Images Good Story Bad

Rating: 4/10 (20 February 2001)

I agree with the reviewer who said the images stay with you long after you've seen it. Very true. I also enjoyed the glam soundtrack--especially the use of the Eno songs. However, the film tries to do too much. While the images are striking, the film fails to offer any in-depth emotional involvement, partly due to the division of screen time between too many (almost interchangeable) male characters, none of whom are very sympathetic or likeable. Another problem is the wretched singing of Ewan McGregor's character (I'm not sure if it was really Ewan or not, but either way it's baaaaaad) and the lack of charisma of the Bowie dude--a fatal problem for a character who's meant to represent the ultimate in pop stardom. Also there are ridiculous UFO allusions. The Wilde references were appropriate and welcome. Basically a sensationalistic gay melodrama, which may be your cuppa tea or not.