Moulin Rouge: The Splendid Illustrated Book That Charts the Journey of Baz Luhrmann's Motion Picture [Hardcover]

Baz Luhrmann (Author), Catherine Martin (Author), Douglas Kirkland (Photographer), Mary Ellen Mark (Photographer), Ellen von Unwerth (Photographer)

Book Description

Series: Newmarket Pictorial Moviebooks | Publication Date: June 2001

For photography and film fans, a stunning visual book showcasing the latest film from the visionary director of William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet and Strictly Ballroom, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan MacGregor—a tragicomical musical set in the infamous, gaudy, and glamorous Parisian nightclub in the late 1800s. Moulin Rouge (selected as Opening Night Event at the Cannes Film Festival) is a celebration of love and creative inspiration that brings together gorgeous period design and modern-era pop tunes to create a unique motion picture experience. Nicole Kidman plays the club's most notorious star, forced to choose between a young writer's inspiration and another man's obsession. Ewan MacGregor is the writer who finds himself plunged into this decadent world where anything goes—except falling in love. The film also stars John Leguizamo as Toulouse-Lautrec, Jim Broadbent, and Richard Roxburgh. The gorgeous book, designed by the Bazmark production team headed by Catherine Martin, tells the behind-the-scenes story of the making of the film, and features exclusive photos taken on the set by such world-famous photographers as Douglas Kirkland, Mary Ellen Mark, and Ellen Von Unwerth. Over 250 color photographs and illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"I was left with the understanding that the Bollywood musical and its outrageous tragicomic storytelling succeeded because of a deal that exists between the film and its audience... the pretence that what is to be experienced is in any way real is swept away," explains Baz Luhrmann in Moulin Rouge! A Film Directed by Baz Luhrmann of his original inspiration for the movie. Absinthe; gaslight; sultry, pallid, Toulouse-Lautrec-inspired characters; drag; more absinthe; contortionists, Siamese twins, song, dance, sets and cinematography to set the mind reeling characterize this unprecedented musical film set in the "real artificiality" of Luhrmann's Parisian/Bohemian/modernized-turn-of-the-century vision. Cinematic and plot highlights, behind-the-scenes shots and confessions by producers, choreographers, cinematographers, editors, etc., along with images by guest photographers Ellen Von Unwerth, Mary Ellen Mark and Douglas Kirkland, give fans a chance to luxuriate in the stunning visual array that whirls dizzyingly by in the film.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Newmarket Press; 1st edition (June 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557045070
• ISBN-13: 978-1557045072
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #224,736 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Glossy, Garrish, and Slick -- Too Slick., June 20, 2001

By 

azindn (Arizona, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Moulin Rouge: The Splendid Illustrated Book That Charts the Journey of Baz Luhrmann's Motion Picture (Hardcover)

What ever you missed seeing in Baz Luhrman's Moulin Rouge is captured here in the companion book to the film. A marketing compendium of behind the scene shots and some strikingly beautiful portraits of principal actors Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman by Ellen Von Unwerth, this book is a coffee table accessory. If you were not one of those privy to receive the promotional booklet sent by Fox Studios prior to the film's release, this book will provide the same material and more. Guest photographers Douglas Kirkland and Mary Ellen Mark shots of garish aspects of the cast of club performers, dancers, tatooed men, little people, and cross-dressers who were barely visible in the frantic pace of the film are visually arresting. These are faces and stories unto themselves. Many of the lush color shots give a flavor and hint at the arduous task of putting the film together. Disappointing is the text that restates the numerous press releases, website data, and offers a brief history of bohemian Paris through the look of modern actors in costumes however stunning those costumes may be. Coffee table books are nice presents but in the end, they are decorative additions that provide entertainment for a fleeting moment of conversation, much like the film did in heated discussions over Baz Luhrmann's filmic style. Wait for the paperback edition as the price is high for the hardcover edition even though the quality of the book is worth the price for collectors.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Peek Behind The Scenes, July 23, 2002

By 

Jessica (Santa Barbara, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Moulin Rouge: The Splendid Illustrated Book That Charts the Journey of Baz Luhrmann's Motion Picture (Hardcover)

"Moulin Rouge" is one of my all-time favorite movies. I am still blown away by the depth, intensity, and flamboyance of the film. Thus, this book seemed a necessity for me. However upon reading some of the below reviews, I was skeptical about purchasing it, but curiosity won out. This purchase has proven to be a great investment.

This book chronicles Baz Luhrmann's journey of creating "Moulin Rouge". Containing vivid and colorful pictures of movie stills, behind-the-scenes snapshots, 19th century drawings, and production blueprints, it gives the reader a tiny peek into the brilliance of the entire Moulin Rouge experience. In addition, the book contains numerous interviews with key players in the production, including the choreographers, cinematographers, stylists, musicians, etc. For me, the best part was learning so much about 19th century Paris, and learning about the actual people and places that inspired many of the film's characters.

My one complaint is, the book is too short! Much more could have been included, such as interviews with Nicole, Ewan, and other main stars. (These are however, available on the DVD of the film). I also wish that many of the background topics would have been more extensive; most interviews are limited to a page or two. I could have read chapters on these people!

Bottom line: a great buy. I am even more in awe of Luhrmann et al, after reading this book.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars What a Let Down!, October 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Moulin Rouge: The Splendid Illustrated Book That Charts the Journey of Baz Luhrmann's Motion Picture (Hardcover)

I adored the movie Moulin Rouge and the soundtrack is one my favorite CDs but the book was a great let down. I was hoping to find a written explaantion of how Moulin Rouge was made and to see pictures from this glorious film. Instead it seems more like an overpriced graphic novel. The fact that there is not one clear photograph of either Nicole Kidman or Ewan McGregor is ridiculous. Hopefully some one else will write a real book about the making of the film.