Absolute Beginners

1 9 8 6 (UK)

This highly stylized musical adaptation of Colin MacInnes' novel celebrates the rise of teen culture in late 50s London with a mish-mash of pop fashions and political and racial overtones.

There are ample energetic song and dance numbers, at times reminiscent of West Side Story. There are also violent confrontations, and all in all it's a dazzling retro-soaked colorful visual feast.

In 1958 London, Colin (Eddie O'Connell) - an aspiring young photographer - loses his girlfriend, Suzette (Patsy Kensit),  to the head of a fashion house. "Crepe" Suzette is an impulsive, ambitious young beauty who abandons him after attracting the attention of a powerful fashion designer (James Fox). 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.

Watch out for terrific cameos from Sandie Shaw, Alan Freeman, Zoot Money, Steven Berkoff, Ray Davies (of The Kinks), Mandy Rice-Davies, Eddie Tenpole and Sade.