The Red Curtain Trilogy by Baz Lurhmann Essay -- Papers

The Red Curtain Trilogy by Baz Lurhmann On The Red Curtain Trilogy, which were all directed by Baz Lurhmann, all of the films began with red curtains opening up like in a theatre to 'reveal' the film. In 'Strictly Ballroom' the scene opens with silhouettes of the main characters dancing, waiting for a performance to start (?) then walking excitedly onto screen which starts the movie. For 'Romeo & Juliet' the opening shot is a lot more fast and furious. The film begins with a plain black screen, then a television screen appears. the television screen, that is showing a news report, appears and draws closer to the viewer. The reporter is reciting the prologue of the play. Accelerated scenes from the film are shown, with words and sentences in red lettering from the prologue, this scene reminds me of a trailer for a film. The story then starts, showing both families of the story, their traits and portrays the friction between the Montagues and Capulets. For Moulin Rouge, when the red curtain begins to open, a conductor appears and begins conducting the music for the film, to give a feel of being at a theatre. Then the town where Moulin Rouge is set is introduced to us, and the main character is introduced, and then begins to tell the story. The Music in 'Strictly Ballroom' for the opening sequence is slow, quiet calming music, but as it becomes closer to the actual beginning of the film, the music becomes louder and more extravagant, and then for the 'salsa' scene the music is very jazzy and upbeat. The music for this film is very well done because it portrays exactly what is happening on the screen at the time. The Music is mor... ...gant things which you would never see at theatres. I think my favourite opening would be the one for Romeo and Juliet. The opening is fast paced and has bright colours. It contains scenes form the film which seems to pull the viewer in to watching the film. The films differ from each other as well, as Strictly ballroom begins with red curtains opening to the beginning of the film. Romeo and Juliet decided to not use the Red curtain theme, although because it is based on a play, there was already a feeling of 'red curtain' (play) about it. Moulin rouge used the red curtain idea and extended it by showing the conductor which you would see at a theatre or musical, which Moulin rouge was intending to be. Overall, I think the openings for the Baz Lurhmann Trilogy are gripping and make you want to see the rest of the film.