Revisiting Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge reminded me of a life goal of mine, to be partially employed as a girl on a swing.
Nicole Kidman spends a lot of time on swings in this movie:
This is, of course, inspired by actual cabaret shows and trapeze artists, but the symbolism is appropriate in this film.
The girl on the swing is the untouchable object of desire, flying high above the audience's heads. It's an elite post but it's also a lonely one. She is isolated from her peers, and society, in her position as the coveted sexual object, a pretty pet.
Backstage at the Latin Quarter by Gordon Parks, Life Magazine (1958)
Erte
So it's a bit sad, but nonetheless it's an image that has a powerful hold on our collective consciousness, bridging the trapeze and the even more depressing, but fetishized, woman in a (bird) cage. The image of the bird cage is an interesting one, but I wouldn't want to be stuck inside.
But then I hate seeing birds in cages.
The Tango scene from Moulin Rouge got me thinking about the incredible sets and costumes in that film. It's not my favorite movie, but it's visually stunning. I would love to spend a couple of days drinking absinthe in this world.
It's difficult to find good quality images from this film online, especially of this bedroom set, which I loved because it looks like the inside of a valentine!
I can't help but think that the scalloped design on Satine's Diamonds costume are a nod to Marilyn Monroe, who sung Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend,.
Marilyn in Bus Stop
This movie reminds me of my lifetime goal, to be at least partially employed as the girl on a swing at a glamorous club. But they don't make clubs like they used to...
