THE AISLE SEAT
Velvet Goldmind
Rock-on Glam-Rock
by Bryan Powers
G21 Film Reviewer
To receive this article in Deutsch, Francaise, Italiano, Portuguese, Francaise, cut and paste the complete URL("http://www.g21.net/film8.html"), then click here.
| The World's Magazine: g21.net
Event #142: Hall of Mirrors 
LAST WEEK's EDITION Still working that List? Why not visit the G21-Barnes&Noble.com Holiday Gift Shop? |
Arthur Stuart, a newspaper reporter, is assigned to investigate the disappearance of glam-rock star Brian Slade on the 10 year anniversary of the event. During his investigation, Stuart not only unearths information on the rocker's mysterious life, but rediscovers his own coming-of-age. The lives of Slade; his wife; and Slade's idol, lover and fellow rocker, Curt Wild were inspiration to Stuart during his youth and empowered him during his sexual awakening and coming-out. As the movie progresses through flashbacks and fantasy sequences, it is revealed just how closely the reporter's life intertwined with the glam-rockers he so admired.
Haynes' ambitious screenplay neatly weaves the stories of his characters into a cohesive and entertaining narrative. He doesn't stop with simple character study and themes of self-discovery and sexual-revolution, but attempts to give his film a grander scope by connecting his characters to Oscar Wilde through a seemingly sci-fi, UFO, reincarnation sub-plot. Sound like a funky stretch of a plot line? Maybe. But Haynes, who has a reputation of being a somewhat rebellious and thoroughly-independent film-maker, is able to pull it off. The sci-fi element succeeds in adding to the overall otherworldly-ness of Haynes' characters and ties in well with the additional touches of fantasy employed throughout.
Haynes has come a long way since his breakthrough independent art-film "Poison." His most successful film to date was "Safe," a well-received, independent film from 1995 starring Julianne Moore. "Goldmine's" scope and complexity far surpass both of these films. The art direction and cinematography of "Goldmine" rival that of any film released this year. Haynes not only supplies an engrossing story but makes it nearly edible visually. Several musical numbers standout as not only worthy of their inspiration (Bowie's Ziggy Stardust or Iggy Pop) but are possibly visually superior to those artists past efforts.
"Goldmine" borrows from such classic rock films as "The Rose," "The Doors," and even Pink Floyd's "The Wall." But this film remains original and so thoroughly thrilling as to earn a spot next to these same films. With "Goldmine", Haynes has created his calling card. It is an accomplished piece of work that will surely lead him to even greater achievements.
As far as the actors in "Goldmine," they are all terrific. Jonathan Rhys Myers, as Brian Slade, and Ewan McGregor, as Curt Wild, both capture the differing allure and excitement of their rocker roles. While the story never lets the audience too deep into the psyches of these idols, the actors provide enough subtext through their textured performances.
Toni Collette is fun and funky as Slade's party-girl wife. But if musicians must give credit to sampling other musicians, perhaps actors should start giving credit to the actors whose work they sample. Collette's performance owes credit to Liza Minnelli, circa 1972's Cabaret. She sometimes appears to be doing a flat-out impersonation of Minnelli's Sally Bowles character. Not that it doesn't work. It works, but is distracting if you're a fan of Bob Fosse's film.
There may be some argument over the authenticity of this film's portrayal of the glam-rock period it details. There may be some disappointment as to the elements that are left-out or not explored. And there may be some confusion over the sci-fi reincarnation nonsense. Perhaps this isn't the be-all, end-all movie about 70's rock & roll, but it is surely the most enjoyable one to be seen at the present moment. "Velvet Goldmine" rocks!
Grade: A for Attitude!
+++ The Previous AISLE SEAT +++ The Next AISLE SEAT +++
