Australia falls for Moulin Rouge

Mixed reviews, but breaking records at home: Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge has broken box office records on its release in Australia.

The film, set in 19th century Paris but with a modern pop soundtrack, took in A$ 3.6m (£1.3m) over the weekend of 24 to 27 May.

Ewen McGregor stars alongside Nicole Kidman

Moulin Rouge broke the Australian record for the most money taken in the first weekend of release, previously held by The Dish.

The film also broke the country's record for the box office take in a film's first day - held for 13 years by Paul Hogan's Crocodile Dundee II.

The popularity of the film has also extended to the soundtrack, with both the soundtrack album and the single Lady Marmalade at the top of the Australian national charts.

Antipodean cast

The film was directed by Baz Luhrmann, director of 1992's hit musical Strictly Ballroom, and shot almost entirely at the Fox Studios in Sydney.

A 19th century setting, but a modern soundtrack

Moulin Rouge features a largely Antipodean cast including stars Nicole Kidman and Kylie Minogue, as well as Britain's Ewen McGregor.

The film opened the recent Cannes Film Festival but received a lukewarm reception from critics.

The film is currently being shown at 252 cinemas in Australia and is set for national release in the United States on 1 June, and in the UK on 3 August.