Review of Velvet Goldmine (1998) by John S — 05 Feb 2008

Velvet Goldmine is a fictitious viewing of the emergence of the glam rock scene in London in the early 70's that focuses on Brian Slade and Curt Fury and their relationship. Rhys-Myers' Slade is obviously David Bowie where McGregor's Fury is Iggy Pop, but don't tell them, that!

This is a valuable film for musicheads that are too young to have grown with the movement, but were raised on tunes from Eno, Bowie, Reed, etc. Seeing the progression of Slade's character and evolution into "Maxwell Demon," as well as the blurring lines of sexuality is a fantastic glimpse into a time when music was more than something you can stick to your Myspace page and upload onto your iPod. Music used to be something more than it has become and that's a shame. No longer are there sweeping revolutions stemming from musical innovations, there are only $0.99 downloads and burnt MP3 cd's.

Christian Bale plays a reprter trying to dig up facts on Slade after he suddenly fell out of the public eye through interviews and personal memories. Generation Tech is finally given the chance to emerge ourselves in the glitter-drenched, boa-wearing times where anybody could be everything to everyone.

A charming film for music fans (AWESOME SOUNDTRACK, HERE), those interested in gender issues, or anybody who just wants to see lotsa glamorous actors giving great performances. Give it a looksee.