Review of Absolute Beginners (1986) by Stephen C — 22 Jun 2008

This film was unfairly given a right hammering by the Critics when it first came out in 1986.

But one night I watched its first showing on Channel 4 and I thought it was stunning.

Predating Moulin Rouge by some 15 years Julien Temples film maybe flawed in someplaces but the soundtrack and the stunning visuals more than compensate.

The 2 leads are a s bland as Oatmeal and the story set against the backdrop of the Notting Hill riots does lose focus.

But why carp when you have David Bowie singing the title track and Dancing on a Giant Typewriter,Sade singing "Killer Blow".

Gil Evans ripping thru"Selling out" and of course.

Ray Davis crooning "Quite Life".

Add to this Steve Berkoff,Jame Fox ,Alan Freeman and that wondeful tracking shot at the start and you have film bursting with energy and ideas.

Now perhaps it time to re evalue this film a s a lost masterpiece ,flawed yes but still a masterpeice.