Perhaps best known for his glitzy rendition of "Moulin Rouge," Luhrman's most recent work, "Australia," has single-handedly re-written what an "epic" film should be.
I don't even know where to begin with "Australia." Even summarizing the film is a tad daunting, simply because the film's narrative is so long and meandering. That being said, this hardly feels like a three-hour movie. Luhrman's sharp style of directing, when paired with the classic elements of westerns and similar pictures of grand proportions, proves perfect.
While many are quick to label "Australia" as one of those love it or hate it movies, it is nearly impossible to deny that it is a fine example of what a three-hour epic movie ought to be. Luhrman has not only one-upped fellow Australian director Peter Jackson (who has no less than 4 such "epics" to his name) in this department, but he has simply blown him out of the water. The film is built in distinct pieces that are tied together by recurring themes and motifs, a practice that seems missing from most of Jackson's 3+ hour films.
To put it simply, this film is Luhrman's crowning achievement and one of the best films of the new millennium. See this movie while it's in theaters, you'll thank yourself later.
Bottom line: 5/5 and a sure-fire contender for Best Picture at the '09 Oscars.
PS: I also saw "Role Models" this weekend. Not a whole lot to be said about that movie, other than it's completely unrealistic and I couldn't possibly care less. Check your brain at the door and go see it.
3.5/5
much respect,
josh
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