Year of Release: 1952Country of Origin: UK
Director: John Huston
Cast: José Ferrer, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Suzanne Flon, Claude Nollier
Plot outline: A fictional account of French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in Paris' bohemian sub-culture in and around the burlesque palace, the Moulin Rouge (IMDb).
Based on the novel by Pierre La Mure, John Huston’s lavish portrayal of the life and loves of the post-impressionist painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec falls into the pitfall of many a biopic: elaborating popular myth rather than recounting the known facts and favouring spectacle over substance. As a celebration of the work of Lautrec, the movie has much to commend it: the gaudy costumes and sets, together with the smoky colour-saturated cinematography, perfectly evoke the vibrant work of the great artist. However, as a serious account of the life of Laurec, the movie leaves a great deal to be desired. José Ferrer was an all-too obvious casting choice for the part of Lautrec. Unfortunately, in a performance that can best be described as wooden, Ferrer fails to go much beyond the stereotypical image of Lautrec and gives what is largely a slightly sick caricature, exaggerating his short stature by a good twelve inches whilst failing to convey any warmth or humanity. Although immensely popular when it was first released, presumably on account of its stunning visuals, the movie now feels dated and shallow. It was nominated for seven Oscars (including Best Picture and Best Director), but won only two: for Best Art Direction (Colour) and Best Costume Design (Colour). It would be easy to dismiss the movie completely were it not for its remarkable opening sequence in the Moulin Rouge, which succeeds in catapulting the audience into the superficially glitzy world which lured and fascinated Toulose-Lautrec, like a moth drawn to the flame. (JT)
My judgement: *** out of 4 stars
No comments:
Post a Comment