by Tabatha Golat –
If you’ve ever been asked the impossible question “what’s your favourite film?” you’re likely familiar with the panic of trying to narrow it down to just one. I usually answer with my top five from different genres, with the caveat that there’s just too many to choose from!
That being said, I can confidently say that this month’s film recommendation is my favourite film, and is also directed by my favourite director – Baz Luhrmann. In fact, I love this film so much that I have the bohemian ideals tattooed on my body, and for my (long ago) high school graduation I requested my grandmother recreate a gown from the film as my prom dress. The film is none other than the 2001 Oscar-winning musical Moulin Rouge.
While the film is over 20 years old, it’s well worth watching to prepare for the soon-to-be-released Luhrmann biopic Elvis (June 24, 2022). Luhrmann (the most commercially successful Australian director in history) is a visionary director known for his directing style that weaves dreamlike tales alongside a starkly contrasting soundtrack.
Moulin Rouge is part of the “Red Curtain Trilogy” which includes Strictly Ballroom and Romeo & Juliet. The film is set on the cusp of the 20th century and follows Christian (Ewan McGregor), a young poet who is lured into the lavish and heady world of the Moulin Rouge, a Parisian nightclub. Christian falls in love with the star of the club, Satine (Nicole Kidman); however, she has been promised to a Duke as a means of funding the expansion of the club.
Christian and Satine must meet in secret as her wedding to the Duke looms. Christian is tasked with writing a show in which Satine will star, but must also keep their affair clandestine. Satine is promised to the Duke on opening night and when the day arrives, she breaks things off with Christian to save him from the wrath of the Duke, all while hiding a terminal illness so she can perform one last show in a bid to secure funding for the new theatre. With dazzling, scintillating imagery alongside an all-star cast and an incredible soundtrack, this breathtaking film is a masterpiece.
At the time of writing Luhrmann’s newest production – Elvis – is yet to be released, but if his film history is any indication of what is to come, I’m confident it will be a crowd-pleaser. To answer the “impossible question,” below are the other four films on my top five favourite list.
1. The Big Lebowski, 1998
2. 500 Days of Summer, 2009
3. Braveheart, 1995
4. Pan’s Labyrinth, 2006
