Musical "Moulin Rouge" to open Cannes film festival

Musical "Moulin Rouge" to open Cannes film festival

Paris, March 21: The Cannes Film Festival will open on May 9 with the world premiere of "Moulin Rouge", a musical set in 19th century Paris starring Nicole Kidman, the organisers said on Tuesday.

The film, directed by the Australian Baz Luhrmann and also starring Ewan McGregor, revolves around the bohemian nightlife of the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and his absinthe-drinking friends.

Luhrmann's debut, "Strictly Ballroom", was given a wild reception at Cannes in 1992 with audiences clapping, stomping their feet and dancing in the aisles. The film was named runner-up for the Golden Camera award for a first feature.

Cannes Festival Director Gilles Jacob said in a statement that he was happy to launch this year's film extravaganza with a studio movie that revived the best of entertainment traditions.

Musicals have emerged from the cinematic doldrums since Danish director Lars von Trier's "Dancer in the Dark" won the Golden Palm for best movie at last year's Cannes awards.

The $50 million "Moulin Rouge" was shot at Fox Studios Australia in Sydney on a gigantic set with hundreds of extras.