Pre Reading Tasks
Choose the appropriate answer
What is the notable appearance of Moulin Rouge?
a. A can can dancer b. A red wind mill c. A red brick building d. A giant curtain
What is the “Moulin Rouge!” about?
a. Comedy fiction b. Thriller and mystery c. Romantic drama d. Adventure film
What country is Moulin Rouge located in?
a. France b. The United Kingdom c. Austria d. Spain
Introduction to Moulin Rouge !
(Paragraph I) Moulin Rouge (French for "red mill") is a traditional cabaret, built in 1889 by Joseph Oller who already owned the Paris Olympia. Situated in the red-light district of Pigalle on Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement, near Montmartre, Paris, France, it is famous for the large red imitation windmill on its roof. The Moulin Rouge is a symbol of French Culture as well as the Bohemian influence. Over the past hundred years, the Moulin Rouge has remained a popular tourist destination for many visitors each year. Today it offers musical dance entertainment for adult visitors from around the world. Much of the romance from turn-of-the-century France is still present in the interior environment. The design and name of Paris's Moulin Rouge has often been imitated by other night clubs worldwide.
(Paragraph II) Notable performers at the Moulin Rouge have included La Goulue, Josephine Baker, Frank Sinatra, Yvette Guilbert, Jane Avril, Mistinguett, Le Pétomane, Edith Piaf and others. The Moulin Rouge was also the subject of many paintings by post- impressionist painter Toulouse Lautrec who in turn romanticized the building.
(Paragraph III) "Moulin Rouge" was also the title of a book by Pierre La Mure. This book was the basis for the 1952 movie of the same name. It was also the name of the 2001 film Moulin Rouge! starring Jim Broadbent, Ewan McGregor, Nicole Kidman, John Leguizamo and Kylie Minogue. Both films were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, but neither won the award. Subheading I______
(Paragraph IV) Andrey Bely wrote in his 1906 letter to Alexander Blok about the Tavern of Hell at Moulin Rouge, where lackeys were dressed as devils:
(Paragraph V) “ Sometimes I would venture from my sepulchre to the jazz of night Paris, where having gathered the colours, I would think them over in front of the fire. I could be seen walking through a funeral corridor of my house and descending
down a black spiral of steep stairs; rushing underground to Montmartre, all impatience to see the fiery rubies of the Moulin Rouge cross. I wondered thereabouts, then bought a ticket to watch frenzied delirium of feathers, vulgar painted lips and eyelashes of black and blue. Naked feet, and thighs, and arms, and breasts were being flung on me from bloody-red foam of translucent clothes. The tuxedoed goatees and crooked noses in white vests and toppers would line the hall, with their hands posed on canes. Then I found myself in a pub, where the liqueurs were served on a coffin (not a table) by the nickering devil: "Drink it, you wretched!" Having drunk, I returned under the black sky split by the flaming vanes, which the radiant needles of my eyelashes cross-hatched. In front of my nose a stream of bowler hats and black veils was still pulsing, foamy with bluish green and warm orange of feathers worn by the night beauties: to me they were all one, as I had to narrow my eyes for insupportable radiance of electric lamps, whose hectic fires would be dancing beneath my nervous eyelids for many a night to come.”
Moulin Rouge !
(Paragraph VI) 2001 Academy Award winning musical film directed by Baz Luhrmann. It tells the story of a young British poet/writer, Christian, who falls in love with the star of the Moulin Rouge cabaret, actress and courtesan, Satine. It uses the colourful musical setting of the Montmartre Quarter of Paris, France. Some plot details, specifically the poor artist and his dying lover, bear relation to the Giacomo Puccini opera La bohème (which Luhrmann has also directed several times), including references to the "Bohemian" subculture. Otherwise, the plot greatly resembles that of Giuseppe Verdi's opera La traviata, especially the end. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture and the Academy Award for Best Actress for Nicole Kidman, but won only the Academy Award for Best Costume Design and the Academy Award for Best Art Direction. It was shot entirely at Fox Studios in Sydney, Australia. Baz Luhrmann is said to have been inspired to make the movie after watching Dil Se (1998) by director Mani Ratnam.Five other movies with the title Moulin Rouge have been made.
