Moulin Rouge
Sun, 27 May 2001, 10:55 amWalter Plinge20 posts in thread
Moulin Rouge
Sun, 27 May 2001, 10:55 amMoulin Rouge has achieved something that I have been suggesting for years. Musicals have finally been brought into the twenty first century. There has been a number of attempts in recent years to write new musicals that will appeal to the younger generation, however they tended to follow the same formula as musicals from the 1930's, 40's and 50's. It is not often acknowledged that much of the music used in the older musicals was the 'top 40' type music of the time. In fact many movie musicals, particularly in the 1930's were written to showcase popular music. I belive that music in Moulin Rouge really worked.
On a whole I really enjoyed the movie, however I do have a few criticisms. The fast and furious nature of some of the camera work became too intense at times and also distracted from the dancing. I kept waiting for it to slow down so I could do a bit of Australian talent spotting. I also would have liked to see more scenes set in the baudy Moulin Rouge. There has been much debate about Kidman's singing voice. I think her vocal skills were adequate, as she was playing a singer in a nightclub, not an opera singer. I thought MrGreggor's voice sounded too manufactored, which made it difficult to beleive that it was actually coming out of his mouth. At times it appeared that Kidaman was doing a duet with a tape recorder, while McGregor moved his mouth. The story was not hugely engaging, but that really didn't matter for me. There was so much to watch as far as sets, costumes, movement and music, that a complex plot would have made the movie too busy.
I went to the movie with a very diverse group of people and every one of them commented that they did not look at their watch once. Get along and see Moulin Rouge straight away, as it is one that will definitley lose something on the small screen.
On a whole I really enjoyed the movie, however I do have a few criticisms. The fast and furious nature of some of the camera work became too intense at times and also distracted from the dancing. I kept waiting for it to slow down so I could do a bit of Australian talent spotting. I also would have liked to see more scenes set in the baudy Moulin Rouge. There has been much debate about Kidman's singing voice. I think her vocal skills were adequate, as she was playing a singer in a nightclub, not an opera singer. I thought MrGreggor's voice sounded too manufactored, which made it difficult to beleive that it was actually coming out of his mouth. At times it appeared that Kidaman was doing a duet with a tape recorder, while McGregor moved his mouth. The story was not hugely engaging, but that really didn't matter for me. There was so much to watch as far as sets, costumes, movement and music, that a complex plot would have made the movie too busy.
I went to the movie with a very diverse group of people and every one of them commented that they did not look at their watch once. Get along and see Moulin Rouge straight away, as it is one that will definitley lose something on the small screen.
Walter PlingeSun, 27 May 2001, 10:55 am
Moulin Rouge has achieved something that I have been suggesting for years. Musicals have finally been brought into the twenty first century. There has been a number of attempts in recent years to write new musicals that will appeal to the younger generation, however they tended to follow the same formula as musicals from the 1930's, 40's and 50's. It is not often acknowledged that much of the music used in the older musicals was the 'top 40' type music of the time. In fact many movie musicals, particularly in the 1930's were written to showcase popular music. I belive that music in Moulin Rouge really worked.
On a whole I really enjoyed the movie, however I do have a few criticisms. The fast and furious nature of some of the camera work became too intense at times and also distracted from the dancing. I kept waiting for it to slow down so I could do a bit of Australian talent spotting. I also would have liked to see more scenes set in the baudy Moulin Rouge. There has been much debate about Kidman's singing voice. I think her vocal skills were adequate, as she was playing a singer in a nightclub, not an opera singer. I thought MrGreggor's voice sounded too manufactored, which made it difficult to beleive that it was actually coming out of his mouth. At times it appeared that Kidaman was doing a duet with a tape recorder, while McGregor moved his mouth. The story was not hugely engaging, but that really didn't matter for me. There was so much to watch as far as sets, costumes, movement and music, that a complex plot would have made the movie too busy.
I went to the movie with a very diverse group of people and every one of them commented that they did not look at their watch once. Get along and see Moulin Rouge straight away, as it is one that will definitley lose something on the small screen.
On a whole I really enjoyed the movie, however I do have a few criticisms. The fast and furious nature of some of the camera work became too intense at times and also distracted from the dancing. I kept waiting for it to slow down so I could do a bit of Australian talent spotting. I also would have liked to see more scenes set in the baudy Moulin Rouge. There has been much debate about Kidman's singing voice. I think her vocal skills were adequate, as she was playing a singer in a nightclub, not an opera singer. I thought MrGreggor's voice sounded too manufactored, which made it difficult to beleive that it was actually coming out of his mouth. At times it appeared that Kidaman was doing a duet with a tape recorder, while McGregor moved his mouth. The story was not hugely engaging, but that really didn't matter for me. There was so much to watch as far as sets, costumes, movement and music, that a complex plot would have made the movie too busy.
