Velvet Goldmine [DVD] [1998]

Somewhat misleadingly described by many as a mock-biopic based on the life of David Bowie, Velvet Goldmine is so much more than that. Journalist Arthur Stuart (Christian Bale) who sets out to discover whatever happened to Ziggy Stardust-like Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers), the famous bisexual glam star who crashed and burned spectacularly, but in the process helped Arthur awaken his own sexuality. It's an insane homage to 1970s glam rock in the UK as only American, who knew the movement from a distance, would make; it's a tribute to film director Nicolas Roeg's best work, particularly Performance and the Bowie-vehicle The Man Who Fell to Earth; it's a sci-fi movie about an alternative reality (the film's "present" is a 1984 that never existed and frustratingly never clearly explained); it's a queer Citizen Kane with lashings of eye-glitter, a complete mess, an absolute delight and a chance to see Ewan McGregor naked in case you didn't catch him in The Pillow Book as the Iggy Pop-like Curt Wild, Slade's lover/protégé.

Director Todd Haynes, who made the incredibly spare Safe and a biopic about Karen Carpenter with Barbie dolls, crams in everything--including the kitchen sink, all the washing-up and half the larder--as if terrified he'll never get another chance to shoot even a commercial again. The pacing drags like catwalk-queen's glittery taffeta train at times, but then glorious swooping musical numbers and clever bits of allusive business arrive that will brighten the day of many a pop-fan and film-buff. Never anything less than ruthlessly inventive and demanding of patience and an open mind, it's one for connoisseurs. Viewers who prefer easy-viewing eye candy are well advised to stick with fluff like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. --Leslie Felperin

DVD Special Features:
Full motion menu
Scene selection
Theatrical trailer
Behind the Glam & the Glitter
Picture Show/Photo Library
Printable Photo Library

Aspect ratio: 16:9 anamorphic / 4:3 full fram
Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1 / Dolby Surround

Loosely based on the experiences and personalities of David Bowie and Iggy Pop, Velvet Goldmine is a wild, glitter-laced trip through the 1970s era of glam rock. Fictional characters Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) and Curt Wild (Ewan McGregor) are personifications of glam rock's ideals--with the mysterious and androgynous Slade balanced by the intense, raucous Wild. When Slade disappears, the era itself seems to melt away, swallowed up by the slick 1980s. But Slade's story, and the story of glam rock, is retold when journalist Arthur Stuart (Christian Bale) is assigned to discover what really happened to him. Through his own memories of the time, Arthur faces his childhood fears and fantasies. With a nod to Oscar Wilde, a "Citizen Kane"-like structure, and an overall sumptuous atmosphere, Velvet Goldmine is director Todd Haynes's unique look at homosexuality, indulgence and, most importantly, rock 'n' roll.

1971. Glam Rock explodes onto the world scene in a blaze of glitter and guitars. At its centre the flamboyant Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). Together with outrageous American rocker Curt Wild (Ewan McGregor) they challenge conformity and take on the world!

1974. Suddenly, at the height of his career, Slade decides to fake his own death on stage. The stunt backfires and he is never seen again.

1984. It's the 10th anniversary of Slade's disappearance and journalist Arthur Stuart (Christian Bale) is sent out to expose the truth behind the myth.

Controversial and explicit, Velvet Goldmine takes you on a journey into rock'n'roll excess. Back to the Stardust 70s. Back to the sights and sounds of the Glam era to a time when anything goes.