Rent Absolute Beginners (1986)

best soundtrack of the 80s - Absolute Beginners review by Cf

We last saw this film when it came out but bought the soundtrack - on cassette! - and listened to it for years. We were keen to see how it had aged and the verdict was 'well'. It still looks stylish. How could it not with both David Bowie and Sade in it. Top points (still) for soundtrack and choreography. The sets, from a pre CGI era, are witty and inventive. In fact the reason we went to see it in the cinema when if came out was because our neighbour was involved in the special effects. The acting is wooden and some of the editing stilted but it gets by on sheer exuberence.

Absolute Beginners - Absolute Beginners review by griggs

Julien Temple’s adaptation of Colin McInnes' cult coming-of-age novel Absolute Beginners is a bold and vibrant musical rather than a straight interpretation of its source material. This artistic choice sacrifices some of the novel's most fundamental narrative elements. While visually striking, the film's Disney-esque colourful sets create a jarring contrast with the few scenes shot on location, making the latter seem lacking altogether.

Initially hailed as the saviour of the British film industry, the film's release was met with disappointment and dismay. The high expectations and the film's departure from the novel led to a disjointed narrative, further disrupted by surrealist interruptions. Eddie O’Connell’s performance feels disinterested and wooden, and Patsy Kensit’s acting fails to elevate the film.

However, the film's redemption lies in David Bowie's appearance and his title song, "Absolute Beginners," which has achieved greater success than the film itself. The ensemble cast, a who's who of 1980s British music and light entertainment, essentially feels outdated. However, they contribute to the film's unique charm.

Despite its flaws, Absolute Beginners has a redeeming quality, mainly if one can separate the film from its literary origins. While it may not be a great film, it serves as a time capsule, capturing the spirit of the 1980s rather than the 1950s story setting.