I went to the movie with a very diverse group of people and every one of them commented that they did not look at their watch once. Get along and see Moulin Rouge straight away, as it is one that will definitley lose something on the small screen.
Walter PlingeMon, 28 May 2001, 10:00 am
RE: Moulin Rouge
I agree with much of what Emalee has said here, and indeed, this film itself is un spectaculeur spectaculeur.
It most definitley brings Theatre to Film, and the modern day tracks that are used throughout the film work very well, and are in fact quite comical some of the time (especially the "Like a Virgin" scene).
Wonderful sets, wonderful costumes and makeup (i think all of Fox Studios resources were used for this one!), and a kicking soundtrack to boot.
MY only criticism, would be that the "Plot" is a bit thin, with not too much 'meat' to it.
I know a lot of people/critics are whining about the film being too fast, not slow enough to feel at home with the characters. But it is a whirlwind romance we are talking about here, and the speed of the film gives it that feeling and the exciting edge - and you dont have time to look at your watch. I forgot time, and was lost in the fantasy world of the Moulin Rouge for those few hours.
I encourage you to do the same ..and go and lose yourself in the sexy underworld that is....The Moulin Rouge......x
It most definitley brings Theatre to Film, and the modern day tracks that are used throughout the film work very well, and are in fact quite comical some of the time (especially the "Like a Virgin" scene).
Wonderful sets, wonderful costumes and makeup (i think all of Fox Studios resources were used for this one!), and a kicking soundtrack to boot.
MY only criticism, would be that the "Plot" is a bit thin, with not too much 'meat' to it.
I know a lot of people/critics are whining about the film being too fast, not slow enough to feel at home with the characters. But it is a whirlwind romance we are talking about here, and the speed of the film gives it that feeling and the exciting edge - and you dont have time to look at your watch. I forgot time, and was lost in the fantasy world of the Moulin Rouge for those few hours.
I encourage you to do the same ..and go and lose yourself in the sexy underworld that is....The Moulin Rouge......x
BabarMon, 11 June 2001, 12:37 pm
RE: Moulin Rouge
I liked it, very clever use of plagiarism :-)
And for those that complain that the plot wasn't deep enough... IT'S A MUSICAL! I can't remember the last musical I saw that had a complex plot. Musicals tend to be about the music, if they sneak a moral in there, wow! If you want an exciting plot, twisting and turning at every possible junction, don't go to a musical. If you want to be entertained, go to a musical, more importantly, go to Moulin Rouge
Troy
And for those that complain that the plot wasn't deep enough... IT'S A MUSICAL! I can't remember the last musical I saw that had a complex plot. Musicals tend to be about the music, if they sneak a moral in there, wow! If you want an exciting plot, twisting and turning at every possible junction, don't go to a musical. If you want to be entertained, go to a musical, more importantly, go to Moulin Rouge
Troy
Walter PlingeTue, 12 June 2001, 09:37 am
RE: Moulin Rouge
Here here.....
And can i just say, for you true fans of all things BAZ, go to the Moulin Rouge website at http://www.clubmoulinrouge.com - and you will find a barrage of extra tit-bits (no pun intented) on the film, including many quick-time vidoes of behind the scenes footage, the making of, and character profiles (which no doubt will probably end up on the DVD for this).
Even better, get yourself to Paris and go to this club called Moulin Rouge...............
And can i just say, for you true fans of all things BAZ, go to the Moulin Rouge website at http://www.clubmoulinrouge.com - and you will find a barrage of extra tit-bits (no pun intented) on the film, including many quick-time vidoes of behind the scenes footage, the making of, and character profiles (which no doubt will probably end up on the DVD for this).
Even better, get yourself to Paris and go to this club called Moulin Rouge...............
Walter PlingeTue, 12 June 2001, 12:58 pm
RE: Moulin Rouge
If the greatest thing you'll ever learn is to love and love in return, I don't think 'plot' really matters, do you?
Walter PlingeThu, 21 June 2001, 08:11 pm
RE: Moulin Rouge
I should think I'll be FLAYED alive for what I'm about to say BUT....WHO the HELL is responsible for telling either Kidman or McGregor that either of them can sing?????????? BOLLOCKS!
