Movie Review

Velvet Goldmine

Cast:

Ewan McGregor
Jonathan Rhys Myers
Christan Bale

Director:

Todd Haynes



The Movie is set in the early 1970's when 'glam rock' was just  beginning to become popular.  The movie follows a new singer by the name of Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys Myers) who is just starting his rise to fame.

At the peak of his career, Brian and his wife Mandy (Toni Collete) meet Brian's idol, another 'glam rocker' by the name of Curt Wild, (OUR LOVELY GORGEOUS EWAN!!!)  who is also a drug addict, and is a fading star.  Brian's manager believes that by putting the two of them together to form an act, it would help both of their careers.  The two record and album and go on tour together. They also form a bit of a relationship, (if you get my meaning!!!) 

After a time, the manager decides to drop Curt, because he's just too wild, and Brian continues on his own.  Not being able to handle the pressure anymore, Brian fakes his death at a concert, and disappears from the public eye.

Years later, a young reporter (Christian Bale) begins to search for what really happend to him.  During flashbacks, you learn of his memories of Brian Slade, and his own 'experiences' with Curt Wild. (Which Curt later doesn't remember!!)

Our Thoughts

If we ever had the chance to meet Ewan in person, there is just one thing we would like to know about this movie in particular, that one question would be..........

"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING????!!!!!!!????????"

You know, we totally support him making non-traditional movies, and staying out of Hollywood. BUT... we have to say this is just a bit too out there.  The acting is good, all the actors did a fine job; and were believable characters.  Our problem was half the time we had no clue as to what was going on.  You never really get why Brian staged his death as he did in the concert.  Or why the reporter was so determined to find out what happend to Brian. Or, Brians' obsession with Curt Wild (well besides the obvious.)

This movie does boast one of the best onscreen kisses we've seen (even though it's between two guys.)   The costumes are well done, taking you right back to the glory days of glam. 

This movie does have good premise, and it could have been more interesting then it turned out to be, if it wasn't all over the place.  Also, what's with the spaceship at the beginning and end of the movie????

We give this movie:  :oP  :oP  (The coveted 2 raspberries!!)

Rating System

:o) This movie was good to Excellent


:o| I'm not sure if I liked this movie


:o(  Hmm, that could have been better


:oP  Ouch, this movie hurts!!! But that's just
        my opinion!!