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Moulin Rouge: Roxanne Scene Analysis

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33 views12 pages

Moulin Rouge: Roxanne Scene Analysis

.

Uploaded by

jozigrayce
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MOULIN ROUGE 2022-02-23 90.

ACT TWO, SCENE 6: THE STREET/THE DUKE’S APARTMENT

#16 “ROXANNE”

Zidler is in Christian’s imagination, wise and


insinuating, so well-practiced in all the
deviltry of love:

ZIDLER
Word to the wise, my dear, never fall in love with a woman
who sells herself, it always ends badly ... There is a dance
from the brothels of Buenos Aires that tells the story of a
prostitute...

Nini boldly strides forward, poses.

ZIDLER (CONT’D)
And the man who falls in love with her...

Santiago strides forward and takes Nini in his


arms, ferocious and passionate.

ZIDLER (CONT’D)
First there is desire...

Santiago and Nini begin to move. Taut,


dangerous and sensual. A tango.

ZIDLER (CONT’D)
Then passion ... Then suspicion ... Then betrayal ... When
love is sold to the highest bidder there is no trust ... You
have been warned.

He leaves the stage as Santiago and Nini


continue their thrilling tango.

CHRISTIAN
ROXANNE!

Christian -- vision cloudy and emotions


extreme from the absinthe -– makes his way
toward the Duke’s apartment, to win back
Satine.

CHRISTIAN
(CONT’D)
HIS EYES UPON YOUR FACE
HIS HAND UPON YOUR HAND
HIS LIPS CARESS YOUR SKIN
IT’S MORE THAN I CAN STAND!
MOULIN ROUGE 2022-02-23 91.

CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
ROXANNE
YOU DON’T HAVE TO WEAR THAT DRESS TONIGHT
WALK THE STREETS FOR MONEY
YOU DON’T CARE IF IT’S WRONG OR IF IT’S RIGHT
ROXANNE YOU DON'T HAVE TO PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
ROXANNE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
Gradually the song builds and it seems all of Paris is
engulfed in the erotic excess. It is savage and carnal.
There are highly-charged tangos. Ferocious
choreographic confrontations and couplings.

ENSEMBLE CHRISTIAN
ROXANNE! PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
ROXANNE! PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
ROXANNE! PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
ROXANNE! PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
ROXANNE! PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
ROXANNE! PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
Dance Break
DUKE (V.O.) *
Never forget, I own your little show -- and I own her -- and *
every one of you! *
*
*
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
WHY DOES MY HEART CRY?
FEELINGS I CAN’T FIGHT
YOU’RE FREE TO LEAVE ME, BUT JUST DON’T DECEIVE ME
AND PLEASE BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY I LOVE YOU
Christian continues on.
AT THE DUKE’S PALATIAL APARTMENT
We see the Duke conferring privately Pierre,
Zidler’s lover. The Duke gives him money.
Pierre goes as Satine enters ... Satine looks
somewhat pale and weak.
SATINE
What was Pierre doing here?
DUKE
Filling my ear with the most interesting tidbits. You show
people do love your gossip.
MOULIN ROUGE 2022-02-23 92.

SATINE
Please, Andre, I’m not feeling well.

DUKE
Pierre is my creature, you see. My eyes and ears on our
little theatrical family. Protecting my investment, you might
say.
SATINE
I don’t need to hear this, it’s despicable.
Satine starts to go. He stops her cold with:

DUKE (CONT’D)
Do you know the address 37 Rue Orphee? Oh, I can see that you
do. Our dear Pierre’s followed you there. Might I ask what
you find so diverting at that address?
She is silent and tense. Cornered.
He slowly approaches her. Dangerous.

DUKE (CONT’D)
Listen to me, my darling. I will not be made a fool. I am no
man’s jester and no woman’s cuckold. I AM ANDRE D’HARCOURT
BENICHOU LE DUKE DE MONROTH!

She recoils at his violent outburst. He moves


in on her lethally.

DUKE (CONT’D)
You will reject the boy. You will shatter him. You will break
his heart. Or believe me, my girl, I’ll have him snatched off
the street, that handsome face beaten to a bloody pulp, his
throat slit ear to ear, and then you can weep your pathetic
love songs over his COLD DEAD CORPSE!
He is terrifying. But just then--
Christian bursts in!
The Duke releases Satine. She quickly turns
away from Christian as he lurches in.
Christian is feverish and unsteady – the
absinthe affecting him badly ... Meanwhile,
the Duke is especially silky. Enjoys every
second of this.

