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The Opening Sequence of Moulin Rouge Essay

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The Opening Sequence of Moulin Rouge

The opening sequence of Moulin Rouge is both informative and dramatic. It tells the story of Christian as he tells the story of the Moulin Rouge. The bright colours and music give the impression of joy throughout the film; this is enhanced through the use of erratic camera movements within the Moulin Rouge. In contrast the woeful voice of Toulouse can be heard singing the story over the top, informing the audience that the film will also include great tragedy and sorrow. It's lavish use of colour and mise-en-scéne work well with the intricate use of cinematography. Every shot is carefully planned to give the audience a preferred reading. The high angle shots …show more content…

The jubilant Can-Can music creates a feeling of excitement and thrill.

Music in the opening sequence reflects the moods, joys and tribulations in the forthcoming love affair between Christian and Satine. The two start off in love and everything is fine until the Duke finds out about their affair and threatens to have Christian killed. Although Satine dies in the end, she and Christian were in love when it happened, and have expressed their feelings to one another. The music swings between celebration, tragedy, and celebration, mirroring the narrative structure of the story to come.

The music links in well with the editing which comes to an abrupt stop as 'Paris1900' appears on the screen. It is in black and white, whereas the other credits were in sepia. Solemn music, played by the strings fades in as Toulousefades into the shot. He is in the foreground on the left hand side of the screen, and behind him is a windmill, with its blades slowly turning. The shot has a sepia look, indicating to the audience that they are being told an old story. Toulouse is directly addressing the audience with his song which is telling the audience the story. The music is melancholy implying tragedy, enhanced by the use of blue light giving the scene a cold atmosphere. A CU of Christian's face fades in on the right hand

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