“El Tango de Roxanne,” the iconic tango performed with raw emotion and devastating beauty, is featured prominently in Baz Luhrmann’s dazzling 2001 musical film Moulin Rouge!. This modern cinematic masterpiece seamlessly blends a variety of musical styles, and “El Tango de Roxanne” serves as a pivotal moment, visually and aurally encapsulating the tragic love triangle at the film’s core.
The Significance of “El Tango de Roxanne” in Moulin Rouge!
“El Tango de Roxanne” isn’t just another musical number; it’s a powerful narrative device. It showcases the burning passion and unspoken desires between Christian (Ewan McGregor) and Satine (Nicole Kidman), while simultaneously revealing the possessive and dangerous love of the Duke of Monroth (Richard Roxburgh) for Satine. The tango, with its inherent drama and intensity, is the perfect medium to express these complex emotions.
The song itself is a reimagining of The Police’s “Roxanne,” imbued with the rhythmic fire of the tango. This fusion perfectly reflects Luhrmann’s signature style of blending classic and contemporary elements. The choreography is intense, the lighting dramatic, and the performances captivating, creating a scene that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. It’s a moment where the narrative reaches a fever pitch, with the audience fully understanding the stakes and the potential consequences of the burgeoning love affair.
The use of flashbacks within the tango sequence further amplifies its power. We see glimpses of the Duke’s controlling nature and Satine’s fear, contrasting with the genuine connection she shares with Christian. This juxtaposition adds layers of depth to the scene, making it one of the most memorable and impactful moments in the entire film.
Understanding the Musical and Thematic Impact
The musical arrangement of “El Tango de Roxanne” is crucial to its impact. The shift from the familiar pop melody of “Roxanne” into a passionate tango underscores the transformation and intensification of emotions within the story. The instrumentation, particularly the use of the bandoneon, a concertina especially popular in tango music, adds to the authenticity and emotional weight of the performance.
Furthermore, the lyrics, though adapted from “Roxanne,” resonate with the film’s themes of love, jealousy, and sacrifice. The phrase “You don’t have to put on the red light” takes on a deeper meaning in the context of Satine’s profession as a courtesan. The Duke’s suspicion and possessiveness are palpable, making the tango a symbolic representation of the power dynamics at play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about “El Tango de Roxanne” and its significance within Moulin Rouge!:
H3: What inspired the creation of “El Tango de Roxanne”?
The inspiration comes from the fusion of The Police’s hit song “Roxanne” with the passionate rhythms and drama of Argentinian tango. Baz Luhrmann sought to blend the contemporary with the classic, reflecting the film’s overall aesthetic. The choice of “Roxanne,” a song about a prostitute, was particularly relevant to Satine’s character and her forced allegiance to the Duke.
H3: Who choreographed “El Tango de Roxanne”?
The choreography was handled by John O’Connell, who brought a unique blend of passion, athleticism, and storytelling to the dance. His work perfectly captured the emotional intensity of the scene and the complex relationships between the characters. He worked closely with Luhrmann to ensure the dance served the narrative.
H3: Why is a tango chosen to represent this particular scene?
The tango is inherently dramatic, passionate, and often features themes of love, betrayal, and jealousy. These themes perfectly align with the central conflict of Moulin Rouge!, making it the ideal dance form to express the complex emotions at play between Christian, Satine, and the Duke. It’s a dance of power and seduction.
H3: Are the actors actually singing and dancing in “El Tango de Roxanne”?
Yes, Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman both sang and danced in the film, including “El Tango de Roxanne.” While they received vocal coaching and dance training, their commitment to performing the roles authentically added to the film’s emotional impact. The dancing for the specific tango was also performed by trained dancers, while the actors moved and sang within that framework.
H3: How does the lighting contribute to the mood of the “El Tango de Roxanne” scene?
The lighting is crucial in creating a sense of drama and tension. The use of shadows, spotlights, and dramatic color palettes emphasizes the emotions being expressed and highlights the power dynamics between the characters. The contrast between light and dark mirrors the conflict between love and danger.
H3: What is the significance of the red dress Satine wears during the tango?
The red dress is a symbol of Satine’s profession, her desirability, and her entrapment. It represents the power the Duke holds over her and her obligation to fulfill her role as the star of the Moulin Rouge. However, it can also be interpreted as a symbol of passion and defiance, particularly as she dances with Christian.
H3: Where was “El Tango de Roxanne” filmed?
The Moulin Rouge! was filmed in a studio in Sydney, Australia. The production design team meticulously recreated the atmosphere of the Moulin Rouge and the bohemian Paris of the late 19th century, providing a visually stunning backdrop for the musical numbers.
H3: What other musical styles are incorporated into “El Tango de Roxanne”?
While primarily a tango, the song also incorporates elements of rock, pop, and even hints of traditional musical theater. This eclectic blend reflects Luhrmann’s signature style and adds to the film’s overall energy and excitement. The original melody from The Police is still discernible.
H3: How did “El Tango de Roxanne” contribute to the film’s overall success?
“El Tango de Roxanne” is considered one of the film’s most iconic and memorable moments. Its dramatic intensity, stunning visuals, and powerful performances contributed significantly to the film’s critical acclaim and commercial success. It became a defining moment for the film.
H3: What are some of the themes explored in “El Tango de Roxanne”?
The primary themes explored are love, jealousy, betrayal, and power dynamics. The tango serves as a microcosm of the larger conflict within the film, highlighting the tension between true love and forced obligation. It also explores themes of sacrifice and the consequences of following one’s heart.
H3: Did “El Tango de Roxanne” win any awards or accolades?
While the song itself didn’t win specific awards, the soundtrack for Moulin Rouge! received numerous nominations and awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. The entire film’s musical composition, including “El Tango de Roxanne”, contributed to this success.
H3: What makes “El Tango de Roxanne” so enduringly popular?
Its enduring popularity stems from its emotional power, visual spectacle, and its clever fusion of classic and contemporary musical styles. The song resonates with audiences because it speaks to universal themes of love, loss, and the struggle for freedom. It is, in essence, a masterclass in cinematic storytelling.