Christian Bale plays a reporter who reconstructs the glam rock era by documenting the life of a fictional singer who embodies the androgynous essence of the idols of the time, all while investigating a mystery with multiple narrators in a "Citizen Kane" fashion. The film may offer a somewhat distorted view of the glam rock years, but the premise that introduces Oscar Wilde as the progenitor of glam should be enough for the viewer to understand that it’s nothing that should be taken too seriously.

The extravagant direction, costumes, and props are a true delight, not to mention the various caricatures aimed at sublimating and blending together the essence of stars like Bowie, Ferry, Reed, Pop, and many others. The focus on sexuality was maybe a little too much, but other than that, it was a messy yet truly entertaining piece of work.