DUKE (CONT’D)
Christian, what an unexpected pleasure. May I get you
something – or perhaps you’ve had enough tonight? A boy needs
to learn how to handle his liquor. And his love affairs.

Christian takes a sudden wild swing at him--


MOULIN ROUGE 2022-02-23 93.

The Duke easily sidesteps it--

Christian falls. Awkward and embarrassing.

CHRISTIAN
Satine ... I’m here for Satine.

DUKE
I beg your pardon?

CHRISTIAN
I’m here for Satine! I’m taking her away.

DUKE
Be my guest.

He steps aside.

Christian pulls himself up.

DUKE (CONT’D)
But … you might want to ask her first?

CHRISTIAN
Satine ... I love you. Fly away with me...

She doesn’t turn to him or respond. So...

CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
COME WHAT MAY, COME WHAT MAY
I WILL LOVE YOU UNTIL--

All music ends as she interrupts, turning and


cutting him dead. Like ice.

SATINE
You embarrass yourself. What makes you think I would leave
all this -- and this beautiful man -- to run off with you?
Your delusion is pathetic. Hear me now once and for all: you
mean nothing to me. I feel nothing for you ... You are
nothing.

She slowly snaps her fingers right in his


face. SNAP.

SATINE (CONT’D)
Nothing.

Christian stares at her, shattered.

DUKE
I think you know the way out, lad.

Christian leaves the room. Devastated.


MOULIN ROUGE 2022-02-23 94.

He begins to cross the stage and then stops.


Standing alone.

As the Duke goes to Satine.

Puts his hand around her throat again. Kisses


her deeply.

DUKE (CONT’D)
You are mine.

He goes.

She stands.

Too traumatized for tears.

Elsewhere on the stage, Christian sinks to his


knees, devastated.

The stage is bare but for Christian kneeling


and Satine standing alone.

#16A “ROXANNE TAG”

COMPANY
ROXANNE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
ROXANNE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT ON THE RED LIGHT…

As ROXANNE ends…

Suddenly, Satine coughs – wretches – and


begins hemorrhaging from the mouth!

Blood pours from her. Her consumption


escalating dangerously.

She exits as...

Christian remains kneeling in another part of


the stage ... Shattered.

Quietly, he begins to sing:

#17 “CRAZY/ROLLING”

CHRISTIAN
I REMEMBER WHEN
I REMEMBER, I REMEMBER WHEN I LOST MY MIND
THERE WAS SOMETHING SO PLEASANT ABOUT THAT PLACE
EVEN YOUR EMOTIONS HAVE AN ECHO IN SO MUCH SPACE.
MMM
MOULIN ROUGE 2022-02-23 95.

CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
AND WHEN YOU’RE OUT THERE, WITHOUT CARE
YEAH I WAS OUT OF TOUCH
BUT IT WASN’T BECAUSE I DIDN’T KNOW ENOUGH
I JUST KNEW TOO MUCH.

DOES THAT MAKE ME CRAZY


DOES THAT MAKE ME CRAZY
DOES THAT MAKE ME CRAZY
POSSIBLY…

He segues into ROLLING IN THE DEEP:

CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
THERE'S A FIRE STARTING IN MY HEART
REACHING A FEVER PITCH, IT'S BRINGING ME OUT THE DARK
FINALLY I CAN SEE YOU CRYSTAL CLEAR
GO AHEAD AND SELL ME OUT AND I'LL LAY YOUR SHIT BARE
SEE HOW I’LL LEAVE WITH EVERY PIECE OF YOU
DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE THINGS THAT I WILL DO
THERE'S A FIRE STARTING IN MY HEART
REACHING A FEVER PITCH
AND IT'S BRINGING ME OUT THE DARK
THE SCARS OF YOUR LOVE REMIND ME OF US
THEY KEEP ME THINKING THAT WE ALMOST HAD IT ALL…
THE SCARS OF YOUR LOVE, THEY LEAVE ME BREATHLESS
I CAN'T HELP FEELING
WE COULD HAVE HAD IT ALL
ROLLING IN THE DEEP
YOU HAD MY HEART INSIDE OF YOUR HAND
AND YOU PLAYED IT, TO THE BEAT…

The song – and Christian’s emotions – are


unresolved...

