Absolute Beginners (1986)

86% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
33% of users liked it
(3,105 ratings)

The rise of teen culture in 1950s Britain provides the backdrop for Julien Temple's unconventional rock musical Absolute Beginners. The film centers on Colin, an 18-year-old with a talent for photography and a fondness for the neon nightlife of British jazz clubs. He also is in love with Crepe… More The rise of teen culture in 1950s Britain provides the backdrop for Julien Temple's unconventional rock musical Absolute Beginners. The film centers on Colin, an 18-year-old with a talent for photography and a fondness for the neon nightlife of British jazz clubs. He also is in love with Crepe Suzette, an impulsive, ambitious young beauty who abandons him after attracting the attention of a powerful fashion designer. Depressed and aimless, Colin turns for help to a flashy ad executive (David Bowie) who promises to make him a star photographer. The former lovers take parallel paths to success, capitalizing on the youth mania gripping the nation. The film's nostalgic yet gently satirical look at teen culture is tempered by a recognition of the era's social tension, particularly a disturbing rise in racism. Despite these serious undertones, however, the film tells its story with a colorful vibrancy reminiscent of both MTV and old Hollywood musicals, filled with such show-stopping numbers as a memorable sequence in which Bowie dances on a giant typewriter. Critical reception was mixed, with some hailing the film's spectacular cinematography and ambitious scope, while others found the mixture of tones and style too inconsistent. The film also drew lukewarm response at the box office, with the memorable soundtrack receiving more attention than the film itself. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 47 min.
Directed By: Julien Temple
Written By: Colin MacInnes, Richard Burridge, Michael Hamlyn
Genres: Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Art House & International, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Cult Movies

In Theaters: Apr 18, 1986 Wide
On DVD: Apr 15, 2003
Studio: HBO Video

Critic Reviews

Thomas Caldwell, Cinema Autopsy
Absolute Beginners is a film worth revisiting for its inventiveness and audacity.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Though the film is flawed, it's still underrated as an exploration of a crucial era of London's pop culture, and the eccentric cast (including David Bowie) adds a lot of color.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
More interesting for what it attempts than for what it accomplishes.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

On the box for this movie, a critic says it's a splashy musical or something, but that doesn't mean it's good, so I wondered why they put that on the box. If you ask me this movie is too splashy and doesn't focus on the story enough. Overall, it's okay.
Robert C

Just re-watched this, having seen it in the theater when it came out and on VHS several years ago. Sure it's not a GREAT film...but as musicals go (I generally hate them) this is one that I don't mind. Which I'm sure is a testament to the historical aspects of… More
Just re-watched this, having seen it in the theater when it came out and on VHS several years ago. Sure it's not a GREAT film...but as musicals go (I generally hate them) this is one that I don't mind. Which I'm sure is a testament to the historical aspects of it's story and the fact that it is riddled with cameo's (Sandie Shaw) and musical "numbers" performed by some really great musicians (Bowie, Ray Davies, Sade).
Jens S

Probably a case of "you had to be there". First, in the time this musical is set in, at the edge of the 1960s, and then in the 80s, when this film was made. The songs and story just don't work that well anymore, some parts feel entirely pointless and are hard to refer… More
Probably a case of "you had to be there". First, in the time this musical is set in, at the edge of the 1960s, and then in the 80s, when this film was made. The songs and story just don't work that well anymore, some parts feel entirely pointless and are hard to refer to. With David Bowie's appearance the movie picks up some speed and takes a rather entertaining turn in the last 30 minutes. Still, nothing to write home about. Only Bowie's title song is really awesome, the rest of the music doesn't really stick with the listener.

Cast

            Eddie O'Connell as Colin

            Patsy Kensit as Crepe Suzette

            David Bowie as Vendice Partners

            James Fox as Henley of Mayfair

            Ray Davies as Arthur

            Steven Berkoff as The Fanatic

            Eve Ferret as Big Jill

            Anita Morris as Dido Lament

            Lionel Blair as Harry Charms

            Mandy Rice-Davies as Mum

            Tenpole Tudor as Ed the Ted

            Tony Hippolyte as Mr. Cool

            Chris Pitt as Baby Boom

            Paul Rhys as Dean Swift

            Julian Firth as The Misery Kid

            Ronald Fraser as Amberly Drove

            Irene Handl as Mrs. Larkin

            Sylvia Syms as Cynthia Eve

            Peter-Hugo Daly as Vern

            Johnny Shannon as Saltzman

            Amanda Jane Powell as Dorita

            Robbie Coltrane as Mario

            Robert Austin as Slim Brother

            Jess Conrad as Cappuccino Man

            Graham Fletcher-Cook as Wizard

            Jim Dunk as Slim Brother

            Alan Freeman as Call-Me-Cobber

            Astley Harvey as Mr. Cool Sr.

            Colin Jeavons as Pamphleteer

            Joe McKenna as Fabulous Hoplite

            Bruce Payne as Flicker

            Ekow Abban as Santa Lucia Club Owner

            Sade as Athene Duncannon

            Smiley Culture as D.J. Entertainer

            Slim Gaillard as Party Singer

            Pat Hartley as Ms. Cool Sr.

            Gerry Alexander as Ton-Up Vicar

            Gary Beadle as Johnny Wonder

            Johnny Edge as Trader Horn

            Carmen Ejogo as Carmen

            Paul Fairminer as Eddie Sex

            Hugo First as Maltese Lodger

            G.B. as Zoot

            Alfred Maron as Bert the Tailor

            Sandie Shaw as Baby Boom's Mum

            Bruno Tonioli as Maltese Lodger

            Mary Selway
            
            Susie Figgis
            
            Zoot Money as Chez Nobody Barman
See full cast