
Issue No 96		18 May 2001

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Review

Rouge or Red?

Mark Hebblewhite argues that the new Baz Luhrmann blockbuster isn't without its class analysis.

****************

I want to get something straight from the beginning. I'm not one of those blokes who walks into a movie, takes a ridiculous amount of highbrow notes and then spends hours down the pub boring my mates senseless with details of political undercurrents and characterisation.

This said, any committed supporter of the principles that underlie collectivism and in particular organised labour, won't help but notice that there are some stark lessons to be learned from Baz Luhrmann's overhyped all singing, all dancing extravaganza Moulin Rouge.

Set in Paris at the turn of the 20th Century, the story focuses on a glamorous nightclub/cabaret palace entitled strangely enough the Moulin Rouge. We first meet Christian (Ewan McGregor) a young English writer who has moved to Paris to experience the bohemian lifestyle. He quickly falls in with a rag tag mob of actors who introduce him to the seemingly magical world of the Moulin Rouge. And it's here where the fun begins. It's here that we meet the lovely courtesan Satine (played by the publicity shy Nicole Kidman).

After mistaking Christian for a wealthy Duke interested in financing a play that will turn the Moulin Rouge into a fully- fledged theatre, Satine falls in love with the young writer. Unfortunately, it's not happily ever after. You see in the Paris underworld, money is everything, and falling in love is not an option. Now trapped between the obsessed Duke (Richard Roxburgh) who could guarantee both her future and that of the Moulin Rouge, and her first true love, Ms Satine is in a bit of a bind. Add in her rapidly failing health, and the lover's fight is a tragedy in waiting.

The makers and distributors of Moulin Rouge are selling the film as a 'visual feast', a slice of Baz Luhrmann's genius and a radical advance in filmmaking. Well, musically driven films have never really been this scribe's cup of tea, and although I must admit Luhrmann's appropriation of modern pop classics for a 19th Century setting is intriguing, it's the unintended portrayal of manipulation that got my blood racing.

You see, beneath the glamour and glitz, Moulin Rouge is an exercise in the politics of power, and a timely reminder why a strong and organised union movement will always be in society's best interest. Ironically, these lessons centre on Nicole Kidman's character of Satine. Whoever would have thought that everyone's favourite quasi-scientologist would be doing her bit for social awareness down under?

Satine earns her living as a courtesan, which is basically a nice way of saying prostitute. Apart from dancing in the Moulin Rouge the girls are expected to lavish their favours upon the gentleman who visit the Rouge in search of cheap thrills and good times. This tidy little business is presided over by one Harry Zidler, part ringmaster, part con-man and shining example of how not to treat your employees.

On the surface Mr Zidler is presented as a idealist, a person who works with his employees to create something unique, a bohemian vision that all can enjoy. But underneath this facade, he shows his true colours- profits at any cost. Sound familiar?

When Satine is exposed as being extremely ill, indeed dying, Harold's true intentions are revealed. While outwardly upset, Zidler is more concerned that Satine's illness will get in the way of his deal with the wealthy Duke to expand the Moulin Rouge. All of a sudden the iron fist is removed from the velvet glove. Satine will perform, give up Christian and marry the duke- it's the right thing to do for the company you see. I realise Paris in 1899 is a far cry from Australia 2001, but how often do we hear stories of workers who simply feel they have no choice?

Unfortunately, in this case Satine really doesn't have an option. Like her workmates, she is trapped in relative poverty and constantly told there is no chance of a better life. By fragmenting the Moulin Rouge with jealousy and lies Zidler has his workforce trapped in a corner- no unity, no problems thank you very much.

And of course, we shouldn't forget Duke's role in all this. This obnoxious character instantly reminded me of the worst type of corporate shareholder, constantly demanding more and more from his investments in order to satisfy an insatiable greed. Bankrolling the play that will make the Moulin Rouge a household name, the Duke implements a 'my way or the highway policy'. The performance will end how he wants it, or else; And if the cast and writers don't like it? Well, like any self respecting Patricks executive, intimidation and thuggery are the chosen tools of coercion.

Although the Moulin Rouge is a complex piece of fantasy from another time and another place, it reinforces a reality that still exists today. Profits before people, emotional and economic coercion, and a callous disregard for the ideals of social justice- unfortunately some things don't change.

Moulin Rouge is a powerful piece of filmmaking on many levels. Even surrounded by the chatter of my fellow jaded hacks I could not ignore this lesson in manipulation flashing before me on the big screen. And people wonder why we still need a union movement- it boggles the mind.

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Issue 96 contents

Interview: The Enabler
On the eve of the release of his latest book, Beazley�s brain on the back-bench, Mark Latham, talks about putting the social back into socialism.

Unions: Flogged To Death
One third of Australian workers now work in conditions that would be deemed illegal in Europe. While in our workplaces so much is being done by so few with so little the Howard Government leans on its shovel reports Noel Hester.

Corporate: Nike's Six Broken Promises
A new international report on the labour practices at Nike have placed their stated commitment to ethical employment under the microscope.

International: Jagath at the Solidarity Cafe
When the brave workers at the Shangri-La Hotel in Jakarta marched on May Day, a Sydney unionist was by their side.

Education: The Battle for Free Thought
The recent sacking of Dr Ted Steele at the University of Wollongong has focused attention on the need for vigilant defence of employment rights and academic freedom.

History: Federation and Labour
The labour movement�s role in the 1897 Federal Convention and the subsequent referenda process has been largely forgotten.

Satire: Addict Stops Using Smack After Talk With Parents
A 21-year-old heroin addict has agreed to give up his habit after his parents told him that using drugs was wrong.

Review: Rouge or Red?
Mark Hebblewhite argues that the new Baz Luhrmann blockbuster isn't without its class analysis.

» WorkCover: Della Should Split the Package

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» Banks Workers Opt for People Over Pay

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» Refugee Riots Sparked By Strike Action

» Vodafone Promotes It�s Own

» Champion Workers Left With Nothing

» Bid for Reasonable Hours to AIRC

» Political Economy Courses at Sydney University

» Activist Notebook

» The Soapbox

» The Locker Room

» Trades Hall

» Tool Shed

» New Editorial Guidelines

» Letter to Canberra

» A Fowler Smell

» Who Saved May Day?

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