The music continues as we go to...


MOULIN ROUGE 2022-02-23 96.

ACT TWO, SCENE 7: PRIVATE BACKSTAGE AREA, BACKSTAGE, AND STREET

A PRIVATE DRESSING AREA BACKSTAGE:

That Satine is very ill there can be little


doubt. She is dangerously pale. Hunched,
coughing.

Zidler is with her, concerned. He wears his


Gangster costume for the show.

She stops coughing, wipes a bit of blood from


her lips.

ZIDLER
It’s getting worse. I’ll make an announcement.

SATINE
No, please. We’ve all worked too hard for tonight. And this
is the chance for Christian’s music to be heard by the world.
I can’t let him down--

ZIDLER
Satine... You’re too ill. I’ll have Nini go on for you, she
knows the part.

SATINE
Please. Let me have one last performance.

Beat.

ZIDLER
And you’ll let me take you to hospital in the morning?

She nods.

This is heartbreaking for them. A goodbye.

SATINE
Harold ... Sing a dirty song at my funeral.

ZIDLER
Filthy ... And, if I may…

A moment between them. So much he wants to say


to her…

ZIDLER (CONT’D)
… A bit more rouge, yes?

SATINE
Always.
MOULIN ROUGE 2022-02-23 97.

He goes before his tears come.

Satine looks at herself in the mirror.

She knows she’s dying.

SATINE (CONT’D)
BABY, I HAVE NO STORY TO BE TOLD
BUT I'VE HEARD ONE FOR YOU
AND I'M GONNA MAKE YOUR HEAD BURN
THINK OF ME IN THE DEPTHS OF YOUR DESPAIR
MAKE A HOME DOWN THERE
AS MINE SURE WON'T BE SHARED…

STREET:
Meanwhile, on the street, Christian stands
outside a GUN AND AMMUNITION SHOP.
He turns a box of bullets in his hands, as
Satine continues to prepare for the
performance:

CHRISTIAN SATINE
YOU’RE GONNA WISH YOU THE SCARS OF YOUR LOVE
NEVER HAD MET ME REMIND ME OF US
TEARS ARE GONNA FALL, THEY KEEP ME THINKING THAT WE
ROLLING IN THE DEEP ALMOST HAD IT ALL
YOU'RE GONNA WISH YOU THE SCARS OF YOUR LOVE,
NEVER HAD MET ME THEY LEAVE ME BREATHLESS
TEARS ARE GONNA FALL I CAN'T HELP FEELING

CHRISTIAN AND SATINE COMPANY


WE COULD HAVE HAD IT ALL YOU'RE GONNA WISH YOU
NEVER HAD MET ME
ROLLING IN THE DEEP TEARS ARE GONNA FALL,
ROLLING IN THE DEEP
YOU HAD MY HEART INSIDE YOU'RE GONNA WISH YOU
OF YOUR HAND NEVER HAD MET ME
AND YOU PLAYED IT, TEARS ARE GONNA FALL,
TO THE BEAT ROLLING IN THE DEEP…
At last Satine is ready – costumed in her
thread-bare black dress. Looking every inch
the doomed chanteuse.
Christian pockets the box of bullets and makes
his way to the theatre.

Meanwhile…

BACKSTAGE:
MOULIN ROUGE 2022-02-23 98.

Last minute bustle, everyone getting ready to


take their places for the show.
Zidler is with The Moulin Rouge Girls and
Santiago.

ZIDLER
Where the devil’s Christian?!

SANTIAGO
I don’t know. He hasn’t been home all night--

ZIDLER
You’ll have to go on for him. Hurry, go change ... (Santiago
goes) ... God, what a night! ... Break a leg, chickens! Make
Momma proud!
The Girls exit with him in a flurry as--
Satine enters, deep in her own thoughts ...
Lautrec is waiting. His expression is serious,
to match hers.

SATINE
You know I’m ill…

LAUTREC
I know … Consumption.

SATINE
Yes.

LAUTREC
Christian doesn’t know.

SATINE
Nor should he. Let him escape. He doesn’t need any more pain,
I’ve hurt him enough.

Beat.

There is such love and respect between them.

LAUTREC
Satine…

He bows to her.

LAUTREC (CONT’D)
My muse.

She bows to him.


MOULIN ROUGE 2022-02-23 99.

