The movie: Full disclosure: This is my favorite movie of all time. I cannot count the times I've seen it. And cried every time. In 1899, a penniless writer, Christian (Ewan McGregor), goes to Paris for inspiration. One night at the deliciously sinful Moulin Rouge nightclub, he falls in love with the star courtesan, the Sparkling Diamond herself, Satine (Nicole Kidman). Of course, their love can never be (or can it?), but when the Duke of Monrth (Richard Roxburgh) stepping in to finance a new production at the club and placing a few demands of his own, doom is imminent.
The soundtrack: This movie is a musical, so needless to say, part of what makes Moulin Rouge so amazing is its beautifully anachronistic soundtrack. It's a mix of original songs and covers of iconic hits from the likes of Elton John, The Beatles, Queen and more. Take the "Elephant Love Medley," which turns some of the most popular rock lyrics like "All you need is love" and "I was made for loving you, baby, you were made for loving me," into a conversation in song. Or the original "Come What May," when Christian says he'll write Satine a love song she sing when they're apart to remind herself that their love can withstand all. Ah, so sweet. (By the way, the actors are really singing. Really.)
The playlist:
- "Your Song" - Ewan McGregor
- "El Tango de Roxanne" by José Feliciano with Ewan McGregor
- "Elephant Love Medley" by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman
- "Come What May" by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman
- "The Show Must Go On" by Jim Broadbent and Nicole Kidman
- "Meet Me in the Red Room" by Nicole Kidman
"El Tango de Roxanne" by José Feliciano with Ewan McGregor - A fan favorite. This one will win you over. Yes, that's The Police's "Roxanne" as a tango.