(Paragraph VII) Due to the film's international success, it has been widely credited with revitalizing the musical genre, setting the stage for films such as Chicago, Rent and The Phantom of the Opera.
Subheading II______
(Paragraph VIII) Moulin Rouge! is a cinematic opera that has a storyline and structure that is said to be inspired and influenced largely by Italian grand opera: exuberant music, colourful visuals, elaborate sets and costumes. It also has some elements of Bollywood films such as a simple story line with a simple conflict, a heroine with melodramatic disease and two-dimensional characters, with the added touch of an India-inspired and very "Bollywood-style" play within a play, "Spectacular Spectacular." In addition to the Bollywood influence, Baz Luhrmann has revealed in the DVD's voice-over commentary that he drew from the ancient Greek tale of Orpheus and Eurydice.
(Paragraph IX) Orpheus was a musical genius far surpassing anyone in his world; the film- makers chose to replicate this by using songs from the mid-to-late 20th century, several decades after the 1900 setting. In this way, Christian would appear to the other characters to be an innovative musician and writer.
(Paragraph X) The film takes well-known popular songs and modifies them to fit into a tale of a turn-of-the-20th-century Paris cabaret, blending swirling camera motion, loud music, and dancing to a powerful effect. Some of the songs it samples include "Chamma Chamma" from the Hindi movie China Gate, David Bowie's rendition of the Eden Ahbez jazz standard "Nature Boy", "Lady Marmalade" by LaBelle (the Christina Aguilera/P!nk/Mýa/Lil’ Kim cover having been commissioned for this film), Madonna's "Like a Virgin" and "Material Girl", the titular song of "The Sound of Music", and one of the few film uses of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana. The film uses so much popular music that it took Baz Luhrmann almost two years to secure all the rights to the songs. Principal cast
• Nicole Kidman as Satine • Ewan McGregor as Christian • Jim Broadbent as Harold Zidler • Richard Roxburgh as The Duke • John Leguizamo as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Subheading III______
(Paragraph XI) The theme of the movie is love and its age-old conflict with wealth, materialism and jealousy. The main character, Christian (Ewan McGregor), is an English poet/writer who comes to Paris at the height of the Bohemian movement— a city of artists, parties, and absinthe. He falls in love with the principal singer of the Moulin Rouge cabaret, Satine (Nicole Kidman), who unknowingly suffers from a terminal case of consumption.
(Paragraph XII) Satine is a worldly and beautiful courtesan who lives by the theme "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend"—it is better (and/or safer and more secure) to have money than love—but she dreams of becoming a real actress. Through mistaken identity, Satine believes
(Paragraph XIII) Christian is a wealthy and powerful Duke who will invest in the cabaret's new show, keep everyone employed, and make her a star. While meeting him in the Elephant Room for a tryst to seal the deal, Satine is at first taken with Christian's poetry (a version of Elton John's "Your Song") but is shocked to realize he's actually a penniless Bohemian poet. The real Duke arrives and catches them together. Christian's quick wit and Satine's charm fool the Duke into believing that they were rehearsing their new show, "Spectacular Spectacular." Christian, with the help of Satine and the Bohemians, quickly improvises the show's plot: an Indian-themed musical spectacular (a story within a story whose plot turns out identical to the movie's). The Duke is impressed and agrees to support the show, but he quickly reveals that he is a violently jealous man who will shut down the Moulin Rouge if he does not get Satine exclusively to himself. Nevertheless, he accepts that she will be busy with rehearsals and in close contact with Christian, the writer.
(Paragraph XIV) Christian and Satine fall madly in love, while Harold Zidler, the Moulin Rouge's manager and a father figure to Satine, struggles to keep the Duke interested in the show even though Satine has not yet spent the night with him. At length, the Duke realizes he is being cuckolded, tries to take Satine by force, and
threatens to kill Christian. Satine, at Zidler's urging, tells Christian she never loved him, hoping he will leave town and escape the Duke's wrath.
