Hybrid homework: For this homework assignment I wanted to look at the pop culture interpretation of “Moulin Rouge” to Arthur Symons’ version. The Baz Luhrman film interpretation showed the Moulin Rouge as a spontaneous, fun, carefree atmosphere that was touted as societally valued. Nicole Kidman’s character, Satine, is the envy of all of Europe. She is courted by Duke’s and has control over her own sexuality. The London Nights version, however, portrays the Moulin Rouge as a place of broken dreams and mirrored images of the ghosts within these women. He calls the women “morbid, vague” which I found to be an interesting juxtaposition. Satine is intelligent, has dreams, an vision outside of the Moulin Rouge. Symons makes these women sound like empty vessels, ready to be savaged by the visitors of the Moulin Rouge. The Luhrman version is morbid, Satine dies at the end and the women are shown as playtoys, slaves to the Moulin Rouge. But the overall tone of the piece isn’t dark. It’s fun. It shows the revolutions that sexuality has gone through and the openness women have to express their sexuality. I think the short term learning goals of this is to see the realism in Symons’ piece and the sensationalism in the modern film version. The long term value is second guessing Hollywood productions. People are so inclined to believe what they are shown. I think that this is an example to look deeper, which is a message I will carry with me.
-Alexis Burt
