JULIEN TEMPLE

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB

United Kingdom, 1986.  Goldcrest Films International, Palace Pictures, Virgin.  Screenplay by Richard Burridge, Don MacPherson, Christopher Wicking, developed by Michael Hamlyn, additional dialogue by Terry Johnson, based on the novel by Colin MacInnes. Cinematography by Oliver Stapleton.  Produced by Chris Brown, Stephen Woolley.  Music by Gil Evans.  Production Design by John Beard.  Costume Design by Sue Blane, David Perry.  Film Editing by Richard Bedford, Michael Bradsell, Gerry Hambling, Russell Lloyd.  

Bouncy musical that is a terrific showcase for musical talents of the eighties. The loose story takes place in the swinging London of the fifties, and revolves around a young photographer who is madly in love with an indifferent fashion model (Patsy Kensit). The climax occurs when racial tensions create a dangerous riot in our protagonist’s neighbourhood that ends up being good for his career.

The creative musical numbers include David Bowie dancing across a giant typewriter and Kensit involved in a charmingly haphazard fashion show. The colours are splashy and bright, the soundtrack a terrific collection of infectious ditties that you won’t soon forget. Julien Temple directs with easily flowing energy, and the cast is rounded out beautifully by Anita Morris, Mandy Rice-Davies (!), James Fox, Steven Berkoff and the lovely Sade.