Every so often a nude scene gets paired with a song that, for better or worse, ends up making it that much more memorable, and this Tunes-day’s offering comes from a critically-acclaimed director’s early work - that happens to have one of the best soundtracks of the 90s. Wham bam thank you glam, it’s the 1998 musical drama Velvet Goldmine!
****
Originally meant to be about music and style icon David Bowie, the film morphed into the fictional tale of bisexual rocker Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) when Bowie refused use of his legendary discography since he was planning on making a similar project. Despite the setback, writer-director Todd Haynes was still able to craft a soundtrack fit for the 70s, with classic bands like The New York Dolls and Roxy Music rubbing elbows with very Bowie-sounding modern artists like Grant Lee Buffalo and Placebo (in a shrewd move, Bowie himself technically makes it onto the soundtrack because he sings backup on Lou Reed’s “Satellite of Love.”)
Toni Collette Nude in Velvet Goldmine
And of course, you can’t tell the story of a glam rock demigod without nudity. The film may mostly focus on men of the era, but there’s still boobs, butt, and even bush to be had thanks to Toni Collette standing in as the Angie Bowie character. Only she’s not so much standing as she is rolling around completely and utterly undressed. Please, if you only know Toni from her spooky roles in Wayward and Hereditary, watch this film.
****
Toni tussles with Jonathan to the sounds of "Ladytron" by The Venus in Furs, Brian Slade’s Spiders from Mars-esque named back up band that consisted of Brit superstar Thom Yorke of Radiohead amongst others. "Ladytron" is a Roxy Music cover that may contain the first and only instance of “rock oboe” and yet it somehow goes exceedingly well with the frantic electronica, not to mention Toni’s naked writhing.
Toni Collette in Velvet Goldmine
00:49:55 The trippy camera effects make it hard to see, but Toni's getting it on and serving up some buns and Velvet Goldmams. (51 secs)
There’s actually a second great moment of music and mams just over an hour in during a typical rock star orgy. Toni’s tits are out, as is the T’n’A of a bunch of unnamed extras, while Jonathan himself croons the Brian Eno cover “Baby’s On Fire” with the Venus In Furs. Baby isn’t the only one on fire!
Toni Collette in Velvet Goldmine
01:09:11 Thankfully, it's a slightly better look at left and partial right breast later during orgy scene. Toni'll give you a boney! (7 secs)
Toni Collette in Velvet Goldmine
01:11:05 It's brief, but what you're seeing at the bottom of your screen is a brief glimpse of Collette's left can-ette as she grinds groovily during an orgy. (10 secs)
The film is often compared to Citizen Kane because of its similar yet more surreal style, but it might actually be a more fitting comparison when you consider what “Rosebud” was rumored to be in real life.
Catch Up With Previous Editions of Songs in the Key of Nudity
—Celebrating 50 Years of Rock Horror
—An Almost Skinfamous Anniversary
—Animal House or Thank You Boobs May I Have Another?
