'Moulin Rouge' trivia and fun facts
Tribute
Much of the cinematography was intended to resemble the poster art of Henri de Toulouse Lautrec. Some of the costumes and character make-up also paid homage to his poster art.
Two roles
José Ferrer plays dual roles. He plays Henri and his father Alphonse, the Comte de Toulouse-Lautrec.
Picasso
John Huston found out that Pablo Picasso himself was so interested by the shooting of the movie about the Moulin Rouge cabaret and Henri de Toulouse Lautrec that he rented a hotel room with a window just above the places where some scenes of the film were shot.
40 or 25?
For much of the film the 40-year-old José Ferrer was playing Henri de Toulouse Lautrec at the age of 25
Getting shorter
José Ferrer was transformed into the short artist Toulouse-Lautrec by the use of camera angles, make-up, costume, concealed pits and platforms, and short body doubles. Ferrer also used a set of special knee pads of his own design which allowed him to walk on his knees with his lower legs strapped to his upper body. He suffered extreme pain and could only use them for short periods of time. The cane he used in most of his scenes was of absolute necessity.
Forger
Artist Marcel Vertès, whose hand is seen making "Lautrec" drawings, paid part of his tuition in art school by forging and selling "Lautrec" drawings.
In the nick of time
Director John Huston only finished the final edit a few hours before the December premiere to qualify it for Academy Award consideration.