Maggie Blackbird

When I belonged to a fan fiction community back in the early 00s, a few writers friends were always talking about Velvet Goldmine.  Eventually, their enthusiasm wore me down and I purchased the movie to see what all the fuss was about.

Boy, was I in for a treat.  Being an avid reader and writer of m/m romance and slash fan fiction, and also a die-hard music lover, Velvet Goldmine was the perfect fit for me.

Everyone insist the characters are loosely based on Iggy Pop and the late great David Bowie, but nothing has been confirmed by anyone connected with this movie.

Blurb courtesy of IMDb:   In 1984, British journalist Arthur Stuart investigates the career of 1970s glam superstar Brian Slade, who was heavily influenced in his early years by hard-living and rebellious American singer Curt Wild.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Ewan McGregor, and Christian Bale star as glam rocker Brian Slade, punk rocker Curt Wild, and music fan/journalist Arthur Stuart.

First off, the soundtrack is super awesome.  You’re taken back to the glitter/glam era in the early 70s, something I never got to experience, but heard much about through rock stars and musicians who’ve cited bands such as Slade, Roxy Music, T-Rex, and Lou Reed as huge influences.  Naturally, their music was featured in this movie.

The costumes, make-up, and sets are to die for.  Even the supporting cast are treated to beautiful clothing and hairstyles.

The movie plays out like a fairytale wrapped in a dream with chunks of concrete reality darkening the picture, while reporter Arthur searches for the truth about what happened to Brian Slade.  Set in 1984, the director takes us back and forth from the current film time to the early 70s.

I don’t want to give away too much, so trust me, this movie will appeal to rock fans, slash fan fiction fans, and lovers of m/m romance.  Like me, you’ll be re-watching Brian Slade, Arthur Stuart, and Curt Wild again and again.

I won’t say who’s romancing who in the film.  Just sit and watch to find out.