This is a story about truth, freedom and love. How true it is.
Perhaps for most people, this is just a show of extravagance or a showcase for great cinematography, choreography or costume and it cannot be denied that these form part of the reasons why it is good. The sound, the lighting, the movement, everything about this production were practically flawless. Set in Paris at the Montmartre cabaret club, one could almost feel the whole atmosphere of the place and it was almost like you were there yourself. I never really thought I liked musicals but this year has proved me wrong, starting with Buffy's 'Once More With Feeling' and now this wondrous spectacle. Of course, Buffy's OMWF is nothing compared with Moulin Rouge in terms of costume, set, the whole deal but that's to be expected, what with the budget difference. But it made me realise that musicals when done well, is something you just can't turn your eyes from. Xena had a musical too and though well done, it doesn't really leave me agape with wonder. Buffy and Moulin Rouge changed that.
While Buffy's musical was intended to move the plot on, Moulin Rouge is simply about a love story. But not just any simple love, oh no. More importantly, it's about *forbidden* love and this is something that is close to my heart. In fact, there's alot of things that are close to my heart in this show and perhaps that's why I like it. Seldom is there a show that has managed to capture issues that mean something to me and put it onscreen.
First of all - forbidden love. The love that Christian and Satine had for each other and the way they had to conduct their love - secretly and metaphorically mirrors the life that GLBTs in the world face being with the ones whom they love. The use of the play bohemia. This show is about behomia. Living in communist-like Singapore, this show made me realise what we Singaporeans have been missing. Or rather have given up - more than willingly might I add - for the capitalist gains of the 5Cs. Missing is our soul, our desire to know the truth and the will to fight for the truth. We no longer have any stand, unless it has anything to do with cash and material possessions. Even our art scene, though being encouraged as it is today, is being done so with economics in mind. Hardly what you consider art. Evil tyrant - paternalistic govt forbidden love and it's tragedy - glbt
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