Rating: 
Summary: A truly warped film
Review: This movie, besides being cinematically both incredibly weird and ocassionally brilliant, boasts an amazing, engrossing performance from Ewan Mcgregor as Curt Wilde. Besides being unabashadly sexual, he's completely insane, and comes off as a brilliant, erotic mix of Kurt Cobain and Iggy Pop. He also actually sings, a talent used well in his career. The main character in the movie, Brian Slade, is beautiful and untouchable, a perfect David Bowie - without the charm. Where Curt is all impulses, ranging from playful imp to risque performer to jilted lover, Brian is nothing more than a brilliantly thought out plan. Toni Collette, as Brian's wife, is also a wonderful character, an American turned english party-girl oozing charm and sexiness to a washed out and washed up singer, seeing the decadence for what it was. The highlight of this movie (for me) is the kiss between Brian and Curt (but I think they're hot). The only problem is Christian Bale's character of Arthur, who you really just want to go away so you can enjoy the movie. This is more of a four and a half star flick, but ill boost it a bit cuz Ewan is so magnetic.
And also: the kurt cobain thing is kind of interesting, and no, there wasnt grunge in the 70s, but there was punk, and in the 80s there was grunge, so this isnt unrealistic as one might think. and it was rumoured that michael stipe (of r.e.m fame) had a love affair with kurt cobain. and guess who produced this movie? coincidence? probably.
Rating: 
Summary: Cute boys don't save the movie.
Review: As a "young person" who loves David/T.Rex, etc. I was very excited to see this movie.
Even though it has a lot of attractice glam-rock boys, the movie is completely long and boring. The rise to stardom for the main character is exactly like David Bowie's, including the clothing, style of music, etc. The difference was David Bowie was amazing and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, though beautiful, has um, no charisma. He somehow dissapeared even though he was the star of the movie. It made the whole situation rather frusturating, because everything was so obviously copied.
For some reason, Ewan goes from Iggy Pop to Kurt Cobain in this movie, and all his songs end up as grunge rock...which they didn't have in 1970's. Obviously the director was trying to make a statement about decadence and debauchery or something, but that's a little clicheed anyway. If you know nothing about glam rock, this MIGHT be a good intro to the scene, but a much better idea is to buy Ziggy Stardust or Electric Warrior.
Overall, this movie was probably much more dissapointing to fans of the genre than people who were totally unfamiliar with it. the music seemed to be David Bowie-esque but somehow really lacking, except for some T. Rex and Lou Reed.
Rating:
Summary: Overwrought but the music's good
Review: As a big bowie/t.rex glam fan I was excited to see this film, but I have to say I was very disappointed. First, it's TOO LONG (and I fast forwarded through probably 15-20 minutes combined). It's VERY melodramatic and there's little if NO PLOT. Jeez, Mr. Director, PLEASE stop the annoying slow motion segements - especially the bad love scenes - there is no depth to this movie! Also, for a movie set in the 70's, why cast a Kurt Cobain lookalike in a main role? They may as well as had him wearing a T-shirt that said "think about me, kurt cobain and 90's grunge" in every scene. The plot twist that the film ends on should have been the main story...instead, it's never developed. I did like the main character, so it's too bad that the rest of the characters are either, overwrought, shallow, or lack development (except the girlfriend who was also good). The music is the only reason I don't give it one star. It's good even if the movie isn't.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous! Turn It UP!
Review: Watch this movie at maximum volume! Send the kids to grandma's, shut your windows so the neighbors don't call the police, hook up the TV to the stereo, and let go. The music is fantastic, Toni Collette is perfect, Christian Bale and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers are exactly ON, and Ewan McGregor is my obsession. Maybe my age is showing here, but I was a teenager at this time period, and remember the glam rock era, and it could just be nostalgia lurking in the shadows, but I will never tire of this movie. Have 2 copies in case one breaks.......
Rating: 
Summary: Music! Glitter! Ewan McGregor in eyeliner!
Review: I rented this movie because it promised Ewan McGregor in all his glory (and how glorious he is!). I didn't know exactly what to expect, but I was blown away. So many people complain that the story is hard to follow because of the flashbacks, and that you don't get to know the characters enough. The story wasn't hard to follow because of the flashbacks, the flashbacks were what made it all make sense. True, you don't really "get to know" all the characters, but think about it, do you really get to know rock stars anyway? Ewan McGregor was oh so sexy as a rock star (glitter.. leather.. Ewan.. oh my!) and oh so convincing. The soundtrack to this movie is wonderful, though they should make a second one because there was so much that was in the movie and left out of the soundtrack. I must comment on the beautiful kiss, so sweet and passionate, don't you just want to be on the recieving end of that one? Anyway, Velvet Goldmine was one of the best movies I've ever seen, and not just because of Ewan McGregor (but if you think he's as hot as I do, this is a must-see!)
Rating: 
Summary: Complete Sham!