SATINE
My genius.
Before he can respond -- The Duke enters.
Lautrec remains standing with Satine.

DUKE
Good luck tonight, Monsieur Lautrec.
(to Satine)
And I know you won’t disappoint me, Satine. Shine like the
diamond you are.
He bends to kiss her hand -- but she withdraws
it.
SATINE
That yellow chateau. You can keep it ... As long as I live --
I belong here.

DUKE
You don’t know what you’re saying, girl.

SATINE
Oh, this “girl” knows exactly what she’s saying.
Her defiance and strength surprises him.

DUKE
Satine--

SATINE
No one owns me.
He considers her. Then, coldly:

DUKE
You’ll be back. You are the creature you are. [ALT: We’ll *
just see about that.] *

He goes.
Lautrec is impressed with Satine. A look
between them. He continues with emotion:

LAUTREC
I will make you immortal.
Before he breaks down completely, Lautrec
exits.
Satine begins to head to the stage area...
As Christian enters backstage..
He goes to a prop table. Picks up the prop
revolver we have seen him using in rehearsals.
Carefully opens the chamber…
MOULIN ROUGE 2022-02-23 100.

Then he reaches into his coat pocket and


removes the box of real bullets, hold one
up...

As Satine suddenly leans against something for


support, weak, braces herself for her
entrance…

He carefully loads the real bullets into the


gun one by one as he sings. One, two, three,
four, five, six as…

CHRISTIAN
MY HEROES HAD THE HEART
TO LOSE THEIR LIVES OUT ON THE LIMB
AND ALL I REMEMBER, IS THINKING
I WANNA BE LIKE THEM
EVER SINCE I WAS LITTLE
EVER SINCE I WAS LITTLE IT LOOKED LIKE FUN
AND IT'S NO COINCIDENCE I'VE COME
AND I CAN DIE WHEN I'M DONE…

He snaps the chamber closed...

Satine stands, marshalling her strength…

As the song is reaching its climax, matching


the extreme emotion:

CHRISTIAN AND SATINE COMPANY


WOAH
THROW YOUR SOUL THROUGH
EVERY OPEN DOOR WOAH
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
TO FIND WHAT YOU LOOK FOR WOAH
TURN MY SORROW
INTO TREASURED GOLD. WOAH
YOU’LL PAY ME BACK IN TIME
AND REAP JUST WHAT YOU SOW. WOAH

YOU’RE GONNA WISH YOU


NEVER HAD MET ME
WE COULD HAVE HAD IT ALL
TEARS ARE GONNA FALL
ROLLING IN THE DEEP
WE COULD HAVE HAD IT ALL
YOU’RE GONNA WISH YOU
NEVER HAD MET ME
IT ALL TEARS ARE GONNA FALL
IT ALL
IT ALL
MOULIN ROUGE 2022-02-23 101.

CHRISTIAN AND SATINE COMPANY


MAYBE I'M CRAZY YOU’RE GONNA WISH YOU
NEVER HAD MET ME
MAYBE I’M CRAZY TEARS ARE GONNA FALL
ROLLING IN THE DEEP
YOU HAD MY HEART INSIDE YOU’RE GONNA WISH YOU
OF YOUR HAND NEVER HAD MET ME
AND YOU PLAYED IT
YOU PLAYED IT…
YOU PLAYED IT…
YOU PLAYED IT…
YOU PLAYED IT…
YOU PLAYED IT…
YOU PLAYED IT… YOU PLAYED IT…
TO THE BEAT! TO THE BEAT!

And at the thrilling climax of the song he


brandishes the gun above his head as—

Satine squares her shoulders and prepares for


her entrance--

Black out!

Common questions

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The dynamics between Satine and the Duke serve as a clear illustration of power and control. The Duke exhibits his authority over Satine by using threats and intimidation. He asserts his ownership over her and their shared world through manipulation and violence, as seen in his forceful demand for her loyalty and the threat of violence against Christian . Satine's defiance, despite her vulnerable position, undermines the Duke's authority temporarily, highlighting the struggle for autonomy within power imbalances . This interaction encapsulates the struggle between personal autonomy and imposed control, central to their relationship.

