Baz Luhrmann

Baz Luhrmann has only directed three films but has also directed in theatre, opera and music. He began his career as an actor before discovering that his talents lay better behind the camera, in directing, writing and producing.

After a rural upbringing Luhrmann returned to his birthplace of Sydney and attended the National Institute of Dramatic Arts. So his background clearly influenced his interest and love for theatricality and the arts.

Throughout the 1980’s Luhrmann carried out his desire to be involved in musical theatre and stage productions.

Luhrmann’s first film ‘Strictly Ballroom’ was based on a film he appeared in called ‘Winter of our Dreams’. He originally wrote this as a stage play in 1986 and after several award winning incarnations it was converted into a well-executed film with exuberant dancing and an ironic yet sincere sentiment. It became an international hit after appearing at the Cannes Film Festival.

The three films I have chosen to look at are the only ones at present that Baz Luhrmann has directed. Luhrmann has worked with the same people on all three films, the set and costume designer Catherine

Craig Pearce, Luhrmann’s co-writer and great friend, has helped write many spectacular screenplays and scripts.

Martin who in 1997 became his wife, and Craig Pearce, a co-writer who had a big influence on his work. All three people work well together and this allows Luhrmann to have a great deal of control over his projects.

In ‘Strictly Ballroom’ the final dance scene is extravagant and full to the brim with colours and wonderful mise-en-scene. The makeup is exquisite and the costumes are very elaborate. All this adds up to make Luhrmann’s first film very special.

‘Romeo and Juliet’ were derived from the story of ‘Pyramus and Thisbe’ a pair of star crossed lovers drawn from conflicting families, which also ends tragically. The audience perception of Luhrmanns films is that they have deep underlying themes and ideas, but the overall Luhrmann’s films come off as enjoyable and lighthearted.

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