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Absolute Beginners

1986, Movie, PG-13, 107 mins

Absolute Beginners: Review

A visually inventive and energetic pop musical adapted from Colin MacInnes' 1958 cult novel of the same name. ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS is a tale of two swinging English teens, Colin (Eddie O'Connell) and Crepe Suzette (Patsy Kensit), set against the backdrop of emerging youth culture and racial tension in late 1950s London. As Suzette becomes a success in the fashion business and looks set to leave her street roots behind, Colin is torn between his youthful idealism and his desire to do whatever is necessary to lure her back. Though the characterization and plot waver on the transparent, ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS has no shortage of color, movement, and infectious music--it's a perfect example of a music video sensibility applied to a feature-length film. Highlights include songs by jazzman Slim Gaillard ("Selling Out") and The Style Council ("Have You Ever Had It Blue?") and a bravura, one-take opening sequence a la TOUCH OF EVIL. leave a comment