025 Velvet Goldmine (1998)
“FUNNY HOW SOME PEOPLE NEVER LOVE AT ALL!“
In honor of Pride Month, we revisit the 1998 cult classic, Velvet Goldmine. Directed by Todd Haynes (Carol, Far from Heaven, and I’m Not There) and starring Christian Bale, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Ewan McGregor, Toni Colette and Eddie Izzard.
We go back in time to the 1970s Glam Rock era. The era of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, T. Rex, Roxy Music, The Velvet Underground, and Iggy Pop. An era of gender fluidity, platform shoes, and glitter. Does Glam Rock still holds up?
We discuss whether the reception the film got back during its release was justified or if it joined the long list of films that were unfairly neglected and criticized. We talk about the depiction of Brian Slade (or, according to Jorge, David Slade, since he mistakenly refers to Brian by David throughout the episode) and talk about his connections to the late, great, David Bowie. Austin educates Jorge on the many musical references laid throughout the film, including tidbits about the rumored relationship between David Bowie and Mick Jagger, his soured friendship with Elton John, and Bowie coming out as gay and several years later backtracking on his sexuality. We also discuss the lack of LGBTQ+ representation in modern mainstream media, and how major studios will cash in on the shallow inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters to draw in positive press. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this special Pride Month episode of Retro Grade.
If you are having trouble finding this film, we recommend you search through your local libraries first! Austin was able to find a library and had a DVD of the film in his PS4 within an hour and a half by using the site: World Cat, but if you can’t find one there we always summarize the movie so people who don’t have immediate access to the film can listen along.
Below are some additional resources if you would like to see what people smarter than us had to say, and also, special shout out to the Live Journal vardathemessage who compiled the most comprehensive list of Velvet Goldmine trivia in the world.
https://www.nylon.com/articles/velvet-goldmine-costumes-camp-aesthetics
https://www2.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/features/velvet-goldmine-todd-haynes-david-bowie
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