Moulin Rouge

After watching a movie with your children or students, we encourage parents and teachers to look for education opportunities to teach with movies. Here are a few discussion topics that can help with lesson plans or teaching in the home.

The Moulin Rouge has been an infamous part of Parisian nightlife since it opened its doors in 1889 and actually had a large elephant with a room inside it. Toulouse Lautrec (portrayed in this film), a famous artist that came out of the bohemian movement, was a frequent visitor to the cabaret. His life, shortened by alcohol addiction, is credited for establishing anti-socialism as a stereotype for the modern artist.

Do you feel artistic people must abandon mainstream society and use mind-altering substances to be creative? Can you think of any famous people who have followed Luatrec’s formula for success, who have also had their lives end tragically?