Immediately it’s clear that all the films on the list have been distributed by large, household names. Displaying how these large companies dominate the industry compared to independent film makers.
Furthermore, the most popular genre within the top 10 is Action (with 6/10 films being part of this genre). Shockingly, 4/5 within the Top 5 grossing movies of 2022 are Action films demonstrating just how popular the genre is.
Additionally, 7/10 films are sequels, 1/10 (The Batman) is a reboot of batman, 1/10 (Elvis) is a Biopic of Elvis Presley and 1/10 (Uncharted) is based on a popular videogame franchise, highlighting how all the movies within the top 10 previously had a fan base before the release of the film, immediately suggesting that these films would get mass views due to the previously established fan base. (No original ideas)
All films listed in the top 10 contain bankable stars, e.g. the marvel movies contain many household names like Elizabeth Olsen, Top Gun features Tom Cruise, Elvis stars Tom Hanks etc.
Inquirers: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Question director’s techniques and choices to broaden your understanding.
Knowledgeable: Having knowledge of films and directors, along with learning certain terminology. Be able to exchange ideas.
Thinkers: Exploring unique and creative ways to film, coming up with scripts and possible movie/scene ideas. Be able to analyse your own work and think the best way improve it.
Communicators: It’s important to effectively communicate with people especially in a group environment. Don’t be scared to ask questions or make suggestions. Listen and respect other people’s choices and views.
Principled: Take responsibility for your work and your actions. Try not to let others down especially when working with a group you must be committed and do your part, specifically, when filming a group project.
Open-minded: Exploring and harnessing other people’s methods and ideas especially in a group setting; being flexible when working as a group or with feedback. Listen and respect other viewpoints.
Caring: Act positively to others and try to assist them when they are visibly struggling (e.g. not understanding something.)
Risk-takers: Don’t be afraid to try something out of your comfort zone when filming or coming up with new ideas. Try to make your work unique to you.
Balanced: Make sure you evenly distribute work between people when working as a group. Also make sure to balance your own workload so you’re not overwhelmed.
Reflective: Be able to reflect on your own work and take constructive criticism in order to improve the result. Try to understand your strengths and weaknesses and how to better yourself in order to up your standard of work.
In Moulin Rouge, many of the scenes are presented as if on a stage. The Moulin Rouge cabaret itself is presented as flamboyant and extravagant along with Satine’s elephant designed room. This is further demonstrated through theatrical costumes worn by those in the cabaret and the bright lighting within the Moulin Rouge.
Lighting
The Red interior contrasts the blue exterior (Paris). As Zidler remarks at one point, “outside it may be raining, but in here it’s entertaining.” The Moulin Rouge is a place where one goes to escape reality (the blue reality). The Juxtaposition of these two colours is utilized though out the film. Perhaps the red implies a warm, lustful and heated atmosphere with the blue being sad, cold and bitter.
These two colours are also used during ‘El Tango de Roxanne’ where Satine is seen drenched in blue light up in the Dukes tower whilst Christian is below drenched in a red light. The high and low angles with Satine above and Christian below accentuate the distance between them both physically and emotionally.
Costume
Satine is dressed in grand and extravagant costumes to highlight her as the most beautiful and successful woman of the Moulin Rouge. Many costumes worn by her at the cabaret heighten this image of her as a man’s ultimate fantasy. It was important to make the costumes historically accurate (around 1889) whilst also incorporating fresh modern elements to help the audience connect whilst feeling enthralled.
Costumes were fabulous and bold accentuating the theatrics of the cabaret showground whilst enthralling the audience guiding their attention.
Movement
During the performance of ‘Spectacular Spectacular’ the characters move at hyper speed creating a hectic and confused atmosphere, this is reflected by the Dukes reaction and this same overwhelming and bewildered feeling pervades the audience.
In contrast, when Santine faints the speed deliberately slows showing her gradual descent in order to increase dramatics.
Cinematography
Almost the entire film was shot on stage, using elaborate scaled sets of the Moulin Rouge club in Paris built for the film. An anamorphic lens was used whilst shooting to give an opulent and grand visual. For scenes such as ‘El Tango de Roxanne’ and other performance numbers multiple cameras were used to capture the frantic energy, furthermore the endless coverage of cameras at various angles could result in amazing, unpredictable shots. However, most of the drama was shot single-cam. In certain shots you can see Satine encircled by men (during performances) not only does this result in a stunning picture it also suggests how Satine is seen as this temptress with a strong appeal to men.
