Protests are a girl’s best friend.
After a groundswell of public demand, FOX Studios re-released
Baz Luhrmann’s “Moulin Rouge!” for weekly
midnight screenings at the Mann Festival Theater. Last
Friday’s inaugural event could be the start of yet another
cult film tradition, following in the footsteps of cult phenomenon
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
“When I saw it, I said, “˜It’s gonna be like
“˜Rocky.’ It’s gonna be a cult
thing,'” said Katherine LeRoy, a first-year American
literature and culture student. “It was mostly just
wishful thinking, but here it is! I’m really
excited.”
The line outside the Festival went well down the block as eager
moviegoers chatted about the hand-made costumes some audience
members were wearing, as well as their first experiences with the
film.
When event organizer Bridgette of Madison County first saw the
film on opening weekend, she was starstruck.
“It was the first movie that I wished my life was
like,” she said.
A couple of weeks ago, Bridgette took it upon herself to demand
the re-release of the musical in theaters.
“I went out and did my own protest march all by myself
outside, walking back and forth,” she said. “It was so
tragic!”
A motley crew of fellow “Moulin Rouge!” fans joined
Bridgette’s cause, picketing and singing songs in front of
FOX Studios as well as starting an online petition.
On Friday, Feb. 28, after all of Bridgette’s hard work,
FOX announced that the Oscar-winning film would be re-released to a
theater for one month starting last Friday.
“I didn’t think that following my heart and wanting
something like this would come to fruition,” Bridgette said.
“I think it’s really exciting.”
When the doors finally opened on Friday’s screening, all
were treated to free popcorn and soda to celebrate the
night’s festivities. As host and master of ceremonies,
Bridgette donned the trademark black diamonds costume and the red
dress worn by Nicole Kidman’s character, Satine. She also
distributed goodie bags filled with things to throw during the
movie, taking a page from the “Rocky Horror”
handbook.
“You bring your toast, your toilet paper, and so forth to
“˜Rocky,'” she said. “In the bags, we have
little mini top hats to throw up, confetti cones for when Satine
first enters, and poppers for (the end of) the “˜Elephant Love
Medley,’ because we’re all gonna feel it.”
Bridgette encouraged any and all input from the virgin audience
regarding what to do during the show, hoping that a few traditions
will develop a la “Rocky.”
“Scream out! Do what you can!” Bridgette said.
“We’re all here! Support it and love it and be
it.”
The audience sang and danced until the morning light, with some
even standing up in front of the screen and re-enacting
Satine’s and Christian’s deliriously romantic duet.
Seasoned viewers of the film pointed out quick and funny moments to
their neighbors, and everyone yelled out a joke or two, such as
encouraging Ewan McGregor’s character, Christian, to
“use the Force.”
After an evening that went so well, many are eager to go again
next Friday.
“We’re coming back,” said Tanya Livshits, a
first-year political science student. “And next time,
we’re so going to be dressed!