Common Sense Media Review
By Tracey Petherick
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Edgy glam rock drama has sex, drugs, strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Velvet Goldmine
What's the Story?
In VELVET GOLDMINE, journalist Arthur Stuart (Christian Bale) is writing a story about the hoax shooting of glam rock star Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) in a publicity stunt 10 years earlier. Through interviews with Slade's former lovers and associates, Stuart -- once a fan of Slade's who was personally inspired by his life and music -- uncovers a world of hedonism, creativity, and sexual expression in 1970s London. But will he ever discover what actually happened to Brian Slade -- or where he is now?
Is It Any Good?
Part musical, part mystery, and part love story -- or stories, to be more precise -- this 1998 release is a visual and aural feast. It's packed full of cultural references, compelling characters, and identity-boosting messages. But unfortunately, when packaged all together, Velvet Goldmine somehow fails to hit the mark. Ranging from otherworldly and intriguing to downright confusing, the story flips back and forth between eras and characters, never quite giving you time to fully invest in any of them.
Unashamedly inspired by David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust era, it's bursting with extravagant artistic expression. The soundtrack is a brilliant combination of original songs and 1970s classics, while the fashion and staging is gloriously psychedelic. And though many of the characters are joyously flamboyant and confident in their gender fluidity, the story doesn't shy away from the challenges of being different and the darker side of the music industry. Ultimately, among the sometimes bewildering mashup of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, there are some genuinely tender moments and an overarching celebration of diversity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether or not the characters in Velvet Goldmine are good role models. Many of them are creative, self-confident, and daring. But they can also be self-indulgent and decadent. Which characters displayed the most positive personality traits, and what were those character strengths?
Talk about what role sex played in the movie. Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How did the movie depict drinking, smoking, and drug use? Were they glamorized? Were there consequences? Why is that important?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Gender identity is a strong theme throughout the movie. Talk about how attitudes toward sexuality and gender have changed over the decades.
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 6, 1998
- On DVD or streaming : May 18, 1999
- Cast : Christian Bale , Jonathan Rhys Meyers , Ewan McGregor
- Director : Todd Haynes
- Studio : Miramax
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong sexual content, nudity, language and drug use
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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