April 4, 2007
interesting but flawed - frustratingly got a couple things right... just listen to the the records.
Ewan McGregor,
Jonathan Rhys Meyers,
Toni Collette,
Christian Bale,
Eddie Izzard
... see more 
At the 1998 Cannes Film Festival, American independent director Todd Haynes (Safe) received the "Artistic Achievement" award for this re-creation of the UK glam rock scene of the early '70s. Glam rock... read more
Directed by: Todd Haynes
Release Date: November 6, 1998
DVD Release Date: May 18, 1999
Stats: 2,462 reviews
Your Rating
Flixster Reviews (2,462)
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December 28, 2011Brian Slade: Man is least himself when he talks in his own person... Give him a mask and he'll tell you the truth.
"The Rise Of A Star... The Fall Of A Legend."
I strongly dislike Velvet Goldmine to the point where it was hard for me to get through the whole thing. I had to fi... read more -
May 15, 2011i don't understand this kind of movie. if you take away the makeup, Bowie impersonation and bisexuality, you're not left with much. just Christian Bale. actually, thats enough for me. three stars!
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October 29, 2010Jonathan Rhys Meyers leads a talented group of actors in this fantastic glam rock spectacle. Everything about this film set primarily in the 70s is decadent, and over the top: the music, the clothing, the sexual freedom, the drug abuse, and all the excesses of life. Toni Collete,... read more
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May 26, 2010Definitely one of my favorite movies of all time. It had the ability to move in and out of conscious plot development that made me feel like i was listening to a song rather than watching a movie.
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March 22, 2010I watched this years ago and it was certainly visually striking. Interesting. I think I need to watch it again....
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November 20, 2009I really enjoyed the visual style of this movie. It captured the 70s era of glam rock perfectly and the social/sexual revolution it produced. It is perfectly acted by Johnathan Rys Meyers and Ewan McGregor, who embody the skewed versions of David Bowie and Iggy Pop quite well.
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October 28, 2009Everything here, the costumes, the sets, the soundtrack, all is so glamorous and colourful!, and Haynes managed pretty well to put on screen the dazzle and feel of the whole glam-rock scene.
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October 26, 2009Fictional rock biopic follows the life of musician Brian Slade, based upon the life of David Bowie. Stylish period film beautifully recreates the British glam rock scene of the early '70s. Sountrack features a pulsating score with dozens of performances of both new songs writ... read more
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September 12, 2009Glamourous; Rhys Meyers and McGregor are interesting to see together. Izzard and Collette make for some wicked characters for the background and a smashing soundtrack, no less. Bale, pre-laryngitis...not unlikeable at all.
Not to mention Placebo being in this = SWEET.
A really ... read more
Critic Reviews
April 23, 2012
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
January 7, 2012
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
The style is devilishly flamboyant and gleefully indulgent; every shot is full of amazing stuff. The edits dance and twist. It's a glam movie about a glam subject. Full Review
September 1, 2009
Rob Nelson, City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul
Velvet Goldmine gives the rock movie a makeover. Full Review
March 28, 2006
David Noh, Film Journal International
While some gay men's fantasies center around muscled jocks, cops or cowboys, Todd Haynes' would seem to be of a slightly more arcane bent. Full Review
February 28, 2005
Dragan Antulov, Draxblog Movie Reviews
the ending happens at least half an hour later than it should
March 25, 2004
Jeremiah Kipp, Slant Magazine
Repeat viewings will allow one to piece together the fragmented montage as a melancholic ode to freedom, and those who fight for it through art. Full Review
September 5, 2003
Shawn Bowers, Kansas City Star
A bizarre thing, this trippy movie takes you on a whirlwind tour of Brit glam rock and doesn't let go. Graphic and unforgiving, but good.
August 27, 2003
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Clever, often fascinating look at the world of glam rock.
April 2, 2003
Jeremy Heilman, MovieMartyr.com
Working slightly against it, it's got an elliptical approach that's initially emotionally disorienting, a plot structure that's been a bit too audaciously borrowed from Citizen Kane, of all things, an... Full Review
February 2, 2003
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times
Ewan really needs more lessons before he attempts an American accent again.
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Velvet Goldmine
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