Australian film director Baz Luhrmann, who took over the paddles from head judge Len Goodman Monday and Tuesday night on ABC's Dancing With the Stars. Luhrmann's film "Strictly Ballroom" was the inspiration for the reality TV show and its British counterpart. (photo courtesy Baz Luhrmann)
When head judge Len Goodman couldn't make Dancing With the Stars this week due to commitments in England, the charming curmudgeon-in-chief was replaced by the edgy and eccentric Australian film director, Baz Luhrmann.
Luhrmann, whose quirky film Strictly Ballroom not only became a cult classic, but also the inspiration for the original British version of Dancing With the Stars, "Strictly Come Dancing," was a ballroom dancer as a child.
Perhaps best known for his Nicole Kidman/Ewan McGregor love letter to Paris nightlife, Moulin Rouge!, Luhrmann inspired the dancers on Week Two of the competition to step out into that steamy, starry corner of the galaxy where Luhrmannesque dreams come true, everything just slightly off-center.
Aaron Carter and his partner, Karina Smirnoff, channel Kermit and Miss Piggy in their jive tribute to The Muppet Show theme.
Donny Osmond and his partner, Kym Johnson, nail a jive to "Secret Agent Man."
All Dancing With the Stars videos courtesy ABCNetwork YouTube channel.
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A Luhrmann Primer:
Original Baz Luhrmann 90's music video to "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)" (based on a 1997 essay by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich)
Chanel No. 5 perfume ad directed by Luhrmann, starring Nicole Kidman.
Baz Luhrmann's campaign video for Tourism Australia, "Billabong."
Essential viewing. The final scene from Luhrmann's 1992 cult classic "Strictly Ballroom," an unforgettable, heart-stopping paso doble.
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Lee DeVita
jlsathre
ManhattanWhiteGirl
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Shannon Kulik
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Salon.com
Comments
I couldn't view any of the other clips because of the "out-of-country" restriction (I live in Bumfuck, Mexico) but I would barf before viewing anything that the old stiff nasty politician does anyway. I've seen clips of his "moves" on the political shows and he makes my butt hurt. And I recall that he sang publically a few years ago. Arrrghhh....how BIG is his fat, late middle-aged ego?
It turns out that it was actually a relief to be spared seeing him "dance."
So, here's a question: He's dancing on a "pressure-fracture" in his foot? He's not moving very gracefully. Was he working for Bush with a "pressure-fracture" of his conscious?
I'm just saying.....
Rated, kiddo, for the real dancing.
I knew I wasn't alone.
He isn't the first Republican politician to tango to that tune. The Governator did it in "True Lies." Al Pacino probably made it most famous in "Scent of a Woman."
By the way, for those who are asking, 'Baz' Luhrmann's real name is Mark Anthony Luhrmann. No, Baz is not his birth name.
Btw, your Luhrmann primer is fabulous researching/reporting. Kathy, you continue to impress.
And, most of all, I Love Baz Luhrmann, Love Strictly Ballroom, and for some reason (must have been the timing) am in thrall to Moulin Rouge. I love the time period, loved all the characters, supporting and leads, loved the story, loved the music (Elton John!). It makes me cry every time.
Thanks!
I hear Mark Sanford will be on soon. He learned how to dance while he was hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
Fun post, Kathy You're so versatile. Wanna dance?. R
Rated.
Sorry, Juliet. Guilty. I see you picked up some interesting follows, including the very valuable @martindave.
Stim, I absolutely agree. There needs to be some separation in the middle of the pack.
Connie, sometimes a clip is all you need. I share your love of Strictly Ballroom.
Jeanette, ha! Exactly.
skeletnwmn, happy to oblige on both counts. 'Sunscreen' and 'Strictly Ballroom' are both don't-misses.
MandyCat, gotta give him props for doing it, though. Poor Onion writer.
john, we felt the same way. The original Moulin Rouge movie was one of my husband's favorites, so he was disappointed in this version, and yes, we almost walked out. I'd probably appreciate it in a different way now. Thanks for the kind words. I try. I envy the dancers on DWTS, but I'm glad I'm not dancing in front of that kind of an audience.