Absolute Beginners

IMDb RATING

5.6/10

3.8K

YOUR RATING

David Bowie, Patsy Kensit, Eddie O'Connell, and Sade in Absolute Beginners (1986)

In London in 1958, a young photographer seeks media stardom to keep the love of a beautiful, aspiring fashion designer.

Play trailer0:38

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55 Photos

Classic Musical Teen Romance Drama Musical Romance

In London in 1958, a young photographer seeks media stardom to keep the love of a beautiful, aspiring fashion designer.In London in 1958, a young photographer seeks media stardom to keep the love of a beautiful, aspiring fashion designer.In London in 1958, a young photographer seeks media stardom to keep the love of a beautiful, aspiring fashion designer.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

5.6/10

3.8K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Videos1

Trailer 0:38

Trailer

Photos55

+ 47

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
The character of "Harry Charms" was based on a real-life British manager and impresario of the period, Larry Parnes, who was famous for hiring unknown singers and giving them extravagant stage names (his most famous client was Billy Fury). In 1960 he hired an unknown Liverpool band called The Beatles to accompany one of his lesser stars, Johnny Gentle, on a tour of Scotland, but he decided not to take the Beatles on as clients because he was only interested in handling solo singers, not groups.

Goofs
During the riot scenes, in one shot a double decker bus is on fire. In the next shot, it isn't burning. In the next shot, it is. (During the T.V. announcers speak to the viewing public about the 'race riots').

Quotes
Colin: What, selling things to people who don't want them?
Vendice: Never things, Colin. We don't sell things. We sell dreams.

Connections
Edited into Ray Davies: Quiet Life (1986)

Soundtracks
Santa Lucia
Performed and composed by Ekow Abban

User reviews57

Featured review

I like this one!

First, I must respectfully disagree with the other reviewer who hated this movie. It has a complex set of plot lines that deal with a number of issues revolving around the lives of a young up-and-coming "pop photographer", and his love interest -- played by Patsy Kensit. Then, there is the "old queen" (also an unscrupulous real estate developer) who marries Patsy. Now, add to that the ad agency aspect (David Bowie's song and dance routine to "Selling Out" is a classic), plus the racial tensions in 1950's or 1960's London, and you have a multi-layered plot tapestry.

Personally, I don't mind that David Bowie is only in the movie for ten minutes -- I am a fan of Bowie, but this is really not "his movie".