theatricalism” is enhanced by the lurid, overly stylized effects and eclectic musical decisions. His commitment to dramatization and visual oversaturation constantly reminds the audience that they’re watching a movie. I liked Fuller’s analysis of the narrative structure of the movie – mainly that the audience knows from the beginning that Satine has already died. This move doesn’t undermine the dramatic tension of the film, but rather heightens it, as the moments that Christian and Satine do share are made all the more fleeting and foreboding due to the audience’s knowledge. Ultimately, the film is indebted to the theater and it’s striking red curtain, with it’s flair and knack for over the top drama.