“Baby’s on fire
Better throw her in the water
Look at her laughing
Like a heifer to the slaughter
Baby’s on fire
And all the laughing boys are bitching
Waiting for photos
Oh the plot is so bewitching”
Barely had Jonathan Rhys Meyers begun crooning these lyrics in the movie ‘Velvet Goldmine’ and I was already laughing and in love with the song. I had come across the movie on IMDB some six years back, at that time the rating was some 6.8, not like I trust IMDB ratings anyway, but I was not sure if I wanted to see the movie. I finally decided to watch the movie only recently, since back then I was not such a big admirer of either Rhys Meyers or Christian Bale.
And since I had little expectations from the movie, I absolutely loved it! What a surprise this movie turned out to be. It’s sort of raw, wild, dreamy and intriguing. The entire soundtrack was great. The whole glam rock theme was very interesting and new to me. Men wearing glitter and make-up and whipping out rock numbers. It can either get you saying “weird” or “wow” and it was a bit of both for me. More on the “wow” side to be honest! (Grins like an idiot). I was completely intrigued throughout the movie about what is going to happen, not that it is some Agatha Christie plot though. Just saying.
And the biggest surprise in the movie was Ewan Mc Gregor. Sure he is an already established actor but his acting never seemed very striking to me. I have seen him Star Wars, Big Fish, Moulin Rouge, I love you Philip Morris (Jim Carrey overshadowed him), but his roles never hit me, I don’t know why. But in Velvet Goldmine he plays a neurotic rebellious musician and plays it brilliantly, his body language is fantastic and every bit the crazy rocker he is supposed to be.
Oh and I never thought I will get to see Christian Bale in lipstick and glittered eyes! Sorry for the spoiler if you have not seen the movie, but well it was made in 1998. Was pretty controversial for its times. Might have some Bale fans shocked if they see it now. But I for one loved the movie and the soundtrack. “Hot One” by Shudder to think is my favourite track off the movie. Go watch it folks. Love it, Hate it. Cheers! 🙂