It is fun, it looks FABULOUS! It is a very FAT film. The attention to detail is astonishing.
Be warned though campers, it is a Lurve Story, and a pretty pukey one at that. Take an up-chuck bucket, you'll need it!
In the Naaaaaame of Loooooooove!!!!!!!! Eeugh!
Julia
It is fun, it looks FABULOUS! It is a very FAT film. The attention to detail is astonishing.
Be warned though campers, it is a Lurve Story, and a pretty pukey one at that. Take an up-chuck bucket, you'll need it!
In the Naaaaaame of Loooooooove!!!!!!!! Eeugh!
Julia
Walter PlingeThu, 21 June 2001, 08:16 pm
RE: Moulin Rouge
I should think I'll be FLAYED alive for what I'm about to say BUT....WHO the HELL is responsible for telling either Kidman or McGregor that either of them can sing?????????? BOLLOCKS!
It is fun, it looks FABULOUS! It is a very FAT film. The attention to detail is astonishing.
Be warned though campers, it is a Lurve Story, and a pretty pukey one at that. Take an up-chuck bucket, you'll need it!
In the Naaaaaame of Loooooooove!!!!!!!! Eeugh!
Julia
It is fun, it looks FABULOUS! It is a very FAT film. The attention to detail is astonishing.
Be warned though campers, it is a Lurve Story, and a pretty pukey one at that. Take an up-chuck bucket, you'll need it!
In the Naaaaaame of Loooooooove!!!!!!!! Eeugh!
Julia
Walter PlingeFri, 22 June 2001, 07:28 pm
RE: Moulin Rouge
Most of the worthwhile musicals are a Play with Muisc, unlike this one which is Music without a play - sure for the younger ones it was spectacular and loud.
As for the acting - very good.
The singing.....well they could sell a song and that is just as important.
It would make a great bums on seat stage show - a bit costly - but I doubt if it would need any performing rights, as it was a compilation of many other musicals and plays, especialy the writer bit at a Caberet, except for the rights to perform some of the music.
To me it was all glits and crap - but hey!!!.. if that's what sells - do IT!
I will go back stage and stay in the dark - as I am not allowed to venture out too often in this section - I will leave this sort of thing for others.
Joe
As for the acting - very good.
The singing.....well they could sell a song and that is just as important.
It would make a great bums on seat stage show - a bit costly - but I doubt if it would need any performing rights, as it was a compilation of many other musicals and plays, especialy the writer bit at a Caberet, except for the rights to perform some of the music.
To me it was all glits and crap - but hey!!!.. if that's what sells - do IT!
I will go back stage and stay in the dark - as I am not allowed to venture out too often in this section - I will leave this sort of thing for others.
Joe
Walter PlingeFri, 29 June 2001, 12:21 pm
RE: Moulin Rouge
Wow Juila i don't know what you are talking about. I am a singer and I KNOW that Nicole Kidman may not be the best singer ever, but she does do a very good job for never having sung much. And McGregor is amazing. Do you sing? Obviously not. You just sound like some stupid woman who has no idea what she is talking about.
Walter PlingeSat, 30 June 2001, 07:03 pm
RE: Moulin Rouge
Morgan Dietkus wrote:
-------------------------------
... You just sound like some stupid woman who has no idea what she is talking about.
My my, Morgan, there's no need to get nasty, now! This is a forum for discussion and the putting forward of opinions, and all the creative souls who visit this site should feel that they can voice their opinions freely and participate in 'friendly' discussion. And Morgan, the fact that a person's opinion differs from yours does not make it wrong. That kind of attitude comes across as a little pompous and self righteous, don't you think?
Having said that, I agree with you that Nicole Kidman did a great job. Her voice is not strong but it was quite pretty and I felt suited the role, and her acting was impeccable and at times hilarious. I wouldn't have called McGregor 'amazing'. I felt some of his higher notes were a bit strained, but he was so well suited to the role it really didn't matter. He and Nicole were both fabulous, as were the rest of the cast, the set, the music, the costumes ..... everything! I loved this movie so much I'm planning to see it again and again. It's so refreshing to see a return to the good, old-fashioned (except for the fab music!), fantasy romance musical - nothing like pure escapism, I say!
By the way, my friend Julia is far from stupid. She is intelligent, articulate, extremely talented and one of the warmest and most caring people I know. We could all learn from her. :)
Smiles
S:)nni
-------------------------------
... You just sound like some stupid woman who has no idea what she is talking about.
