What ever happened to Brian Slade... who cares

Rating: 1/10 (3 June 2003)

I really, really wanted to like this movie. I read very mixed things, yet still it would NOT deter me. I suppose after recently viewing "Far From Heaven," and seeing Todd Haynes' name attached to this, I had my expectations way too high.
Style in the film is cool, but the opening title sequence reminds me of what didn't quite make the cut of the first Austin Powers flick.
The main issue for me was that I didn't really feel for any of the characters. They all seemed like one dimensional caricatures.
Never did I feel the soul behind Brian Slade (his inspirations, his songwriting, his artistic process -- isn't that a big part of a musician?!) All I know is he's a guy that likes to perform in flamboyant clothing, with no reference to where his music is really coming from. And the music wasn't terribly inspiring either. And I never forgot he is lip syncing.
Toni Colette did a good job, but the film makers never have enough consideration to explain why her accent vacillates from British to American throughout the film. (Is it for Brian's image? No one is telling me) Anyway, she was probably the best in the film. Ewan did what he could with the material.
And there are some "Citizen Cane" references, but there's no Rosebud, and at least I cared about Cane.
So cut to the bottom lines:
1) If you want to see a brilliant Todd Haynes film, see "Far From Heaven"
2) If you want to see a brilliant glam rock film with a killer soundtrack, great production, and some SOUL, see "Hedwig & The Angry Inch"
3)If you want to see Ewan McGregor nude, see "The Pillow Book"