The Moulin Rouge first opened its doors in Paris’ Montmartre neighborhood in 1889. Established by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler to provide colorful entertainment, such as French cancan dance performances, the venue quickly became one of Paris’s premier entertainment spots.
Christian falls hard for Moulin Rouge star courtesan Satine – its sparkling diamond courtesan. When they begin an illicit romance together, however, secrets and suitors threaten their future together.
1. Satine: “It’s a good thing I’m a courtesan.”
Baz Luhrmann made waves five years after modernizing Romeo & Juliet by debuting the classic movie Moulin Rouge. Based on actual events at a Parisian cabaret, this tale follows Satine (courtesan and star performer at Moulin Rouge) and Christian (writer who’s in love with her). This timeless film has left a lasting impression on many viewers and contains several memorable quotes that stand the test of time.
Satine may appear to be an irresistibly seductive courtesan, yet she does not enjoy her job as such. Instead, it serves as a means for her to keep living her lavish lifestyle of diamonds, material possessions, and designer outfits. Satine’s true passion lies with acting; her relationship with Christian only allows her to pursue that goal further – neither side intends to fall for the other’s affections; instead, they only wish for Christian to convince the Duke to fund Toulouse’s play.
Satine engages her onscreen audience through dance and wearing provocative costumes, singing a number that mixes Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” and Madonna’s “Material Girl.” Satine’s breathy voice and hip-wiggling hips titillate her male audience – especially Duke, who appears quite taken with her.
Satine knows she does not love Christian despite her attempts to persuade the Duke otherwise, though her infatuation with him persists for some time after she believes she has let go. Unfortunately, this does not happen, and Satine dies shortly after that of Tuberculosis (commonly known as Consumption). But in spite of all that happened between then and now, the Duke exacted Disproportionate Retribution against everyone for failing his promise to Satine.
2. Christian: “It’s a good thing I’m a writer.”
Five years after modernizing Romeo & Juliet, director Baz Luhrmann returned with a smash hit film, Moulin Rouge. This tale of Paris cabaret fame follows courtesan Carmen Gallean, who falls for impoverished writer Charlie. With its blend of drama, comedy, and romance, it became an instantaneous success upon release and remains beloved today – so if it hasn’t crossed your radar already, you must definitely check it out!
Notable lines from this movie include those between Satine and Christian, who exchange humorous yet passionate banter that is both enjoyable and instructive. Their dialogue serves as a reminder to express oneself freely while standing up for what matters to us all.
Christian demonstrates his dry sense of humor perfectly in the scene in which he declares, “It’s fortunate I’m a writer.” This comment serves to emphasize his writing skills being much more valuable than those of an actor or performer, yet he remains willing to go to any lengths necessary in order to safeguard his work.
Moulin Rouge’s power lies in its ability to capture the spirit and beauty of an era and place in time and space. Filled with glittery spectacles and inspiring quotes that you are sure to take away from watching it repeatedly. Be sure to note any quotes that catch your eye. Take notice and use them as guides as you watch this classic flick!
3. Satine: “It’s a good thing I’m a courtesan.”
Satine, one of Paris’s most celebrated courtesans, sings and dances at Moulin Rouge. Men often turn to her for money, attention, or gifts – yet Satine wants more: to become an actress herself – playing the lead in a musical. However, Zidler believes she doesn’t meet his requirements for such roles – someone with whom she can find inspiration to create something truly magical is required as her muse.
As soon as Christian, an English penniless writer, arrives at Satine’s club, she is instantly attracted. Even though Christian may not be her ideal type, Satine finds herself drawn to him anyway and begins an illicit affair behind Duke’s back while fighting off consumption illness. Meanwhile, this film draws upon many literary traditions, mainly Greek tragedy (Orpheus and Eurydice) as well as tragedy romances Camille and La Boheme; its tone oscillates between high drama and comedy throughout.
Production Design at Moulin Rouge is stunning – from its red windmill that welcomes guests through backstage dressing rooms, and Champs-Elysees brought to life in vivid technicolor glory by Derek McLane’s sets, which are extravagant yet maximalist – to its iconic red windmill at its center!
Satine’s story illustrates the objectification and power of patriarchy at the turn of the 20th century. Her exploitative behavior mirrors gender stereotypes and female oppression, reinforcing gender norms. Marina Della Giusta and Laura Scuriatti investigate how Satine exploits women for capitalistic gain while simultaneously romanticizing courtesans as symbols for consumerist consumerism and capitalist culture. In their essay “The Show Must Go On Making Money, Glamorizing Oppression,” scholars discuss this phenomenon while also exploring how this film glorifies courtesans as consumerist symbols while simultaneously showing them exploitative ways in sexualized capitalist cultures such as Satine.
4. Christian: “It’s a good thing I’m a writer.”
Baz Luhrmann followed up his modernized Romeo and Juliet adaptation with Moulin Rouge in 1996. This musical drama quickly became a worldwide phenomenon with great performances and stellar direction, full of glitz, glamour, and heartbreaking romance stories that have remained memorable over time. We will discuss some of its memorable quotes in this post.
This film tells the tale of Satine, a courtesan performing at Moulin Rouge who falls for Christian, a penniless writer engaged to Duke Monroth but currently engaged to another. Their love affair takes on many forms; drama, romance, and comedy all collide in this riveting narrative!
One of the movie’s most memorable lines was, “Truth is Beauty; Beauty Is Truth”. This quote from Alfred, Lord Tennyson, serves as a potent reminder that truth must always be spoken and loved must always be fought for.
Moulin Rouge is an absolute must-see movie for anyone who appreciates romantic musicals. Boasting superb acting performances, an exquisite soundtrack, and breathtaking visuals – Moulin Rouge will leave audiences inspired and wanting more. If this experience hasn’t already crossed your path, make it part of your weekend plans, and don’t miss it – Moulin Rouge won’t let you down!
5. Satine: “It’s a good thing I’m a courtesan.”
Satine is the star courtesan at the Moulin Rouge, beloved by both men and gifts from them alike, but she longs to be taken seriously as an actress. Zidler hopes she can seduce Duke Monroth as an investor so as to secure enough funding for his plan to transform the club into a theater; when Christian, disguised as Duke Monroth, sneaks in through Toulouse, he believes Satine loves Christian (while Christian thinks he is her love), Satine takes to him like no one else! Toulouse must keep their affair hidden from Monroth while they plan her escape before it becomes too late – before it all unravels before it all becomes too late!
Christian is amazed by the beauty of Moulin Rouge when he steps inside its auditorium for the first time, from its stunning set designs and extravagant costumes to Satine, its glittering diamond star of the show – she is alluring, bright, beautiful, coveted courtesan.
Christian immediately falls deeply in love with Satine the moment he sees her, even though she warns him against doing so. Unable to resist her charms, Christian finds himself succumbing, and they soon fall in love – though Christian knows if Duke finds out about their romance, he could shut down Moulin Rouge altogether; so with help from Toulouse-Lautrec and Santiago – two renowned painters from Montmartre district – devising a plan to conceal it from him.