The contrast between the glittering facade of the Moulin Rouge and the characters' deep personal struggles is strikingly effective in heightening the narrative’s dramatic impact. While the visually opulent setting symbolizes escapism and fantasy, it starkly contradicts the inner turmoil and moral dilemmas faced by characters like Christian and Satine. This juxtaposition emphasizes the duality of appearances versus reality, ultimately unmasking the hollowness beneath the glamour. The contrast underscores essential themes of love, sacrifice, and the transient nature of happiness, making the characters' journeys more poignant and relatable . This interplay between external allure and internal conflict enriches the complexity of the narrative.

Satine’s illness serves as a poignant narrative device, escalating the tension and building towards the emotional climax. Her worsening condition is a constant reminder of mortality and sacrifice, influencing key decisions and interactions. The inevitability of her decline fosters urgency in Christian’s attempts to 'rescue' her, and her last performance is laden with tragic foreboding . The visible decline juxtaposes the vibrant world of the Moulin Rouge, underscoring the impending loss and heightening the emotional impact at the story's peak as love, dreams, and mortality collide.

Absinthe symbolizes both escapism and the blur between reality and illusion in Christian’s journey. Under its influence, Christian experiences heightened emotions and distorted perceptions, which drive his impulsive actions towards the Duke's apartment to confront Satine's circumstances. His clouded judgment leads him to rash actions, such as attempting to take Satine away violently . The absinthe thus not only accentuates his emotional vulnerability but also propels the narrative tension, reflecting the theme of destructive obsession.

Satine and Christian's relationship transforms from one of initial idealistic love to a tragic confrontation with harsh realities. Initially, they share a passionate and hopeful connection, driven by a shared dream and ambition. However, as Satine becomes consumed with her illness and entangled in the Duke's manipulative grasp, their relationship deteriorates. Her eventual rejection of Christian, spurred by the Duke's threats, marks the climax where love becomes a means of survival rather than fulfillment . This transformation highlights the pervasive conflicts between desire and circumstance, illuminating the central theme of love's complexity amidst looming tragedy.

Dramatic irony plays a crucial role in the dynamics between Satine, Christian, and the Duke by creating tension and engaging the audience's emotional responses. The audience is aware of Satine's illness, and her compelled deceit towards Christian, while he remains naive, intensifies the tragedy of their situation. Similarly, Christian's ignorance of the Duke’s coercive machinations adds depth to his misguided hope and resolve . This awareness fosters empathy as viewers grasp the full extent of the characters’ struggles and the obstacles to genuine connection, emphasizing themes of misunderstanding and unfulfilled desires.

In Act Two, Scene 6, Zidler plays a significant role in shaping Christian's perceptions of love and relationships by presenting a cynical view that parallels Christian's own insecurities. Zidler warns against falling in love with a woman who sells herself, highlighting themes of desire, passion, suspicion, and betrayal that torment Christian throughout the narrative . This warning resonates with Christian, as he witnesses the complexities and possessiveness in Satine's relationship with the Duke, further intensifying his emotional turmoil and influencing his actions.

The song "Roxanne" significantly heightens the conflict between Christian and the Duke through its aggressive and emotional tone. The song underscores Christian's internal struggle and desperation as he battles with the idea of Satine's fidelity and the Duke's control over her. The tango dance, accompanying "Roxanne," mirrors the tension-filled relationship dynamics by showcasing a passionate confrontation which symbolizes the emotional violence and jealousy Christian feels . This musical moment encapsulates the central love triangle's intensity, illustrating the themes of betrayal and possessive love.

Satine's decision to perform despite her severe illness underscores her dedication to her art and her love for Christian. Aware of her limited time, she prioritizes the opportunity for Christian's music to be showcased, embodying the themes of sacrifice and unfulfilled love prevalent throughout the narrative. Her choice symbolizes her defiance against being controlled solely by others' desires, and despite knowing her condition, she seizes control of her narrative one last time . This tragic decision amplifies the portrayal of love and artistry intertwined with the inevitability of mortality.

Lautrec’s relationship with Satine reveals her depth, strength, and vulnerability. Unlike the Duke's possessive domination, Lautrec offers understanding and respect, calling her his muse. This highlights Satine's artistic spirit and the genuine connections she's capable of cultivating. Lautrec's knowledge of her illness, yet willingness to honor her wishes, underscores the significant trust and mutual respect between them, contrasting sharply with the destructive power dynamics she navigates elsewhere . This friendship with Lautrec not only deepens understanding of her character but also emphasizes the theme of authentic affection versus self-serving manipulation.

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