This book isn't a comprehensive behind the scenes book about the film, but it still has a lot to offer. Firstly, it has a summary of how the film came about, and, also, it includes the entire screenplay. You have to see the film first to really be able to understand the screenplay on its own. The screenplay on its own doesn't fall short by any means, but it you haven't seen the film, the more theatrical parts of the screenplay--the specifics wordings, and characterizations--might lead to confusion. The book also shows a lot of photos from the film. (I only wish they had shown more, as its helps capture the film's quality in the book, and why the film is so special.) It is a little book, but it is really good, and I recommand it to both film fanatics of Strictly Ballroom, as well as to newcomers who have yet to be introduced to the film.

It's a good book. ok? So like buy it and stuff, cause its cool, ok

I adored the movie Moulin Rouge and the soundtrack is one my favorite CDs but the book was a great let down. I was hoping to find a written explaantion of how Moulin Rouge was made and to see pictures from this glorious film. Instead it seems more like an overpriced graphic novel. The fact that there is not one clear photograph of either Nicole Kidman or Ewan McGregor is ridiculous. Hopefully some one else will write a real book about the making of the film.

"Moulin Rouge" is one of my all-time favorite movies. I am still blown away by the depth, intensity, and flamboyance of the film. Thus, this book seemed a necessity for me. However upon reading some of the below reviews, I was skeptical about purchasing it, but curiosity won out. This purchase has proven to be a great investment.

This book chronicles Baz Luhrmann's journey of creating "Moulin Rouge". Containing vivid and colorful pictures of movie stills, behind-the-scenes snapshots, 19th century drawings, and production blueprints, it gives the reader a tiny peek into the brilliance of the entire Moulin Rouge experience. In addition, the book contains numerous interviews with key players in the production, including the choreographers, cinematographers, stylists, musicians, etc. For me, the best part was learning so much about 19th century Paris, and learning about the actual people and places that inspired many of the film's characters.

My one complaint is, the book is too short! Much more could have been included, such as interviews with Nicole, Ewan, and other main stars. (These are however, available on the DVD of the film). I also wish that many of the background topics would have been more extensive; most interviews are limited to a page or two. I could have read chapters on these people!

Bottom line: a great buy. I am even more in awe of Luhrmann et al, after reading this book.

What ever you missed seeing in Baz Luhrman's Moulin Rouge is captured here in the companion book to the film. A marketing compendium of behind the scene shots and some strikingly beautiful portraits of principal actors Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman by Ellen Von Unwerth, this book is a coffee table accessory. If you were not one of those privy to receive the promotional booklet sent by Fox Studios prior to the film's release, this book will provide the same material and more. Guest photographers Douglas Kirkland and Mary Ellen Mark shots of garish aspects of the cast of club performers, dancers, tatooed men, little people, and cross-dressers who were barely visible in the frantic pace of the film are visually arresting. These are faces and stories unto themselves. Many of the lush color shots give a flavor and hint at the arduous task of putting the film together. Disappointing is the text that restates the numerous press releases, website data, and offers a brief history of bohemian Paris through the look of modern actors in costumes however stunning those costumes may be. Coffee table books are nice presents but in the end, they are decorative additions that provide entertainment for a fleeting moment of conversation, much like the film did in heated discussions over Baz Luhrmann's filmic style. Wait for the paperback edition as the price is high for the hardcover edition even though the quality of the book is worth the price for collectors.