Cunning exploration of the mysticism surrounding 70s glam rock.

Rating: Null/10 (19 November 1998)

Todd Haynes' films are generally misunderstood. From his first film, "Superstar", where he filmed the Karen Carpenter story using manipulated Barbie Dolls, his subject matter has been a bold mixture of horror, documentary, comedy and disease of the week TV films (see "Safe"). Though not his best film, Velvet Goldmine is his most accessible and a heck of a lot of fun. Sure, this is a gay fantasy of the life of David Bowie, but what do you expect from a gay filmmaker. Haynes is one of only two "indie" directors (the other, Michael Tolkin) making enduring relevant films that do not involve guns or slackers. Haynes avoids the pastiche cliche seen in many recent 70s revival movies (see Boogie Nights) in "Goldmine". Instead he creates a loving, mystical recreation of life in the era of vinyl. These people are not slackers, but consumers, and consumption is his main theme. This film is provocative long after you have left the theater. The most amazing contribution to this film is the original soundtrack, based mostly on David Bowie themes. Unlike Bowie, whose obscurity if often misunderstood, these songs provide a groundwork from which they stem, often surpassing songs they are parodying.