Moulin Rouge! from 2001 was one of those movies that simply dominated a section of pop culture at the time. It was a huge commercial success and received a ton of critical acclaim, providing us with the kind of musical hit that Hollywood had been missing for a while.
Ewan McGregor played the lead in Moulin Rouge! And despite an enduring career filled with some truly remarkable performances, Ethan Hawke still holds a massive grudge against Ewan McGregor for not being able to beat him to play the lead role.
Ethan Hawke Once Lost a Role to Ewan McGregor
When he competed against Ewan McGregor for the lead role in that movie, Ethan Hawke claims he had one of the best auditions of his life. Despite his best efforts, however, he was not offered the role. Hawke recalled the happening and expressed his respect for McGregor as an actor while laughing heartily about it.
“Ewan doesn’t like this because he gets embarrassed, but I gave one of the greatest screen tests of my life for Moulin Rouge. I did not get the part. I crushed this audition. And it just goes to show you how much I like Ewan’s work. I still went to see the movie on opening day and loved it. So, I got over it.“
Other than the Star Wars and Moon Knight actors, the cast also includes Maribel Verdú, Sophie Okonedo, Maxim Swinton, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Chris Silcox, and Chris Grabher.
However, both Hawke and McGregor are good friends now and they shared the screen together in the Apple film Raymond and Ray in which they played estranged brothers.
Moulin Rouge! – An Extravagant Spectacle of Love and Artistry
An enthralling musical spectacular with stunning visuals, Moulin Rouge! quickly became an instant success among audiences. This 2001 picture, which Baz Luhrmann directed, risked being unique by fusing a lavish array of colors, music, and emotions into an extraordinary cinematic experience.
Set in the bohemian environment of early 20th-century Paris, Moulin Rouge! tells the timeless love story of Christian (Ewan McGregor), a poor writer, and Satine (Nicole Kidman).
It’s hard to overstate how amazing Ewan McGregor is as Christian. The Scottish actor’s versatility is on full display as he skillfully portrayed the role of the character of a wide-eyed dreamer and romantic poet. The emotional range of McGregor’s performance is one of its most impressive aspects. He gave Christian’s character a depth of vulnerability and sincerity that makes the audience feel deeply connected to his experiences and struggles.
While McGregor’s performance of Christian adds an emotional tether that keeps the audience engaged throughout the journey, the film’s enduring appeal stays in its ability to take audiences to a world of spectacle and romance.
Source: Cinema Blend
