Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! changed the landscape for musicals entirely. It was an incredible success, with a talented and eclectic cast.
It’s been more than 20 years since the film first hit theaters, and it still holds up really well!
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To celebrate this milestone, check out these 10+ Moulin Rouge behind the scenes secrets that fans didn’t know!
1. John Leguizamo needed physical therapy after the movie.
John’s character required him to walk on his knees in almost every single scene of the movie.
Years after, he says that while his knees have recovered his lower back has never been the same.
2. Ozzy Osbourne was originally cast to play the Green Fairy.
Kylie Minogue ended up winning the role in the end but Ozzy still makes his presence felt.
According to Baz Luhrmann, when we see the Green Fairy scream at the very end of the scene — that’s all Ozzy.
3. Courtney Love had her eyes on the role of Satine.
Sadly, Courtney didn’t make the cut. But director Baz Luhrmann only had kind things to say about her. He praised Courtney as a performing and for her unique unpredictable spirit.
But even though she wasn’t in the film, Baz still needed her.
In order to get approval for the Nirvana song “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” Baz needed Courtney’s permission.
Very few movies are given license to use Nirvana songs. Courtney, however, agreed to let Baz use the iconic song for a mere $125,000 .
So even though she may not have gotten the part, she still won in the end!
4. Director Baz Luhrmann’s father died very early on in the filming process.
Baz said the death of his father made the entire process more enriching and fulfilling.
Moulin Rouge became an ode to his father’s legacy and the impact he made on the filmmaker.
5. Clearing the music rights took an incredible amount of time.
According to Baz Luhrmann, it was more than two years until he had cleared all of the approvals. Which to me seems like an incredible waste of time.
But then again — I’ve never been nominated for an Academy Award.
6. In the beginning, Leonard DiCaprio campaigned hard to play Christian.
There was one thing holding Leo back — he couldn’t sing! Leo described a time where he attempted to sing ” Lean On Me ,” with Luhrmann accompanying him on piano.
He wasn’t the only Hollywood A-lister vying for the role, either.
Both Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger auditioned as well!
The way Baz Luhrmann describes it, Jake Gyllenhaal has a beautiful singing voice.
The same was said about Heath Ledger as well. However, in the end, it was decided that Heath was just too young.
7. Only two musical groups declined.
Baz Luhrmann is a persistent mand. He once showed up at the homes of both Paul McCartney and Elton John in order to get them to sign over the rights.
But no matter what Baz did, he couldn’t get the Rolling Stones or Cat Stevens to budge.
8. Nicole Kidman was seriously injured while making the movie.
Nicole broke her ribs — twice.
She also smashed her knee to the point where she needed surgery and had to bow out of her next movie in order to heal.
9. Courtney Love got Marilyn Manson fired.
Manson was hired to cover Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” This made Courtney Love furious, as the two rock stars have had a longstanding feud for years.
She invoked her approval clause and Manson was ousted.
10. The necklace that Nicole Kidman wore was one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry ever made for a film.
It’s something to behold. The immaculate piece is comprised of more than 1300 diamonds as well as a 2.5-carat sapphire clasp.
That’s some serious bling.
11. George Lucas prevented any further reshoots.
Lucas was set to start filming Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones at the exact same studio.
Filming had not yet wrapped on Moulin Rouge , so the team was forced to do post-production in Madrid.
12. The film is based on an ancient Greek myth.
The story of Orpheus and Eurydice is a tragic tale of loss and regret.
Orpheus, the greatest musician of his age, convinces Hades to release the soul of his lover Eurydice.
Hades agrees, on the sole condition that Orpheus must leave the Underworld without looking back.
I’m sure you can probably guess how the story ends. At the last minute, Orpheus looks behind him to ensure Eurydice is following.
Just as she’s about to take her final step into the world of the living, she’s violently sucked back down into the Underworld — her soul forever lost.
