In Moulin Rouge, the use of symbolism adds depth and meaning to the text, more than we realise at first. From colour to song, the story's themes are supported by such symbols. Mirrors are a major part of Satines character, along with veils. She is a courtesan, always trying to please others and therefore what we see is a reflection of what the people want, when she looks in the mirror we watch her change herself to be what the men wish rather than what she truly is. The use of mirrors helps to compare the relationships Satine has with the Duke and with Christian. With the Duke we always see Satine prepping beforehand in the mirror for example when she first goes to meet him as 'the smouldering temptress'; when the Duke gives her the necklace, they both look in the mirror which shows that Satine has conformed to the Duke, and he even builds her a new dressing room - a place designed specifically for changing who you are. The Duke wants the ideal of Satine, not who she truly is. With Christian on the other hand mirrors hardly feature. She deosn't wear elaborate make up or costumes, she's herself. In Christians flat the only mirror is small, dirty and out of the way, thus supporting the idea that she doesn't have to change herself for him. The theory is supported further because in the one scene where Satine is getting ready to lie to Christian, she prepares herself in a mirror. Her reflection representing the fact she has been manipulated by Zidler. | However when Satine really has to hide her true feelings and what she wants she puts on a veil, she wears one when she goes to the Duke after Zidler convinces her similarly after she realises 'The Show Must Go On' she visits Christian to tell him that she doesn't love him, and once again she wears a veil. To further support the theory of performing she steps through curtains each time thus symbolising stepping onto the stage. Satine's entire existence is to please others, to play to what they want, to be what they expect and only when she's with Christian do we see her being herself completely content. Symbolism specifically mirrors and veils represent this ongoing performance that is Satine's life. |