Baz Luhrmann

Baz Luhrmann
Author: Pam Cook
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 258
Release: 2019-07-25
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1838714472

This is the first major book-length study of the work of Australian film-maker Baz Luhrmann, one of the most exciting and controversial personalities working in World Cinema today. Luhrmann's reputation as an innovator rests on the evidence of the three films known as the Red Curtain Trilogy: Strictly Ballroom (1992), William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet (1996) and Moulin Rouge! (2001), which together demonstrate the development of a highly distinctive style and brand. Pam Cook, who was given unprecedented access to the Luhrmann private archives, explores the genesis of the Red Curtain aesthetic, from Luhrmann's early experience in theatre and opera to his collaborative working methods and unique production set-up. Drawing on in-depth interviews with Luhrmann and his chief collaborator, designer Catherine Martin, she traces the roots of their work in an increasingly globalised Australian film culture, investigating the relationship of their company Bazmark to the Hollywood studio Twentieth Century-Fox, and the influences on their style and production methods. At the book's heart are substantial analyses of the spectacular Red Curtain films and the historical epic Australia (2008). This lively and original study of one of contemporary cinema's most fascinating figures will appeal to film scholars, cultural historians and Luhrmann enthusiasts alike.

The Visual Aesthetics of Baz Luhrmann's "Red Curtain Cinema"

The Visual Aesthetics of Baz Luhrmann's
Author: Anett Koch
Publisher: GRIN Verlag
Total Pages: 93
Release: 2014-06-18
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 3656675236

Master's Thesis from the year 2014 in the subject Communications - Movies and Television, grade: 1,3, University of Mannheim, language: English, abstract: By using music, dancing, colorful settings and costumes to accompany the dramatic story, Baz Luhrmann's films stimulate all senses and intensify the movie experience to a degree that makes viewers aware of the artificiality and artistry involved. So-called "Red Curtain" films keep the audience engaged at all times by using theatrical rather than naturalistic cinema devices. This approach of storytelling is a conscious choice that can be attributed to Luhrmann’s comprehensive experience in arts and media. Although he is best known for his visually and symbolically charged films, Luhrmann has also worked in theater and opera – both behind and on stage. In addition, he has produced music videos and worked in journalism and fashion. Thus, it is not surprising that all these experiences influence his current work. Luhrmann’s films are characterized by a theatric style that combines dancing and singing with rapid cuts and editing, giving the impression that one is participating in the live action rather than just sitting passively in the auditorium.

Baz Luhrmann

Baz Luhrmann
Author: Tom Ryan
Publisher: Univ. Press of Mississippi
Total Pages: 170
Release: 2014-11-05
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1626743002

Though he has made only five films in two decades—Strictly Ballroom, William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet, and the Oscar-nominated films Moulin Rouge!, Australia, and The Great Gatsby—Australian writer-director Baz Luhrmann is an internationally known brand name. His name has even entered the English language as a verb, as in “to Baz things up,” meaning “to decorate them with an exuberant flourish.” Celebrated by some, loathed by others, his work is underscored by what has been described as “an aesthetic of artifice” and is notable for both its glittering surfaces and recurring concerns. In this collection of interviews, Luhrmann discusses his methods and his motives, explaining what has been important to him and his collaborators from the start and how he has been able to maintain an independence from the studios that have backed his films. He also speaks about his other artistic endeavors, including stage productions of La Bohème and A Midsummer Night's Dream, and his wife and collaborative partner Catherine Martin, who has received two Academy Awards for her work with Luhrmann.

Existentialism and Contemporary Cinema

Existentialism and Contemporary Cinema
Author: Jean-Pierre Boulé
Publisher: Berghahn Books
Total Pages: 198
Release: 2012-09-01
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0857457306

Simone de Beauvoir’s work has not often been associated with film studies, which appears paradoxical when it is recognized that she was the first feminist thinker to inaugurate the concept of the gendered ‘othering’ gaze. This book is an attempt to redress this balance and reopen the dialogue between Beauvoir’s writings and film studies. The authors analyse a range of films, from directors including Claire Denis, Michael Haneke, Lucille Hadzihalilovic, Sam Mendes, and Sally Potter, by drawing from Beauvoir’s key works such as The Second Sex (1949), The Ethics of Ambiguity (1947) and Old Age (1970).

Oriental and Postmodern Elements in Moulin Rouge!