My my, Morgan, there's no need to get nasty, now! This is a forum for discussion and the putting forward of opinions, and all the creative souls who visit this site should feel that they can voice their opinions freely and participate in 'friendly' discussion. And Morgan, the fact that a person's opinion differs from yours does not make it wrong. That kind of attitude comes across as a little pompous and self righteous, don't you think?
Having said that, I agree with you that Nicole Kidman did a great job. Her voice is not strong but it was quite pretty and I felt suited the role, and her acting was impeccable and at times hilarious. I wouldn't have called McGregor 'amazing'. I felt some of his higher notes were a bit strained, but he was so well suited to the role it really didn't matter. He and Nicole were both fabulous, as were the rest of the cast, the set, the music, the costumes ..... everything! I loved this movie so much I'm planning to see it again and again. It's so refreshing to see a return to the good, old-fashioned (except for the fab music!), fantasy romance musical - nothing like pure escapism, I say!
By the way, my friend Julia is far from stupid. She is intelligent, articulate, extremely talented and one of the warmest and most caring people I know. We could all learn from her. :)
Smiles
S:)nni
Walter PlingeSun, 1 July 2001, 01:46 pm
RE: Moulin Rouge
YAY!!! I have hate mail!! HOW exciting! How lovely that a piss-weak review done in a half-arsed fashion on an luke-warm film, has the potential to generate such PASSION! Well done....er.....Morgan, was it?
Take a deep breathe there poppet, even we stupid people are free to express our opinions. And our opinions are not always going to be the same as yours.........grin and bear it.
Yours in Freedom of Speech,
Julia xxx
Take a deep breathe there poppet, even we stupid people are free to express our opinions. And our opinions are not always going to be the same as yours.........grin and bear it.
Yours in Freedom of Speech,
Julia xxx
Walter PlingeSun, 1 July 2001, 04:32 pm
RE: Moulin Rouge
kidman, schmidman! she was so very ordinary. she is lucky that the success of the film was not resting entirely upon her performance, or else it would have gone straight to video! i admire the fact it was predominantly an aussie and brit cast but there certainly are others who could have given the role the oomph it needed and the va-voom that was intended.
lets take a look.
caroline oconnor - more talent in her little finger that in kidmans entire body, but could not carry the international billing that nicoles name would, and is probably not traditionally beautiful enough to be the belle.
ruthie henshall - i can't find a reason they didn't give it to ruthie, she would have given the role the edge it needed!
and if we were to consider yanks hello!!!!!!!!!!!
bernadette peters, she may be too old but who cares, that lady is sex on a stick and i'm sure if she were to say "come and get me boys" i think the audience would have believed her, and the boys would have come, unlike kidman, who was so unconvincing
shame really, the set, story and cinematography were all genius, but if we are all really honest nicole bit the weenie with relish big time!
lets take a look.
caroline oconnor - more talent in her little finger that in kidmans entire body, but could not carry the international billing that nicoles name would, and is probably not traditionally beautiful enough to be the belle.
ruthie henshall - i can't find a reason they didn't give it to ruthie, she would have given the role the edge it needed!
and if we were to consider yanks hello!!!!!!!!!!!
bernadette peters, she may be too old but who cares, that lady is sex on a stick and i'm sure if she were to say "come and get me boys" i think the audience would have believed her, and the boys would have come, unlike kidman, who was so unconvincing
shame really, the set, story and cinematography were all genius, but if we are all really honest nicole bit the weenie with relish big time!
Walter PlingeSun, 1 July 2001, 11:16 pm
Award Nominations
The Nominations for the 'Golden Gaffer-Tape Ball' goes - tooo....
Julia - Soni and Ella
Congats and many more to you all!
Joe "Gaa'fa" McCabe
Julia - Soni and Ella
Congats and many more to you all!
Joe "Gaa'fa" McCabe
Walter PlingeTue, 3 July 2001, 03:28 pm
RE: Award Nominations
Heeheehee ... thanx Joe! 'Scuse me while I just go climb down from my high horse, won't you?
S:)nni
S:)nni
JoeMcTue, 3 July 2001, 07:49 pm
You have a 'High Horse' ....well!!!!!!
If you are not using your 'high horse' for a while -
Can the 'Man of La Mancha' [ AKA - Don Quixote - to others]
use it in his up coming fight against the Windmill or if you know of any body that has even a 'low horse' for poor old Sancho -
it would be apreciated!!!!!!!!!
