A Critique of Moulin Rouge

 

I was lucky enough to catch a musical with my family while I visited London. My aunt took us to see Moulin Rogue, and among the packed theatre around us we were nothing short of dazzled. The story was about a poor writer falling in love with a dancer, while she is obligated to love a rich duke. As the lovers meet in secret, the dancer hides her fatal sickness from both the poor man and the duke until it is too late.

It was one of those shows were you truly believe in the end that the main character won't die. As I sat there, watching the dancer, Satine, feel very ill, I figured the "Kiss of true love" or some cliche was about to happen. However it did not, and it left me feeling rather bewildered. I think it was one of this endings where you think, wait it is actually over? I would give the plot of the movie a 6.8/10. The ending just felt rushed, and the middle dragged out, focusing on the love story. 

As far as the acting, dancing, and singing, it was truly enjoyable. I would describe it as a bit flashy and out there, centered around the idea of an "old-timesy" gentleman club. At first there was a lot of scenes with the women dancing and I did not know quite what to make of it, especially with my aunt sitting next to me. Once the plot began I got more into the play and began enjoying it. The singing was incredible, the show did not have any original musical songs, but many mashups of popular songs, like "Royals" and "Set Fire to The Rain." Towards the end, the whole audience was on their feet clapping and dancing, truly immersing each one in this magical world of dancing and love. I rate the acting, dancing, and singing an 8/10.

I think that going to the theatre was a great cultural experience for me. I really enjoyed being able to see the historical theater we went to, and it was just the cherry on top of my perfect weekend in London. I have been thinking less about poetry, and more about music and plays as my blog posts continue. In fact, our favorite Irish poet, Yeats, was quite the story composer himself, writing many plays along with his infamous poetry. I remember us discussing in class, how deeply in love he was with an actress, and how he wrote plays to impress her. I think it kind of ties into the logic behind Moulin Rogue, and the desperation of love.



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