Oriental and Postmodern Elements in Moulin Rouge!
Author: Sylvia Krenn
Publisher: diplom.de
Total Pages: 122
Release: 2011-10-11
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 3842821190

Inhaltsangabe:Introduction: The show will be a magnificent, opulent, tremendous, stupendous, gargantuan, bedazzlement! A sensual ravishment. It will be Spectacular, Spectacular . Zidler is right. That is what Moulin Rouge! is spectacular. Zidler, the impresario of the Moulin Rouge, tries to sell the bohemian play 'Spectacular, Spectacular', which Toulouse and Christian present to the Duke. However, Moulin Rouge! is 'Spectacular, Spectacular' and vice versa. The Duke is the maharajah, Christian is the penniless sitar player and Satine is the beautiful courtesan. Luhrmann's latest work is loud, colorful, fast, postmodern, a melodrama and a musical, and it is about love. Opinions are much divided over this film and many critics wonder if it is just bad taste and kitsch or an ingenious piece of film art. In other words, it is an original Baz Luhrmann. Until today, the Australian director produced three movies, which he calls the 'Red Curtain Trilogy'. He started with Strictly Ballroom in 1992, followed by William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in 1996 and ended with Moulin Rouge! in 2001. Luhrmann calls his way of filmmaking a theatricalized cinema style . Baz Luhrmann definitely is a unique and versatile character. However, if his film is art or trash remains a matter of opinion. Luhrmann himself disassociates from any categorization in the sense of low culture and high art, taking into account that back in time Shakespeare was also considered as popular culture in the same way, as operas were the lowest form of culture at their peak times. He counters his critics and their objections, die Story ist dünn und simpel , with, Doch gerade das ist eine Konvention des Musicals, aber auch der Oper, mit Ausnahme von Wagner. Aber eigentlich zieht auch Wagner nur einen dünnen Plot in die Länge. The other often expressed criticism that his latest work, is a direct assault on eyes, ears, and expectations (Abele), and hard to exceed in terms of kitsch, he only defies with the credo that, Persönlicher Geschmack ist der Feind der Kunst. . Moulin Rouge! is a mélange of film, music and dance. Set in 1899 but with contemporary music it is a work of extremes. Everything in this film seems to scream: 'anything goes!'. Nevertheless, Luhrmann follows a concept. Nothing in this film happens accidentally but it is his own style. Luhrmann's 'Red Curtain' style comprises several distinct storytelling choices. He uses a rather simple story, based on a well-known [...]

Film Trilogies

Film Trilogies
Author: C. Perkins
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 260
Release: 2012-02-21
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0230371973

Drawing on a wide range of examples, this book – the first devoted to the phenomenon of the film trilogy– provides a dynamic investigation of the ways in which the trilogy form engages key issues in contemporary discussions of film remaking, adaptation, sequelization and serialization.

Shakespeare and Quotation

Shakespeare and Quotation
Author: Julie Maxwell
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 325
Release: 2018-04-26
Genre: Drama
ISBN: 1107134242

Shakespeare is both the world's most quoted author and a frequent quoter himself. This volume unites these creative practices.

The Rough Guide to Film Musicals

The Rough Guide to Film Musicals
Author: David Parkinson
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 340
Release: 2007-08-01
Genre: Travel
ISBN: 0756647126

The perfect companion to cinema's most spectacular genre, The Rough Guide to Film Musicals reveals how an escapist entertainment became Hollywood's most ingenious art form. From such enduring classics as Singin' In The Rain and West Side Story to recent successes like Evita and Chicago, this book reviews 50 essential musicals, including several forgotten gems. There are profiles of musical icons such as Fred Astaire, Judy Garland and George Gershwin and details of musicals from around the world. Complete with a list of the best soundtracks, websites and books for further reading, this Rough Guide takes a behind the scenes look at this magical movie genre.

A Concise Companion to Shakespeare on Screen

A Concise Companion to Shakespeare on Screen
Author: Diana E. Henderson
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 288
Release: 2008-04-15
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 1405148888

This Concise Companion presents a multidisciplinary range ofapproaches to a vast multimedia subject, Shakespeare on screen. Draws on the latest thinking in cultural studies,communications, and comparative media, in dialogue with literary,theatrical and filmic approaches. Organised around themes, such as authorship and collaboration,theatricality, sex and violence, globalization and history. Offers readers a variety of accessible routes into the subjectof Shakespeare on screen. Also enables readers to explore fundamental topics in the studyof literature and culture more broadly, such as the relationshipsbetween elite and popular culture, art and the marketplace, textand image. Includes suggestions for further reading, a bibliography, afilmography, a chronology and a thorough index.