Velvet Goldmine

Watch Velvet Goldmine

"Style matters. Even when it comes to murder."
  • R
  • 1998
  • 2 hr 4 min
  • 6.9  (38,018)
  • 65

Set in the glam rock era of the 1970s, Velvet Goldmine is a visually stunning exploration of love, music, and identity. Directed by Todd Haynes, the film follows the rise and fall of Brian Slade (played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers), a British rock star who becomes one of the most influential figures in music history. The movie is narrated by Arthur Stuart (played by Christian Bale), a journalist assigned to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Slade. Through his research, Arthur discovers the complex web of relationships that surrounded Slade, including his turbulent romance with Curt Wild (played by Ewan McGregor), an American musician who becomes Slade's mentor and lover.

The film cleverly blends fictional and historical elements, drawing inspiration from the likes of David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Lou Reed. In fact, many of the characters and events in the film are based on real-life figures from the glam rock era, although the film takes certain artistic liberties.

One of the most striking aspects of Velvet Goldmine is its visuals. From the glittering costumes to the elaborate sets, the film presents a vivid and often surreal portrayal of the glam rock scene. The visuals are brought to life by the cinematography of Maryse Alberti, who creates a series of lush and dreamlike tableaux that capture both the decadence and the darkness of the era.

At its heart, however, Velvet Goldmine is a story about identity and self-discovery. As Slade rises to fame, he grapples with the pressures of his public persona, struggling to reconcile his onstage persona with his private desires. Similarly, Curt Wild grapples with his own identity as a gay man in a time when homosexuality was still taboo.

The film's exploration of sexuality and gender is particularly notable, with characters like Slade and Wild challenging traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. At the same time, the film presents a critique of the commercialization of the music industry, suggesting that the high-stakes world of rock and roll can be as corrupt and exploitative as any other industry.

Throughout the film, the music takes center stage. The soundtrack features original songs created specifically for the film, as well as classic tracks from the glam rock era. The performances are electrifying, with Meyers and McGregor delivering powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence.

Overall, Velvet Goldmine is a dazzling and thought-provoking film that captures the spirit of a musical movement and a cultural moment. With its stunning visuals, complex characters, and memorable music, it remains a beloved and influential piece of cinema.

Velvet Goldmine is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 65.

Velvet Goldmine
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Where to Watch Velvet Goldmine
Velvet Goldmine is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Velvet Goldmine for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1998
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    2 hr 4 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.9  (38,018)
  • Metascore
    65
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