This adaptation of Colin MacInnes’ 1959 novel about London’s jazz circles and its burgeoning rock scene was a critical and commercial failure upon release, but Julien Temple’s fascinating and exquisitely colourful musical has gained momentum during later years. The film justly falls into the same category as other masterpieces of visual excess of its time, such as Francis Ford Coppola’s One From The Heart (1981) and Terry Gilliam’s Brazil (1985).
Colin, a young quixotic photographer (Eddie O’Connell) falls for fashion designer Suzette (Patsy Kensit), who has aspirations for a more financially solvent partner, which derails Colin’s life into the whirls of the music business, cultural riots and political turmoil. Local teddy boys harass immigrants, fascists (led by the capable perennial 80’s goon Steven Berkoff) spout their usual line of chaotic rhetoric and Suzette is planning a marriage of convenience with his gay boss (James Fox), so Colin’s inner pacifist has his work cut out for him. Cameos include David Bowie (who also composed the film’s successful theme tune), Sade and Ray Davies of the Kinks. Both Michael and Janet Jackson were also among the early admirers and proponents of this magical British cinematic trip.
Lauri Timonen