Velvet Goldmine

"The secret of becoming a star is knowing how to behave like one."

Oct 23 1998 R 1h 58m
Drama, Music

Almost a decade since larger-than-life glam-rock enigma Brian Slade disappeared from public eye, an investigative journalist is on assignment to uncover the truth behind his former idol.

Plot

London, 1971 - Flower Power is on the wane and floundering hippie troubadour Brian Slade feels old-fashioned and out of step until he experiences the raw power of rock musician and exhibitionist Curt Wild at a live concert. Smitten and inspired, Slade rises from the ashes of fussy brocade, reincarnating as the ambiguous pop-rock God/dess of platinum dust and phoenix feathers, Maxwell Demon. His alluring androgynous imagery and the seductive sounds his 'glitter rock' seduce teenagers across the world, offering refuge for the weird and unwanted with the promise of an everything-goes hedonism. At the height of his fame and cultural influence, he plots his sensational demise to escape, alienating his fans and falling into obscurity. On the 10th anniversary of the character assassination, journalist Arthur Stuart investigates Slade's disappearance, forcing him to revisit his own confusing teenage identity crisis and rebirth mirroring that of his idol Brian Slade.

Written by

James Lyons, Todd Haynes

Directed by

Todd Haynes

Production Countries

United States of America, United Kingdom

Production Companies

Single Cell Pictures, Zenith Entertainment, Miramax, Newmarket Capital Group, Killer Films, Goldwyn Films, Channel Four Films

Languages

English

Awards

Nominated for 1 Oscar. 4 wins & 12 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
39,199
Average Rating
6.9 out of 10
Metascore
65
Popularity
NA