Controversial, fun, fiction-- see it again

Rating: 9/10 (24 November 1998)

I admit I found it unnecessarily confusing first time round, but seeing it again, I could appreciate the layers of storytelling. Not all of it works, true -- the Oscar Wilde tie-in is the weakest link -- but overall I found it very innovative and visually exciting. I've loved glam rock for years, and wasn't insulted or shocked by the movie's use of glam to deliver its message. This is a work of fiction, *not* a biography. I found the performances superb. I found Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Ewan McGregor completely believable in their roles, and Christian Bale gave his character a poignance and a strength that was quite powerful. Rhys Meyers, though, I must single out, because he gave Brian Slade just enough vulnerability to be sympathetic while remaining enigmatic. It's a difficult role for anyone to pull off, and given Rhys Meyers' youth and handful of credits, I found myself impressed with how well he did. Given its non-traditional storytelling, its sexual themes, and its colorful style, I don't expect this to be a popular film, but to anyone who liked it, I recommend seeing it again. I enjoyed it even more second time round.