Back in the day, musicals were mostly seen by true Broadway fans. But once Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge came along in 2001, everyone just had to get a piece of it. The musical starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor is a musical, but it’s unlike any other.
It has comedy, tragedy, music, and love. It continues to be praised years later. But those who watched and loved the musical film don’t necessarily know some of the behind-the-scenes facts that make it even more fun to watch the second time around.
Nicole Kidman Filmed Scenes in a Wheelchair
Kidman said she went to great lengths playing the part of Satine. She fit herself into garments that even caused her some injuries. She sustained a broken rib as a result of trying to fit into an 18-inch corset.
She also hurt herself “dancing in heels” and “fell downstairs.” According to director Luhrmann, Kidman also smashed her knee, which delayed the production. The scene where Satine says “A real actress” was shot when Kidman was in a wheelchair with her leg up.
Leonardo DiCaprio Wanted In
Seeing how the heartthrob was Romeo in Luhrmann’s William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, he knows Luhrmann well. Apparently, he wanted the role of Christian in Moulin Rouge, but the only problem was he couldn’t sing: “I have a pretty atrocious voice.”
DiCaprio revealed that during a meeting with Luhrmann, where he sang over a piano, it didn’t go well, especially when he hit a high note. Luhrmann said to him, “I don’t know if this conversation should continue.” Ouch.
