“Had a bit of a different selection problem today. Instead of being torn between several options I was excited about, I was just sorta apathetic towards all of today’s options. Nothing that screamed “”WATCH ME NOW!””. Settled on Velvet Goldmine because it fits that category I’m favoring of movies-I-didn’t-really-pay-attention-to-but-should-know-better. Also glam rock Christian Bale and Ewan McGregor.
I do have somewhat of a headache right now, so we’ll see how well I can stick with it. I’d thought maybe I’d set aside some extra time tonight to catch up on new release blogging, and at least have those on hand to post on dance class days this week, but it helps to be able to think about something other than the pain between my eyes.
This is such an interesting film. It’s got a sort of back and forth story structure as Christian Bale’s Arthur is uncovering what happened to Bowie-esque glam rocker Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). As it turns out, Arthur had been a big fan back in the day, so we get both points of view of the story. We see Slade living la vida glitter as well as Arthur so desperate to be a part of it. Sexuality is a big part of the story too, as Slade is an open bisexual and Arthur is closeted and living with very conservative parents. So we get both sides of that view too.
The real scene stealer for me is Ewan McGregor as Curt Wild, the Iggy Pop type sidekick to Slade. Also wonderful is Toni Collette as Slade’s wife Mandy. Both of them (McGregor and Collette) were clearly having so much fun filming some scenes. Not all. Some were quite heavy. But early on when things are going well, the joy clearly shines thru. Bonus points for Eddie Izzard as manager Jerry Devine.
Also some really good music in this. Not the type of thing I’d listen to normally, but obviously an integral part of the film, and very well knit into it.”