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Baz Luhrmann is nothing short of an iconic filmmaker. He writes, he directs, he designs, and perhaps most importantly, he made Shakespeare sexy for millennial high school students everywhere when he cast Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as Romeo and Juliet.
He’s also the most commercially successful Australian director of all time, with four of his films sitting pretty in the top 10 list for highest worldwide grossing Australian films of all time.
When we say “sitting pretty”, we really mean it. Luhrmann’s films are lauded for being visually stunning, with a great emphasis placed on richly coloured, lush set pieces and exquisite costumes, often designed by Luhrmann’s wife, Oscar winner Catherine Martin.
Of course, you can’t mention a Luhrmann film without talking about the soundtrack, either. Any ’90s kid will tell you how indisputably iconic the soundtrack to Romeo + Juliet is, and we have Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! to thank for the 2001 cover of “Lady Marmalade” with Christina Aguilera, Mya, Pink and Lil Kim.
In more recent years, Lana Del Rey being snubbed for an Oscar nod for The Great Gatsby‘s “Young and Beautiful” is considered one of the more egregious snubs in recent history, so much so that there was speculation of sabotage.
All of this is to say, Luhrmann is a force to be reckoned with, and with Elvis premiering next month, there’s never been a better time to watch and rewatch them all.
Here’s where you can stream them all in Australia.
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Synopsis: A maverick dancer risks his career by performing an unusual routine and sets out to succeed with a new partner.
Starring: Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Bill Hunter
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch Strictly Ballroom on iView
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Synopsis: Shakespeare’s famous play is updated to the hip modern suburb of Verona still retaining its original dialogue.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, John Leguizamo
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch Romeo + Juliet on Disney+
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Synopsis: A poor Bohemian poet in 1890s Paris falls for a beautiful courtesan and nightclub star whom a jealous duke covets.
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch Moulin Rouge! on Disney+
Australia (2008)
Synopsis: Set in northern Australia before WWII, an Englishwoman who inherits a sprawling ranch reluctantly pacts with a stock-man in order to drive 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiving landscapes.
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch Australia on Disney+
The Great Gatsby (2013)
Synopsis: A writer and wall street trader, Nick, finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbour, Jay Gatsby.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Tobey Maguire
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch The Great Gatsby on Stan
Elvis will be in HOYTS cinemas on June 23.
This article is part of Greenlight — The Latch’s commitment to the Australian film industry. For more content in this series, click here.
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