Genres of Moulin Rouge

1032 Words5 Pages
Within “The Moulin Rouge” there is a combination of genres and filmic techniques conjured by movie mastermind Baz Luhrmann, which are indicative of an obvious struggle between the opposed Bohemian and Bourgeoisie ideals. Demonstrated by the values of characters throughout the Bohemian Revolution, we see the conflicting nature of material based priorities opposed to Bohemian views in key moments of the film. These moments in the film reflect the varying genres of Romance, Comedy, Tragedy and a Musical that are created by filmic techniques to aptly reflect the views of certain characters. Before the Bohemian Revolution, there was an existent class-based society of the aristocratic who inherited wealth and were born into status and the class of peasants who were destined to live strenuous lives carrying out manual labor or living on the streets. As the Revolution commenced, there was a rise toward a Marxist based society of classes by the Bourgeoisie, who were determined to make their own wealth and then mock the exclusive aristocratic class. Contrarily, there were the Bohemians who lived for aspects of life that weren’t so superficial including Love, Freedom, Inner Beauty and Truth. The Duke’s lust for status and fame is manipulated by the Bohemians in order to convince him to finance their play in the ‘Spectacular spectacular’ scene. The scene as a whole is foreboding for the entire plot, as Satine is destined for Bohemian leadership but intuitively tempted by Bourgeoisie ideals. Throughout the entire scene, musical elements shape the pace and excitement of the moment. This lust for status is conjured by the opening dialogue by Zidler, the show-master. His opening lyrics appeal to the interests of the Duke, happening to be figures of money and an elevation of his status in the public eye. Here lies the clash of values in the ideals, Bohemians chase intrinsic
Open Document