(Paragraph XV) At the show's debut, Satine, now aware that she has quite little time to live, performs a weary version of "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend." An angry and hurt Christian takes the place of the show's hero, throws money at her feet, declaring, "I've paid my whore," and storms off publicly. Although dying and fearing for his life, Satine successfully calls him back by singing "the Lovers' Secret Song," and they are reconciled in full view of the audience and the Duke. The show ends in success, but afterwards, in the dark backstage area, Satine dies in Christian's arms, begging him at the last to write their story down for others to read. Half a year later, Christian keeps his promise, and we see that the Moulin Rouge is now empty and has fallen into disrepair.Spoilers end here.
Release and reception (Additional)
(Paragraph XVI) Production on the film began in November 1999 and was completed in May 2000, with a budget of just over $50 million. Production generally went smoothly, with the only major problem occurring when star Nicole Kidman injured her knee while filming one of the more complicated dance sequences. Originally set for release on December 25th, 2000 as a high profile Oscar contender, 20th Century Fox eventually moved the release to early summer so director Baz Luhrmann would have more time during post production. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 9th, 2001—making Itcanada the festival's opening title. A limited release on May18, 2001 followed, and the film was released to theaters nationwide on June 1, 2001.
(Paragraph XVII) Critics enjoyed the film for the most part, with many citing that it was a true love-it-or-hate-it experience. Those who loved the film were incredibly passionate about it, praising both Kidman and McGregor for their daring turns and the unique visual styling. Over the past few years, the film has gotten more credit from previous naysayers and is widely regarded as a modern classic. Michael Wilmington
of the Chicago Tribune stated that the film was "a rare picture that gets you intoxicated on the possibilities of movies."
(Paragraph XVIII) The film was an instant success in limited release, grossing $185,095 in only two theaters opening weekend. Representatives from the studio said that many audiences even burst into applause during the screenings. The numbers continued to increase over the Memorial Day weekend, with the film making $254,098. When it expanded into over 2500 theaters, it made $14.2 million in its first weekend of wide release. It had great word of mouth and managed to have sturdy legs throughout the summer season, eventually grossing over $57 million domestically. It had a brief re-release in October 2001 for Oscar consideration, with Luhrmann stating that his intent was to get Kidman and McGregor nominated.
(Paragraph XIX) The movie was even more successful overseas, where audiences turned out in droves. It broke box office records in Australia and managed to find a stable audience in almost every country. It eventually made over $120 million internationally, resulting in a total of over $177 million worldwide.
(Paragraph XX) Many believe that without the success of this film, movies such as the Oscar-winning Chicago never would have been made.
Reading Tasks
Skimming for general idea
Answer the following question briefly.
1. Which paragraph contains information about Moulin Rouge?
…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………
2. Which paragraph informs you that Moulin Rouge was the basis for media?
…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………
3. Who are the principal cast in the Moulin Rouge?
…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………
4. Which paragraph introduces the storyline and structure?
…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………
Post Reading Tasks
Task 1: Quiz
Choose the most appropriate answer.
Who acted the part of “Satine” in Moulin Rouge?
a. Uma Thurman b. Kylie Minogue c. Catherine Zeta Jones
d. Nicole Kidman
Which award did Moulin Rouge win?
a. Academy Awards : Costume Design b. MTV Asia Awards : Best Music c. Golden Award : Film Editing d. Golden Award : Cinematography
How did Satine die?
a. She was shot. b. She had a TB (Tuberculosis). c. She was burnt by fire. d. She committed suicide.
Which song did Christian and Satine sing together?
a. May it be b. Come what way c. Can’t take my eyes off of you d. Here with me
Which film when compared with Moulin Rouge has different feeling ?
a. Romeo and Juliet b. Chicago c. Phantom of the Opera d. Titanic Task 2: Finding general Topics
Fill in the appropriate subheading.
____Description a) Subheading I
____ Plot summary b) Subheading II
____ Contemporary description c) Subheading III
Task 3 : Identifying references
What do the black bold words refer to?
It (paragraph I) …………………………………………………………………………………… ………………
It (paragraph III) …………………………………………………………………………………… ………………
It (paragraph VI) …………………………………………………………………………………… ………………
He (paragraph XIII) …………………………………………………………………………………… ………………
We (paragraph XV) …………………………………………………………………………………… ………………
Task 4: True or False?
