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Amazon.co.uk Review
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
Synopsis
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.
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Customer Reviews
The connection with Oscar Wilde and his childhood ambition to become a 'pop idol' spawns the idea that the classic poets were the originators of the artistic sex, drugs, rock n' roll lifestyle that is explored in the movie. The plot concerning the brooch is not intended to be historically accurate, but instead adds a beauty to the story, and acts as a motif that connects past and present events. The film uses fantastical imagery (including a flying saucer), which adds a surreal edge. The film doesn't imply that homosexuals are the spawn of aliens (as another reviewer suggested!)...this indeed would be extremely far-fetched. There are lots of references to heaven and the stars, which is an idea employed by poets during the enlightenment, implying that the characters have stumbled upon their own divine movement, adding to the idea of revolution and freedom.
They are loosely based on real rock stars, but concentrates more on the musical love affair with America and England.
Love the faux seventies music and glamerous costumes, I can't understand the bad reviews.
The music is fantastic with Rhys Meyers performing many of his songs (and he's a pretty good singer!) as well as a couple by Ewan, more recently known for his contribution to Moulin Rouge!'s music. Also present are a selection of other songs such as "Make Me Smile" and "20th Century Boy" (ah, we love Placebo!) fitting the era and atmosphere - though I wasn't even born then so perhaps I am less critical than someone who remembers Bowie's greatness!
I also loved the way the film was put together. The jolting touches of memory and somewhat irregular presentation as Arthur digs out the truth lead the viewer to conclusions and provide for an intriguing storyline (ripped straight out of Citizen Kane). The music videos are great to watch and revisit via the chapter selection and the documentary on the DVD is also pretty good although in my opinion was too much about the era and not enough about the film!
All in all, get this film if you're into slightly alternative cinema, glam rock or just gay issues :) There are some wonderful lines from Brian on bisexuality but you'll have to wait and see them for yourself :)
It was good that I could watch an original.
Toni Collette, is pretty, too, and Christian Bale is very young! Read more
Glitter is only for gays. Girls are charmed by glitter as well. A pure pleasure to watch fancy costumes and makeup. Read more
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