Movie Review: Velvet Goldmine

This Movie is Rated R – For Strong Sexual Content, Nudity, Language and Drug Use

I absolutely love Velvet Goldmine. I can’t even guess how many times I’ve watched it. For starters three of my favorite actors are in it; Ewan McGregor, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Christian Bale. In fact this is the movie where I discovered them and it made me want to seek them out in other movies. Throw in Eddie Izzard and Placebo and you can’t lose. It’s set in the glam-rock world of the 70′s. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is Brian Slade (who is a very David Bowie-esque character) and Ewan McGregor is Curt Wild (an Iggy Popish type character). Think sex, drugs and glam-rock with a bit of Oscar Wilde thrown in.

We view this world through the eyes of investigative journalist Arthur Stuart (Christian Bale). He is given the task of finding out what happened to Brian Slade ten years after he faked his own death. So be prepared to hop around the time line quiet a bit as he interviews various people that were involved in Brian’s life. We also discover how Arthur’s life is interwoven in past events.

This is one of those movies that I have enjoyed even more over repeated viewing. The first time through it’s easy to get lost in the time line jumping around business, especially if you aren’t paying close attention. On future viewing that wasn’t a problem for me. Although, glam-rock was not my music of choice during that time (ok, let’s face it I was probably only 11 at the time), it didn’t stop me from adoring this movie. I found I really like the music; in fact this is the only movie I have ever purchased the soundtrack for. Throughout the movie the music really matches the mood of what is happening onscreen.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers is absolutely mesmerizing as Brian Slade. He was able to pull off the swagger and confidence of a rock star, as well as, the more vulnerable moments. He also has a great voice; he sang four of Brian’s songs. With Thom Yorke (of Radiohead) being one of the people to sing the others with Jonathan lip-syncing. During his musical performances I find it impossible to take my eyes off him. I was amazed to find out he was only 20 or 21 when they film this movie and had very little acting experience up to that point. You could never tell it from his performance, he is natural.

Ewan McGregor is great as Curt Wild. He has got the wild rocker bit down and totally inhabits the character. Ewan + black eyeliner; yes please!! He does all his own singing (which just happen to be Iggy Pop songs). Be prepared for wild/passionate song performances from him; including full frontal nudity (“bashful” and “Ewan McGregor” are words you would never hear together). He and Jonathan have great chemistry; I would love to see them do more together in the future.

Christian Bale’s character may be more understated than the others however, it is equally as important. We get to watch his character grow and learn who he is meant to be and find where he fits in. With Christian’s character it was especially important to see the age progression and growth over the course of the ten years and he really pulled it off.

It was fun to see Placebo in the movie. The members of the band got to do a bit of acting, in addition to being one of the featured bands in the movie. They do an amazing cover of “Twentieth Century Boy”. They fit into the glam-rock scene perfectly.

This is a movie that I just really get sucked into. It is energetic and visually stunning. I find myself really caring about the characters and what will happen to them (even when they do things that make me not like them a whole lot). It is one of those movies that I see myself continuing to watch over and over again.


Jan

Following is additional information about the movie that contains spoilers. If you don’t want to be spoiled don’t read any further.

The first time watching this movie I was shocked to see the main character shot and killed during the first ten minutes. Later we find out it was only a hoax, but that scene sure grabbed my attention. I liked watching the progression of Brian Slade from long hair/wearing dresses to “Maxwell Demon” (where image is everything). Pretty much losing his soul and everything he loves along the way.

My favorite parts of the movie revolve around Brian and Curt’s love story:

When they are at the lunch with Jerry Devine and Curt says to Brian “you could be my main man”. At that point I totally fell in love with them as a couple. Ewan was absolutely adorable.

Of course I have to mention the kiss scene. Curt quoting Oscar Wilde before he kisses Brian. I loved that it was totally silent while they kissed (no music or sound of any kind); it was incredibly sexy. The mood then being interrupted by the bright flash of cameras.

Followed by the incredible performance of “Baby’s on Fire”. They were truly on fire together.

Arthur being caught by his parent’s while masturbating to pictures of Curt and Brian (while listening to Brian’s music) was just heartbreaking. He was already feeling lost and out of place, but to then be told by his father that what he was doing was disgraceful just broke him. Watching him leave on the bus just made me want to give him a hug and tell him it will be all right. I was so happy to see him find acceptance with “The Flaming Creatures” (aka Placebo). Their interaction was fun to watch and it was a relief to see Arthur happy.

Curt slipping the pin into Arthur’s beer put a smile on my face. To me it was his way of acknowledging that he remembered Arthur and that their time together was important to him.