Read the following statement and put “T” or “F”.
____1. Moulin rouge is a modern cabaret established in 1920. …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………
____2. The title of a book given by Pierre La Mure is going to be filmed in 2001. …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………
____3. Moulin Rouge! won the Academy Award for Best Actress. …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………
____4. Satine was Duke’s wife before falling in love with Christian. …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………
____5. The Lovers’ Secret Song was sung for calling Christian back. …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………
Task 5 : Identifying Statements
Look at the following statements and list the names of the people who said them.
“Sometimes I would venture…for many a night to come. ”
…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………
“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”
…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………
“I’ve paid my whore.”
…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………
“Spectacular Spectacular” …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………
Task 6 : Vocabulary
ACROSS
1 (n) A theatrical presentation in which a dramatic performance is set to music.
9 (adj.) firmly or steadfastly fixed or directed, as the eyes or mind
11 (n ) The theory or attitude that physical well- being and worldly possessions constitute the greatest good and highest value in life.
12 (adj.) Entirely without money
13 (n.) A narrow halfway, passageway, or gallery, often with rooms or apartments opening onto it
I5. (adj.) ln a lower place; below.
17 (adj.) Transmitting light but causing sufficient diffusion to prevent perception of distinct images
19 (n.) A person considered sexually promiscuous
21 (n.) The quality or condition of being impatient
23 (n.) Something derived or copied from an original
24 (v.) To view or interpret romantically, make romantic
25 (n } An agreement, as between lovers, to meet at a certain time and place.
26 (n.) A woman prostitute, especially one whose clients are members of a royal court or men of high social standing.
DOWN
2 (v.) To reestablish a close relationship between
3 (n.) A restaurant or nightclub providing short programs of live entertainment
4 (v.) Opposition between characters or forces in a work of drama or fiction, especially opposition that motivates or shapes the action of the plot.
5 (n.) Any of various strongly flavored alcoholic beverages typically served in small quantities after dinner.
6 (adj.) Capable of, having, or dominated by powerful emotions
7 (n.) An artist, composer, or writer who practices or upholds the theories of impressionism
8 (v.) To propose by name as a candidate, especially for election
10 (adj.) Worthy of note or notice; remarkable
14 (n.) The place to which one is going or directed
15 (n ) A temporary state of mental confusion and fluctuating consciousness resulting from high fever, intoxication, shock, or other causes. It is characterized by anxiety, disorientation. hallucinations, delusions, and incoherent speech
18 (v.) To duplicate, copy, reproduce, or repeat
20 (v.) To be beyond the limit, powers, or capacity of; transcend
21 (v ) To invent, compose, or perform with little or no preparation.
22 (adj.) Extreme in degree, size, or extent.
KEY
Pre Reading Tasks
What is the notable appearance of Moulin Rouge?
A red wind mill
What is the “Moulin Rouge”?
Romantic Drama
What country is Moulin Rouge located in?
France
Reading Tasks Skimming for general idea
Which paragraph contains the information about Moulin Rouge? Paragraph I
Which paragraph informs you that Moulin Rouge was the basis for media? Paragraph III
Who are the principal casts in the Moulin Rouge?
• Nicole Kidman as Satine • Ewan McGregor as Christian • Jim Broadbent as Harold Zidler • Richard Roxburgh as The Duke • John Leguizamo as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Which paragraph introduces the storyline and structure? Paragraph VIII
Post Reading Tasks Task 1: Quiz
Who acted the part of “Satine” in Moulin Rouge!?
Nicole Kidman
Which award did Moulin Rouge win?
Academy Awards : Costume Design
How did Satine die?
She has a TB (Tuberculosis).
Which song did Christian and Satine sing together?
Come What May
Being compared with Moulin Rouge; which film has a different feeling ?
Chicago
Task 2: Finding general Topics
____Contemporary Description --- a) Subheading I
____ Description --- b) Subheading II
____Plot summary --- c) Subheading III
Task 3 : Identifying references
It (paragraph I) Moulin Rouge (Cabaret)
It (paragraph III) Moulin Rouge (Cabaret)
It (paragraph VI) Moulin Rouge (Film)
He (paragraph XIII) Duke
We (paragraph XV) Spectators Task 4: True or False
____1. Moulin rouge is a modern cabaret established in 1920.
False . It was a traditional cabaret established in1889.
