Film: Absolute Beginners

A musical bonanza, chronicling a time when teenagers first came into their own and racism was on the rise in England.

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS (1986) + local short film “Sincerely Yours, Always and Forever”

Colin (Eddie O’Connell), an aspiring young British photographer and jazz aficionado, falls for the beautiful Crepe Suzette (Patsy Kensit), a model on the rise. When she leaves him to pursue her dreams of fame, Colin lands under the wing of Vendice Partners (David Bowie), a suave advertising executive, and begins his own climb toward success. As Colin and Suzette get caught up in the promotion of youth culture, they brush up against the era’s social issues, including racism. An original musical set in London during the pivotal summer of 1958… chronicling a time when teenagers first came into their own and racism was on the rise in England.

Adapted from Colin MacInnes’ 1959 cult novel, directed by Julien Temple and casting the great David Bowie.

Screening includes on-screen special intro with director Julien Temple. Included in the Cinema Rediscovered on Tour, “Against the Grain: 1980s British Cinema” strand.

This event also includes the screening of a sthe short film “Sincerely Yours, Always and Forever“, dir. Samuel Oddie (10 min, 2025)