Kidman film to open Cannes

Kidman starring in musical set in 19th century Paris

PARIS, France -- The Cannes Film Festival is set to open with the world premiere of Moulin Rouge starring Nicole Kidman, the organisers said.

The film, directed by the Australian Baz Luhrmann and also starring Ewan McGregor, revolves around the bohemian nightlife of the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and his absinthe-drinking friends.

Luhrmann's debut, Strictly Ballroom, was given a wild reception at Cannes in 1992 with audiences stomping their feet and dancing in the aisles. The film was named runner-up for the Golden Camera award for a first feature.

Cannes Festival Director Gilles Jacob said he was happy to launch this year's film extravaganza with a studio movie that revived the best of entertainment traditions.

Musicals have emerged from the cinematic doldrums since Danish director Lars von Trier's Dancer in the Dark won the Palme D'Or for best movie at last year's Cannes awards.

Icelandic pop singer Bjork scooped up the Best Actress award for her performance in the film.

Luhrmann, whose last movie was a modern version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, promises to deliver an altogether more lush affair than von Trier's low-budget melodrama, filmed on digital cameras.

The $50 million Moulin Rouge was shot at Fox Studios Australia in Sydney on a gigantic set with hundreds of extras.

"It's wonderful news because I have marvellous memories of the presentation at the festival of my first film, Strictly Ballroom," Luhrmann said.

This year's festival runs from May 9 to 20.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Cannes International Film Festival
Francis Ford Coppola
Apocalypse Now

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