TOI TOI TOI Chookas [may you always play to full houses]
Joe
Can the 'Man of La Mancha' [ AKA - Don Quixote - to others]
use it in his up coming fight against the Windmill or if you know of any body that has even a 'low horse' for poor old Sancho -
it would be apreciated!!!!!!!!!
TOI TOI TOI Chookas [may you always play to full houses]
Joe
Walter PlingeWed, 4 July 2001, 09:22 am
RE: Elizabeth has a 'High Horse'
Hi Joe,
Not sure if it will be of any use, but Darlington Theatre had a horse for their recent excellent production of "Elizabeth". Paul Treasure would be the person to contact...
JB
Not sure if it will be of any use, but Darlington Theatre had a horse for their recent excellent production of "Elizabeth". Paul Treasure would be the person to contact...
JB
Walter PlingeWed, 4 July 2001, 02:28 pm
Elizabeth has a 'High Horse' and his name is Troy!
The 'horse' we used in 'Elizabeth' is actually a donkey on wheels that was made for 'The Desert Song' many many years ago...
Walter PlingeWed, 4 July 2001, 10:01 pm
What the hell IS this madness?
In response to the misogynist Morgan.
Yes, git; I am a singer. Not only am I a singer; I am a pianist/guitarist/bassist/conductor/arranger/composer who has conducted choirs and vocal ensembles, directed the music for musical theatre, and composed and recorded music for film and televison productions. I feel... nay, KNOW that I am more than qualified to pass judgement of the vocal performance of both Kidman and McGregor. You may fancy Nikki-baby, BUT she has the "voice" of Kylie Minogue with a cold, and McGregor sounds like a football hooligan. Coupled with the fact that the "score" is pillaged from existing pop toons (because the MD was too freaking lazy to actually WRITE a goddamned proper SCORE!!), this should indicate that the general populace of this nation has YET AGAIN been swayed by "colour and movement"; and nothing more. Style over substance yet once more.
Oh. And before Morgan questions MY judgement, answer me this, boy; What have you done musically?
Now my BIG question is this: What the hell is a FILM doing being reviewed on a THEATRE site??? Get off your collectives, people!! Review something LIVE!!!
Eliot
Yes, git; I am a singer. Not only am I a singer; I am a pianist/guitarist/bassist/conductor/arranger/composer who has conducted choirs and vocal ensembles, directed the music for musical theatre, and composed and recorded music for film and televison productions. I feel... nay, KNOW that I am more than qualified to pass judgement of the vocal performance of both Kidman and McGregor. You may fancy Nikki-baby, BUT she has the "voice" of Kylie Minogue with a cold, and McGregor sounds like a football hooligan. Coupled with the fact that the "score" is pillaged from existing pop toons (because the MD was too freaking lazy to actually WRITE a goddamned proper SCORE!!), this should indicate that the general populace of this nation has YET AGAIN been swayed by "colour and movement"; and nothing more. Style over substance yet once more.
Oh. And before Morgan questions MY judgement, answer me this, boy; What have you done musically?
Now my BIG question is this: What the hell is a FILM doing being reviewed on a THEATRE site??? Get off your collectives, people!! Review something LIVE!!!
Eliot
Walter PlingeThu, 5 July 2001, 04:08 pm
RE: What the hell IS this madness?
Yes, yes and yes
Although I could forgive Ewan if he looked at me with those puppy-dog eyes.
Although I could forgive Ewan if he looked at me with those puppy-dog eyes.
AmandaSun, 8 July 2001, 09:41 am
RE: What the hell IS this madness?
u smart ass.
i dont know as much as eliot does about music but i do play the piano, drums and i SING. what i can say is that nicole doesn't have an amazing voice range and she isn't a soprano. in one of the songs in the movie she is heard squeaking because she is singing(or trying to sing) above her range.
nicole actually asked the director if he would kick her out of the film because she thought she couldn't sing. at least she knows it.
xxxAmanda t
ps:
Eliot said:
yeah! go see Amadeus and review that! it's much more entertaining...
i dont know as much as eliot does about music but i do play the piano, drums and i SING. what i can say is that nicole doesn't have an amazing voice range and she isn't a soprano. in one of the songs in the movie she is heard squeaking because she is singing(or trying to sing) above her range.
nicole actually asked the director if he would kick her out of the film because she thought she couldn't sing. at least she knows it.
xxxAmanda t
ps:
Eliot said:
yeah! go see Amadeus and review that! it's much more entertaining...