Review: I was actually looking forward to seeing this movie I was fairly certain that it would be based a bit on Bowie (Velvet Goldmine is the title of a very glam-y Bowie song after all) and possibly Roxy Music. I caught a glimpse of the CD track listing and was a little shocked to find it contained virtually all Roxy Music and one old T-Rex track. Well ok, on with the show I mean Roxy Music was part of the glam scene so so I figured they would weave that in somehow. I cannot even tell you how utterly dissapointed I was with this film. It is one of the most contrived things I have ever seen. I will admit that the costumes were certainly glam-y and the overall feeling was certainly early 70's decadence but could they have over blown the Bowie and Iggy Pop characters any more? (That's rhetorical of course). It was so blatant, complete with the annoying American wife who tried to control his career (can you say Angie?). Next up was the band itslef "Venus on Furs", or some such nonsense (umm Spiders from Mars?). The whole "killing off the character thing (Aladdin Sane, abruptly stopped and out comes the Thin White Duke, for further info. consult "Bowie Live at the Tower Philidelphia"). They could have made it ever so much more interesting because in reality, it was...incredibly more entertaining. If you are going to rip of someone's life, at least try get it right for cryin out loud. Ewan did do a mighty fine Iggy Pop impersonation complete with the writhing and alcohol induced antics and that is what kept me from throwing this DVD across the room. Eddie Izzard, whom I adore normally, was well, less than stellar, but then again look what he had to work with. Probably this film will do well among the very, very young (under 25) who have no clue what, who, when, how and why glam was started. These poor kids probably know Bowie from Let's Dance, never heard of Iggy Pop or Roxy Music and think that T-Rex is a dinosaur....literally. No wonder they couldn't license any old Bowie or for that matter Sweet for this film. Since Bowie had nothing to do with this project from hell, I figure it completely redeems him from his "China Girl"/"Modern Love" fog bank. If you have ANY knowledge whatsoever about Glam...don't watch this, it will only make you angry as all hell.
Rating:
Summary: Umm... none
Review: Velvet Goldmine is a really great movie in and of itself- it really tells the life of a rock star and his reign in the way one would want to hear it. One note, though- if you want to buy this simply for the sake of seeing Ewan McGregor (as I did :-)), don't! Though it may say on the cover that he is the main character, he is only in it for about 30 minutes. To add a positive note- Jonathan Rys-Meyers plays Slade very well; he truly becomes his character.
Rating:
Summary: I wish i could give it a higher rating!!!!
Review: If you don't like this movie than you don't like it. Fine. But everyone should at least watch it (twice to really feel its magic) before you decide...I was absolutely in love with the visuals, the music, and the characters (Todd Haynes, you are an amazing director!.) I am 21, and in complete awe of this wonderful era. I always have been. After watching Velvet Goldmine, there is no other movie I would praise higher.
Rating:
Summary: Eye full of Ewan, Thank You Very Much Mr. BBC-Man!
Review: The 70s glam rock movement in the UK hearalded an openly gay glitter lifestyle that rocked staid Brits. Todd Haynes ode to the era of glam is not a biopic of David Bowie and Iggy Pop. Instead, its the fictional story of Brian Slade (Johnathan Rhys-Meyers) and Curt Wild (Ewan McGregor) who prance and vamp through hoards of groupies, hangers on, and entourages of press leaving devistation everywhere. Pretentious with attitude and posing de regeur for the era, these characters wallow in their shallowness. Visual kudos for great eyemakeup for men and spandex for all. Sandy Powells outstanding designs were nominated for an Oscar for costumes. Ewan McGregor's randy performance au natural singing "T.V. Eye" is hot and one could easily see him turning from acting to a singing career. Toni Collette, so heartwarming in Muriel's Wedding, is a sour, left in the dust wife, her ambition and desire for the limelight went only as far as her husband's need for a convenient beard. In the role of the singer's agent, Eddie Izzard, the fabulous executive transvestite comedian plays a straight in the film. This ode to sex, drugs, and platform shoes has several outstanding performances including Christian Bale as the reporter who investigates the WEHT faded rocker. Goldmine is at times wistful yet never goes overboard. It is believeable in its outlandish camp. The video or DVD is worth owning. I have both and the PAL-video special edition which contains minimal differences from the US and British released theatrical versions. Reminder: to be played at maximum volume.
Rating:
Summary: Luscious Rock Dream
Review: Being a huge Bowie fan definitely helped my appreciation of this visually stunning film, as much of the Brian Slade character's dialogue is taken direct from Bowie quotes and legend, but there is so much more here, lying in wait to be discovered. First and foremost, the music! Todd Haynes was unable to secure the rights to any Bowie tunes, but it doesn't matter. The songs are absolutely representative of the era, especially the Roxy Music tunes covered by "The Venus in Furs". Their remake of "2HB" is perhaps the most beautiful five minutes ever committed to tape. Then the cast..Ewan McGregor is mesmerizing as Kurt Wild, Christian Bale is understated and intense simultaneously. Toni Colette is brilliant as well. Jonathan Rhys Myers certainly looks his part, but suffers from a certain stiffness that is happily remedied by the rest of the ensemble. The movie flows like a dream, the plot is here and there but if you let yourself be swept up in it, it will seduce you. I implore all adventurous cinema goers to seek this out. Love it or hate it, you will not forget it. Its a shame there are no extras on this disc, a directors commentary would be most welcome, someday.
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