Velvet Goldmine (1998) is a film dedicated to the glittery anarchy of glam rock during the seventies. The story centres around the Bowie-reminiscent, glam rock, superstar Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys Myers) and his alter ego Maxwell Demon; a British 'pop icon' who faked his death on stage, following the pinnacle of his career.

Ten years after the hoax, reporter Arthur Stuart (Christian Bale) is given the assignment of finding out what happened to Slade and where he is today. Arthur himself was a former glam junkie, influenced by Slade as a teen. Consequently, the story of Brian Slade unfolds through Arthur's own memories, added to those of Slade's former wife, Mandy (Toni Collette) and one time producer Cecil, through his probing interviews. Ewan McGregor (Katie represses an erotic groan) also stars as Curt Wild, eyeliner and leather clad, American rock singer who profoundly influences Slade, not only professionally, but emotionally; as their relationship resembles that of two starlets on the swoon, an image propelled by Jerry (Eddie Izzard), their manager.

This film is an audio and visual masterpiece. Though it's primarily fictional, it does an excellent job of capturing the essence of glam rock at its best; thanks to Oscar nominated costume designs, a very talented cast, glittery effects, and wonderful music!

The music, featuring classics by Gary Glitter, Roxy Music, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed, is all any glam rocker could ask for. Jonathan Rhys Myers and Ewan McGregor display their stunning voices throughout the film, in songs such as, "The Ballad of Maxwell Demon" and "Baby's on Fire". Oh, and let's not forget the dazzling, leather- clad covers of Iggy Pop's "TV Eye" and "Gimme Danger". UK band, Placebo make their spritely cameo as "The Flaming Creatures", also Radiohead's, Thom Yorke lends his vocal styling to several Slade tunes; both contributing to the glam packed, killer soundtrack.

Todd Haynes (Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story; Far From Heaven), intended much of the movie to be a fictional manifestation of the relationship between Bowie and Iggy Pop. He decided to tell the story of the glam era simply because it had not been explored in film before, and felt it could be spectacularly visual...that it is! The film title shares its name with the early Bowie song, Velvet Goldmine. Though what you see is largely fictional, many elements in the film coincide with actual people and events. Further deepening the meaning to this story, Oscar Wilde's influence on the text is profound. Winner of the "Best Artistic Contribution" Award at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival, Todd explores themes of music, homosexuality, creativity and leads us up that cigarette traced ladder to the stars.

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