The film Moulin Rouge! emerged as a vibrant and extravagant cinematic experience, breathing new life into the musical genre. Set against the backdrop of turn-of-the-century Paris, it narrates the tragic romance between Satine (played by Nicole Kidman), a dazzling cabaret performer and courtesan, and Christian (portrayed by Ewan McGregor), a destitute English poet. The storyline unfolds through a series of exuberant song-and-dance sequences featuring mash-ups of well-known pop hits.
Upon its release in 2001, director Baz Luhrmann had already established his unique filmmaking style with prior works such as Strictly Ballroom and Romeo + Juliet, characterized by rapid editing, bold visuals, and modern music. Moulin Rouge! marked the conclusion of his Red Curtain trilogy, elevating his signature approach to new heights.
Despite receiving a mix of critical feedback, the film achieved significant commercial success and made history in 2002 as the first musical to earn a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards since Beauty and the Beast in 1991.
In this article, the film’s cast and crew reflect on their cherished memories from the production and explore the reasons behind its lasting status as a contemporary classic.
Following his adaptation of Romeo and Juliet in 1996, Luhrmann set out to create a musical centered around the famed Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, Paris.
Baz Luhrmann shared, “During the 1970s, musicals were often ridiculed, but I was always a fan. At one point, I contemplated placing Moulin Rouge! in Studio 54, with Toulouse-Lautrec resembling Andy Warhol. However, I ultimately decided that would be too trendy.”
Auditions took place in Sydney, Australia, where Luhrmann organized workshops that included singing, movement exercises, and script readings.
Luhrmann reminisced, “So many young actors auditioned, many of whom are now stars. I remember Heath Ledger coming in; he was impressive but just too young for the role.”
Jim Broadbent, who portrayed Harold Zidler, the owner of the Moulin Rouge, recounted, “When Baz offered me the role, I mentioned that I wasn’t a singer. He reassured me, saying, ‘We can always use someone else’s voice for the operatic parts.’”
Luhrmann added, “I discovered Nicole while watching her perform on Broadway. I sent her roses with a note stating, ‘She sings, she dances, she dies,’ referring to her character Satine. She came in for a workshop and truly made the role her own, dedicating herself to perfecting her singing and dancing.”
Lara Mulcahy, who played Môme Fromage, one of the Diamond Dogs dancers, said, “Having been part of Strictly Ballroom, I asked my agent to consider me for this project. I submitted an audition video that included learning a couple of dance routines and a song.”
Luhrmann recounted meeting Ewan McGregor during the workshop for Romeo + Juliet, where he had initially considered him for the role of Mercutio. “Ewan’s vocal ability stood out from the start; he truly is a talented singer.”
Jacek Koman, who portrayed the Unconscious Argentinean, described his audition as informal, recalling, “Baz was bustling around with a small camera while I performed.”
Once the cast was finalized, they underwent a rigorous rehearsal period at Iona, a building owned by Luhrmann in Sydney.
Koman remarked, “The atmosphere felt reminiscent of a drama school. We were uplifted and encouraged, often observing each other’s dance and vocal training during lunch breaks. Every Friday, we showcased our evolving dance routines and acting scenes.”
Broadbent noted, “The choreographer initially felt anxious working with me, but we eventually discovered a playful style of jazz dancing that I could manage, and he said, ‘I can work with that!’”
Filming began at Fox Studios in Sydney in November 1999 and continued until May 2000, with a production budget of $50 million.
Luhrmann shared a personal moment, saying, “My father passed away on the first day of shooting. I postponed the production for ten days—something I had never done before. My father’s last words to me were to always give my best. I returned to the set with that mindset, and the film is dedicated to him.”
Broadbent recalled the physical discomfort of his role, stating, “I had to wear padding, a fake beard, and a wig every day, which was quite challenging.”
Mulcahy remembered, “For our grand entrance, Baz insisted on more intensity, demanding larger performances. Looking back, I laugh at some shots where my mouth is wide open, almost like I was trying to swallow the camera.”
Catherine Martin, the associate producer and co-costume designer, mentioned, “One of our largest days involved around 350 extras, for whom we created over 1,000 costumes.”
Craig Armstrong, the film’s composer, highlighted Luhrmann’s collaborative nature, saying, “Baz is open to ideas from everyone, even those making coffee. He fosters a democratic environment.”
During breaks in filming, the cast bonded with one another.
Koman shared, “Jim would often share his stash of Cuban cigars with us. Some scenes took longer to reset, giving us plenty of time to have fun—Ewan was particularly lively during those moments.”
Broadbent added, “I had an air conditioning unit in my costume to keep cool, so I wasn’t running around much between takes.”
Mulcahy expressed her fondness for Kidman, saying, “I spent a lot of time in the wig room with Nicole, who was delightful. She even gifted me a beautiful perfume for my birthday and was always up for a chat and a laugh.”
Martin noted that as filming progressed, McGregor began working on Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones at the same studio, creating amusing moments when he would walk off the Moulin Rouge! set brandishing a lightsaber.
Martin further recalled, “We would host parties, transforming the garden into a lively space with a dance floor on the grass—it was a lot of fun.”
Kidman fully committed to her role, often risking injury on set.
Luhrmann shared, “Nicole was adamant about performing on the swing during her introduction. She insisted, ‘You need to believe it’s me.’ We rigged her up with a harness to ensure safety.”
Martin concluded, “We’re still puzzled about how Nicole cracked her first rib. She returned to work shortly after, with her doctors advising her, ‘The corset…’
