No./4 You’re invited to Baz Luhrmann’s next bash
Four reasons why the Australian filmmaker is the perfect person to adapt the surreal epic novel The Master And Margarita
“STRETCHING BACK ALMOST 20 years, I’ve had an incredible connection with The Master And Margarita,” says Baz Luhrmann. Now, finally, he’s secured the rights to Mikhail Bulgakov’s satirical masterwork, to produce and likely direct. But why is he the right man for the job?
1. HE HAS EXPERIENCE WITH LITERARY CLASSICS
Luhrmann has tackled towering literary edifices before in his adaptations of Shakespeare (Romeo + Juliet) and Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby). This is along similar lines. Russian playwright and author Bulgakov began work on the novel in 1928, but it wasn’t published until 1966, 26 years after his death. Since then it’s been hailed as one of the great works of the 20th century, translated into dozens of languages and selling millions.
2. HE GETS THE CULTURE
“I wouldn’t take a directing job if I didn’t think it was enriching life,” Luhrmann told The Guardian in 2001. As well as being a universe-spanning love story, the novel is also a devastating satire of Stalin’s Russia. And as with much satire, there are elements that feel timely. Bulgakov’s narrative targets political elites, and champions those whose keep faith in humanity.
3. VISUAL SPECTACLE IS HIS FORTE
The book’s scattershot structure gives ample opportunity for lavish period production design, taking in the theatres and apartments of Moscow in the 1930s, and Jerusalem at the time of Christ’s crucifixion. Think of the Paris of Moulin Rouge!, Gatsby’s mansion and the Australia of, well, Australia, and imagine what Luhrmann might do with the canvas Bulgakov provides.
4. HE CAN GO FULL BONKERS
“An unconscious Argentinian fell through my roof,” says Ewan Mcgregor in Moulin Rouge!, “quickly joined by a dwarf dressed as a nun.” The Master And Margarita will see that and raise him Satan disguised as an urbane professor (who performs magic at a variety theatre); a vampire maid; a fanged hitman; a witch; and a giant cat who walks on two legs and loves chess and vodka. No green fairies, though. Not quite.