Velvet Goldmine
"Leave your expectations at the door"
Almost a decade since larger-than-life glam-rock enigma Brian Slade disappeared from public eye, an investigative journalist is on assignment to uncover the truth behind his former idol.
Top Cast
-
Ewan McGregor
Curt Wild
-
Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Brian Slade
-
Toni Collette
Mandy Slade
-
Christian Bale
Arthur Stuart
-
Suzy Eddie Izzard
Jerry Devine
-
Emily Woof
Shannon
-
Michael Feast
Cecil
-
Janet McTeer
Female Narrator (voice)
-
Mairead McKinley
Wilde Housemaid
Overview
Almost a decade since larger-than-life glam-rock enigma Brian Slade disappeared from public eye, an investigative journalist is on assignment to uncover the truth behind his former idol.
Rating
6.9
/ 10
544 Reviews 2 Popular
2 Reviews
-
Gimly7 May 31, 2017If you stop for five minutes to actually think about the plot, Velvet Goldmine falls apart, but if you just think about how off-the-charts wonderful all the individual aspects are, you'll be just fine. _Final rating:★★★½ - I strongly recommend you make the time._
-
CinemaSerf6 Aug 28, 2023With the swinging sixties finally on the wane, "Brian Slade" (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is starting to feel redundant. His career seems doomed - until that is, he is inspired by the potency of a "Curt Wild" (Ewan McGregor) concert and like a caterpillar to a butterfly, is reborn as the sexually ambiguous "Maxwell Demon" a glam rock icon inspiring adulation the world over. Just as he reaches his zenith, however, it all ends rather suddenly. Ten years after that shocking performance, journalist "Arthur Stuart" (Christian Bale) decides to investigate just what did happen. Todd Haynes has created quite an hedonistic display for us, here. The three lead performances - especially Meyers - really embrace the ethos of the period. The sex, drugs, rock and roll mentality where anything and everything goes is really well reflected. It's not the characters that let this down, though - it's the shambolic narrative and the initial theme just seems to become subsumed in Haynes' desire to show us something that might have been shocking then, but kind of isn't now. Shades of David Bowie, Elton john, Iggy Pop - you name it; but sadly - very little originality. Still it's enjoyable to watch and the actors keep the whole things suitably messy for what did feel like an over-long 2 hours.
Trailers & Clips
Recommendations
In 1966, Helen Reddy landed in New York with her three year old daughter, a suitcase, and $230 in her pocket. Within weeks, she was broke. Within months, she was in love. Within five years, she was one of the biggest superstars of her time and an icon of the 1970s feminist movement who wrote a song which galvanized a generation of women to fight for change.
I Am Woman
6.2 2020
The story of Elton John's life, from his years as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music through his influential and enduring musical partnership with Bernie Taupin.
Rocketman
7.3 2019
Based on the 1973 rock opera album of the same name by The Who, this is the story of 60s teenager Jimmy. At work he slaves in a dead-end job. While after, he shops for tailored suits and rides his scooter as part of the London Mod scene.
Quadrophenia
7.0 1979
Talented but self-centered trumpeter Bleek Gilliam is obsessed with his music and indecisiveness about his girlfriends Indigo and Clarke. But when he is forced to come to the aid of his manager and childhood friend, Bleek finds his world more fragile than he ever imagined.
Mo' Better Blues
6.5 1990
A farm girl is on an epic quest to recover a cherished family heirloom. Her journey leads her to a strange and dangerous city where she meets her one true love – but in order to save his soul, she must put the power of destiny and song to the ultimate test.
O'Dessa
5.8 2025
A look at New York's dynamic punk rock scene through the lens of the ground-breaking Lower East Side club started by eccentric Hilly Kristal in 1973 which launched thousands of bands.
CBGB
6.3 2013
A famous pianist at the twilight of his career meets a free-spirited music critic who soon becomes his rock as his mental state deteriorates.
Coda
6.0 2020
A drama set in the American South, where a precocious, troubled girl finds a safe haven in the music and movement of Elvis Presley.
Hounddog
6.4 2008
The story of the famous and influential 1960s rock band and its lead singer and composer, Jim Morrison.
The Doors
7.1 1991
A mentally disturbed man takes residence in a halfway house. His mind gradually slips back into the realm created by his illness, where he replays a key part of his childhood.
Spider
6.7 2002