1971: Glam rock explodes on the world, challenging the sincerity and machismo of the flower generation with glitter and savage sounds - thrilling and shocking the world.

At the centre is Brian Slade. Turning mods and rockers on their heads, he takes the UK by storm, inspiring countless teenage boys and girls to paint their nails and explore their sexuality. Slade finally devours himself. Unable to escape the persona he has created, he stages a fake assassination. When his fans find out, his star falls into oblivion and Brian disappears.

1984: In an Orwellian landscape of surveillance and control, repressive politics and arena rock rule the world. 'Redeem America' preaches the President, while the airwaves belong to corporate rock-God Tommy Stone.

Arthur, an imported Brit who works for a New York daily, is charged by his editors with writing an anniversary article on Brian Slade's staged assassination. As a boy, growing up in Manchester, Arthur had been more than a fan of Slade's. He reluctantly takes on his assignment and begins to investigate his fallen lipsticked-idol.

Velvet Goldmine explores the rise and fall of Brian Slade through Arthur's investigation. Arthur begins to focus on complicated relationships Brian has with his wife Mandy and his American inspiration, rock-star Curt Wild. Arthur finds Mandy working in a decrepit cabaret and pulls her back into the music scene of the early '70s. She reluctantly gives her narrative of Brian's life: Brian's tortured rise, his obsession with Curt Wild, his love and betrayal of Mandy, and his eventual fall. Mandy's story leads Arthur to Curt - and finally to Brian himself.

Director: Todd Haynes

Producer: Christine Vachon

Executive Producers: Scott Meek, REM's Michael Stipe

Cast

Arthur Stuart - Christian Bale
Brian Slade - Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Curt Wild - Ewan McGregor
- Toni Collette

Screencaps