2021 Blind Spot Series: Velvet Goldmine
Arthur (Christian Bale) is a journalist doing a piece on a glam rocker, Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and what happened to him after he faked his own death at a concert Arthur had attended. We also see Slade's life and his admiration for another rocker, Curt Wild. (Ewan Mcgregor)
I don't often pick movies made in the 90's for my Blind Spot series, but I've been doing it a bit more lately because there are so many that I have missed, and this is one that gets brought up a lot. It's something I *should* have seen by now, but just haven't. And I have to say it was quite a bit different than I imagined.
I always assumed Ewan McGregor had the focus in this film, because he's the actor that I always here people talk about when discussing this film, but he doesn't. Bale and Meyers have a lot more screen time than him, so I wasn't expecting that. I had actually forgotten Bale was in this at all until I hate hit play, so that was a nice surprise.
The actors are great, especially Toni Collette who was another surprise I wasn't expecting. The music is catchy, it's shot like a music video and gets fantastical at moments, though sometimes you wonder if what you've seen is true or just a fantasy. I enjoyed the fact that I was a bit caught off guard by this film. I expected one thing and was given something else, and I welcome that occasionally.
Recommended: Yes
Grade: B
Memorable Quote: "Nothing, if you don't look at the World." - Curt (Ewan McGregor)
This was okay but only that despite the cast, which was disappointing. I'm not sorry I watched it but would never do so again.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably watch it again, but I'm not in a rush to do so.
DeleteIt's not one of my favorite films as I do love the music and costumes of the time as well as Colette, Bale, and McGregor though I found Meyers to be the weak link in the film. I still watch it though I do understand why David Bowie refused to have his music used in the film which I think sort of worked to Todd Haynes' advantage. Still, it had flaws as I think Haynes wanted to celebrate that whole glam period of the time though I am aware that many of the people from that scene such as Lou Reed, Bryan Ferry, and Brian Eno weren't receptive about the film nor did Boy George who was a teenager during that period and hated the film.
ReplyDeleteI think part of the reason why I think a bio-pic on David Bowie is an impossible film to make is because Bowie was ever-changing and I think having one actor play Bowie is impossible. You need more than one to play Bowie unless you're focusing on a certain period but given what happened with Stardust and why Duncan Jones refused the filmmakers to use his father's music. I don't think a Bowie bio-pic is coming anytime soon.
I agree on the Bowie biopic. That's going to be a tough sell. I agree Meyers was the weakest link among the cast, which was unfortunate because he had the most screen time.
DeleteOk, now's here one I haven't seen and I'm trying to remember if I've even heard of it (shameful, I know). Definitely some intriguing names attached which makes me super curious.
ReplyDeleteThat's okay! That's the beauty about movie blogging, always finding something new.
DeleteI know of the name of this film and that’s about it except for the accolades. I had no clue these actors were I. This film and it is now on my list to see.
ReplyDeleteOh I hope you like it!
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