Review of Velvet Goldmine (1998) by Alexavier R — 23 Mar 2008
First off let me note that Todd Haynes is probably the most ambitious and inventive filmmaker working today. Far From Heaven, Safe, I'm Not There, and this film are big, bold films that is completly different from anything else.
The problem with ambitious films is that sometimes they work and sometimes they fail. Velvet Goldmine is somewhere in the middle of those two categories, it succedes in certain aspects but as a whole film, it seems slightly hollow.
The recreation of the glam rock era in England is simply perfect and the film generates a lot of energy through its fascination with the people and style of the era. However, a lot of the characters in the film seem very underdeveloped especially Christian Bale and Ewan McGregor's characters.
The film is set up as a slight homage to Citizen Kane but this film is unable to match Welles characterization and depth. It's certainly a fun to watch movie, full of energy, but you might not take a whole lot from it.
And of course the soundtrack rocks!
This review of Velvet Goldmine (1998) was written by Alexavier R on 23 Mar 2008.
Velvet Goldmine has generally received positive reviews.
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