"El Tango de Roxanne" is a song from the soundtrack of the movie "Moulin Rouge!" (2001), which was directed by Baz Luhrmann and featured an eclectic mix of popular songs. Here are some interesting facts about "El Tango de Roxanne":
Musical Adaptation: "El Tango de Roxanne" is a unique adaptation of the song "Roxanne" by The Police, which was originally released in 1978. The tango version was created specifically for the movie and features a more dramatic and intense musical arrangement.
Emotional Intensity: The tango version of "Roxanne" is known for its emotional intensity and passionate delivery. The song is performed in the movie by the character Christian, played by Ewan McGregor, as he expresses his feelings for Satine, played by Nicole Kidman.
Mashup of Styles: The song is a fusion of different musical styles, blending elements of rock, pop, and traditional Argentine tango. This combination of genres contributes to the unique and memorable sound of the song.
Symbolic Lyrics: The lyrics of "Roxanne," which are originally about a man pleading with a prostitute to leave her profession, take on new meaning in the context of the movie. The lyrics now reflect Christian's desperation and desire for Satine's love while she is trapped in a world of courtesans.
Choreography and Dance: In the movie, the performance of "El Tango de Roxanne" is accompanied by a visually stunning dance routine that adds to the song's dramatic impact. The choreography showcases the passion and turmoil between the characters.
Vocal Collaboration: The tango version features vocals by José Feliciano, Jacek Koman (who plays the character Toulouse-Lautrec in the movie), and McGregor himself. The combination of these voices adds to the song's layered and powerful vocals.
Cinematic Context: The song appears in a pivotal scene in the movie, where Christian and Satine's complicated love story reaches a crucial turning point. The emotional weight of the scene, combined with the haunting rendition of "El Tango de Roxanne," makes it one of the most memorable moments in the film.
Acclaim and Legacy: "El Tango de Roxanne" received widespread acclaim for its unique interpretation of the original song, its evocative performance, and its contribution to the movie's atmosphere. It has since become one of the most iconic and recognizable songs from "Moulin Rouge!" and remains a popular track in various adaptations and performances.
Award Nominations: The song's arrangement, performance, and impact contributed to the success of the movie's soundtrack. The soundtrack album received several awards and nominations, including recognition for "El Tango de Roxanne."
Impact on Pop Culture: The popularity of "El Tango de Roxanne" has led to numerous covers, parodies, and references in popular culture. Its dramatic and passionate nature has made it a favorite choice for various types of performances and showcases.
"El Tango de Roxanne" stands as a testament to the creative blending of musical styles and the power of reinterpretation to convey new emotions and meanings within a cinematic context.