The Red Curtain Trilogy

The Red Curtain Trilogy is the formal and official marketing title for Baz Luhrmann's first three films:

*"Strictly Ballroom" (1992) starring Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice
*"William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet" (1996), starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes
*"Moulin Rouge!" (2001), starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor

Each film begins in a vaudeville theatre (with the velvet "red curtains" setting, with the actual motion picture playing on the vaudeville screen).

Characteristics and hallmarks

*Each film features luxurious design work. The costumes, music, sets and script are all rich, sumptuous and intricate.
*Catherine Martin, Craig Pearce and Marius DeVries have all worked on each film. Additionally, John Leguizamo appeared in the latter two films as a supporting actor.
* Each film's plot is based on a myth or widely-known story, the ending of which it can be assumed the audience is familiar. "Strictly Ballroom" is based on the David and Goliath Bible story; "Romeo and Juliet" is based on the Shakespeare play of the same name; and "Moulin Rouge!" is based on the operas La Traviata and Orpheus in the Underworld.
* Each film has a thematic device through which the story is told. In "Strictly Ballroom", this is the dancing, in "Romeo and Juliet" it is the poetry, and in "Moulin Rouge!" it is the music.
* All of the films begin in a cheery and upbeat mood, featuring (almost comical) sound effects and the use of speed. At some point there is a change to a more dark and serious mood.
*All use techniques seen within the Western, Musical and Romantic-Comedy movie genres. The style is meant to be heightened, and non-realistic, so that at all times the audience are aware that they are being entertained in a theatrical way.

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