Set in 19th century Paris, despondent artist Toulouse Lautrec (José Ferrer), frustrated by his physical handicaps, seeks solace in the drink, dance and distractions offered up at the infamous Moulin Rouge nightclub. An encounter with a young girl in desperate need of help (Colette Marchand) brings hope to his lonely life but, in the lusty atmosphere of the Belle Époque, romance can quickly turn to rivalry...
Directed by two-time Oscar winner John Huston (The African Queen, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre) the film went on to be nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning two for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. This stunning 4K restoration brings new life to the film’s exquisite production design and Technicolor photography, brilliantly evoking Lautrec’s unique artistic visions.
Released as part of the BFI’s blockbuster season Musicals! The Greatest Show on Film which runs October to December 2019.
Extras
Images of Paris in Silent Film (17 mins): a selection of rare early films, spanning the years 1900-1925, reflecting different aspects of life in Lautrec’s adopted home, from the vaults of the BFI National Archive
Lightning Sketches: Posters, Printing and Caricatures in Silent Film (21 mins): new technology – so ably utilised by Lautrec – and the artistic process find expression in this collection of archival oddities from the very earliest days of animation, mass production, and the popular press
Lautrec (1974, 6 mins): Lautrec’s characters dance playfully through this lovely short animated film which celebrates his life and work
Commentary by Angela Allen (2019): the Huston-confidante and Moulin Rouge continuity advisor discusses this film and many others across an eclectic career in this new commentary recorded specifically for this release
Image gallery
**FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Fully illustrated booklet with new essays by John Oliver and Dr Josephine Botting and full film credits
