The exclusion of The Rolling Stones’ “Under My Thumb” from *Moulin Rouge!* was motivated by licensing complications rather than artistic or moral considerations.The music was originally intended for the film as a ballad for the commanding adversary, the Duke of Monroth. Its lyrics, which depict a man subjugating his lover, were judged appropriate to highlight the Duke’s harsh actions toward the film’s heroine, Satine.
However, discussions with the Rolling Stones’ old manager, Allen Klein, fell through, preventing its inclusion on the film’s varied soundtrack.
The omission of “Under My Thumb” did not mark the end of the Stones’ relationship with *Moulin Rouge!* Baz Luhrmann’s crew resurrected their music in the 2018 stage adaptation. The medley “Sympathy for the Duke” features three Rolling
The songs include “Sympathy for the Devil,” “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” as well as “Gimme Shelter.” This medley elevates the villain’s identity, resulting in a theatrical scene that complements the film’s bright and dramatic storytelling.
The decision to incorporate popular music into both the film and stage versions of *Moulin Rouge!* has been a distinguishing characteristic of its success. The film is known for its inventive use of songs from many genres, blending hits by musicians such as Nirvana, Elton John, and Queen to create a unique musical story.
The theatrical version expands on this approach, incorporating over 70 songs and reinventing them as medleys that serve the tale while honoring the originals.
This method emphasizes *Moulin Rouge!*’s commitment to breaking the boundaries of traditional musical storytelling by seamlessly integrating Modern music is incorporated into a historical backdrop, enticing listeners with its theatrical and cinematic flair.
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