____2. The book whose title was by Pierre La Mure is going to be filmed in 2001.
True
____3. Moulin Rouge! won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
False . It won the award for Cosume Design.
____4. Satine was Duke’s wife before falling in love with Christian.
False . She was single.
____5. The Lovers’ Secret Song was sung for calling Christian back.
True
Task 5 : Identifying Statements: Who said what?
“Sometimes I would venture…for many a night to come. ”
Andrey Bely
“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Satine
“I’ve paid my whore.” Christian
“spectacular spectacular” Christian, Satine and Bohemains. It is a show.
Task 6 : Vocabulary
Word List
Cabaret (n.) A restaurant or nightclub providing short programs of live entertainment.
Arrondissement (n.) A municipal subdivision in some large French cities.
Imitation (n.) Something derived or copied from an original.
Influence (n.) A power affecting a person, thing, or course of events, especially one that operates without any direct or apparent effort
Destination (n.) The place to which one is going or directed.
Notable (adj.) Worthy of note or notice; remarkable
Impressionist (n.) An artist, composer, or writer who practices or upholds the theories of impressionism.
Sepulcher (n.) A burial vault.
Romanticize (v.) To view or interpret romantically; make romantic.
Romance
a. A love affair. b. Ardent emotional attachment or involvement between people; love: They kept the romance alive in their marriage for 35 years.
c. A strong, sometimes short-lived attachment, fascination, or enthusiasm for something: a childhood romance with the sea.
Nominate (v.) To propose by name as a candidate, especially for election.
Sepulcher (n.) A burial vault.
Corridor (n.) A narrow hallway, passageway, or gallery, often with rooms or apartments opening onto it.
Impatience (n.) The quality or condition of being impatient . Impatient (adj.)
Unable to wait patiently or tolerate delay; restless.
Frenzy (n.) To drive into a frenzy.
Frenzy (n)
A state of violent mental agitation or wild excitement. (~mania)
Delirium (n.) A temporary state of mental confusion and fluctuating consciousness resulting from high fever, intoxication, shock, or other causes. It is characterized by anxiety, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, and incoherent speech.
Translucent (adj.) Transmitting light but causing sufficient diffusion to prevent perception of distinct images.
Liqueur (n.) Any of various strongly flavored alcoholic beverages typically served in small quantities after dinner
Coffin (n.) An oblong box in which a corpse is buried.
Beneath (adj.) In a lower place; below.
Opera (n.) A theatrical presentation in which a dramatic performance is set to music.
Exuberant(adj.) Extreme in degree, size, or extent.
Conflict (v.) Opposition between characters or forces in a work of drama or fiction, especially opposition that motivates or shapes the action of the plot.
Surpass (v.) To be beyond the limit, powers, or capacity of; transcend
Replicate (v.) To duplicate, copy, reproduce, or repeat.
Materialism (n.) The theory or attitude that physical well-being and worldly possessions constitute the greatest good and highest value in life. Courtesan (n.) A woman prostitute, especially one whose clients are members of a royal court or men of high social standing.
Tryst (n.) An agreement, as between lovers, to meet at a certain time and place.
Penniless (adj.) Entirely without money.
Rehearsing (v.) - To practice (a part in a play, for example) in preparation for a public performance. - To direct in rehearsal
Improvise (v.) To invent, compose, or perform with little or no preparation.
Whore (n.) A person considered sexually promiscuous.
Reconcile (v.) To reestablish a close relationship between.
Premiere (v.) To have the first public performance.
Passionate (adj.) Capable of, having, or dominated by powerful emotions
Intoxicate (v.) To stimulate or excite
Representatives (v.) One that serves as a delegate or agent for another.
Intent (adj.) firmly or steadfastly fixed or directed, as the eyes or mind
Contributors
Lalita Jiamwattanasirikij Suchaya Jariyasuwan Sakkrapat Anurakparadorn Veerapong Eawpanich
Editor: Antikar Rongsa-ard