Not great but worth a star or two!

Rating: 7/10 (23 June 2000)

The old saying "Wine, women and song" translates to "Drugs,sex and rock" in the 60's to 70's and in "Velvet Goldmine" we get it full on! Those who like the music of the era get it almost non-stop and those that like the gay recklessness also get a great helping. None of the colours are subtle in this film. The art director had a ball when he designed these sets and costumes! They're great! Congratulations all round. As for the gay guys, well...that's a part of the story, thin though it may be. It's about a young vocalist Brian Slade trying for the heights of pop stardom. Apparently, any move you care to make is permissible when you're striving for top-rating. He emulates the current popstars and encourages friendships and business liaisons with those who matter. Ewan McGregor fans will not be disappointed in his "bare all" stage performance as the drug ridden Curt Wild and his fall from grace. But it is Brian Slade's story and as played by Johnathon Rhys-Meyer we get a sincere and energetic performance. Some of the flashbacks do get a bit confusing as we jump from decade to decade, but does it really matter? We watch a journalist doing the back streets researching the lives and whereabouts of once great stars. The film starts quietly with a beautiful starry sky. Suddenly a star falls. This unspoken prologue anticipates events which are to follow.