Absolute Beginners (1986)

Absolute Beginners Poster

A musical adaptation of Colin MacInnes' novel about life in late 1950s London. Nineteen-year-old photographer Colin is hopelessly in love with model Crepe Suzette, but her relationships are strictly connected with her progress in the fashion world. So Colin gets involved with a pop promoter and tries to crack the big time. Meanwhile, racial tension is brewing in Colin's Notting Hill housing estate...

Film Introduction
"Absolute Beginners" is a 1986 British musical movie directed by Julien Temple, based on Colin MacInnes's book of the same name about life in late 1950s London. The movie takes audiences through a dream exploration of the youth culture of the age, filled with jazz, emerging pop music, and racial tensions, with a star-studded cast that consists of Eddie O'Connell, Patsy Kensit, David Bowie and Ray Davies.

The Plot
The film is told by young Photographer Colin, played by Eddie O'Connell. Immersed in the lively youth culture of the late '50s, Colin loves Suzette, played by Patsy Kensit, a gorgeous and ambitious designer. Colin's pursuits are upended when Suzette suddenly chooses to get engaged to her boss Henley, a rich older male, played by James Fox. Feeling sad, Colin starts a Brazilian adventure with the aid of entrepreneurial hustler Vendice Partners, played by David Bowie.

Colin's area, a location on the edge of modification in between demolitions and re-development, becomes the background for racial stress as the white residents gang up versus the immigrants from West Indies. Colin's moral standing is tested when a racial riot begins, forcing him to choose between his imagine succeeding in his expert photography dream and withstanding racial hatred.

Alluring Charm and Criticism
Despite being a musical, which may not interest everybody, "Absolute Beginners" has a tempting beauty that mesmerises with its expedition of fashion, race relations and youth culture in the late 1950s. The movie draws considerably from the aesthetic of glossy magazines, concentrating on producing a whimsical visual reward that paints a colourful photo of the age. Nonetheless, the movie has been the topic of criticism for lacking a concrete story and for its jazzy, abstract design.

Star-Studded Cast and Unforgettable Soundtrack
"Absolute Beginners" is especially remarkable for its star-studded cast. Eupeptic Eddie O'Connell and Patsy Kensit excellently catch the freshness of youthful exuberance, while David Bowie provides an unforgettable performance. Ray Davies of The Kinks is included as Colin's daddy, and Sade makes her acting debut. However, the standout feature of the movie is its unforgettable soundtrack. David Bowie's title track became a hit and still stays cherished, while the general rating, developed by a combination of musicians, perfectly captures the movie's vibrant, anarchic spirit.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "Absolute Beginners", a concurrent exploration of younger dreams and severe social realities, renowned for its elegant set designs and star-studded cast, deserves the watch. Similar to nostalgia and whimsy, the motion picture paints a vibrant representation of the late '50s, from flashy style styles to the jazzy rhythm and blues music scene, against the background of racial tension and social modifications. Regardless of some criticism, the film's special design and memorable soundtrack make it a memorable artefact of '80s movie theater.

Top Cast

  • Eddie O'Connell (small)
    Eddie O'Connell
    Colin, Photographer / Narrator
  • Patsy Kensit (small)
    Patsy Kensit
    Suzette
  • David Bowie (small)
    David Bowie
    Vendice Partners
  • James Fox (small)
    James Fox
    Henley of Mayfair, Dressmaker to the Queen
  • Ray Davies (small)
    Ray Davies
    Arthur, Colin's Dad
  • Mandy Rice-Davies (small)
    Mandy Rice-Davies
    Flora, Colin's Mum
  • Eve Ferret (small)
    Eve Ferret
    Big Jill
  • Tony Hippolyte (small)
    Tony Hippolyte
    Mr. Cool
  • Graham Fletcher-Cook
    Wizard
  • Joseph McKenna (small)
    Joseph McKenna
    Fabulous Hoplite
  • Steven Berkoff (small)
    Steven Berkoff
    The Fanatic