• Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

Flickering Myth

Geek Culture | Movies, TV, Comic Books & Video Games

  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket

Vintage Cinema, Endless Rewatch – The Devil’s Backbone and Velvet Goldmine

May 10, 2013 by admin

In the first of a new series, Flickering Myth’s writing team discuss their all-time favourite piece of cinema alongside their most re-watchable film; first up is Helen Murdoch with The Devil’s Backbone and Velvet Goldmine…

I was trying to think of my favourite film the other day and it came down to two choices – The Devil’s Backbone and Velvet Goldmine. One is universally considered a tremendous film, while the other is hated by almost everyone except me. This got me thinking about what your favourite film is compared to your most re-watchable film.

My Favourite Film – The Devil’s Backbone

The first time I saw a snippet of The Devil’s Backbone was in my A-Level Media class when we were discussing the importance of music to build tension. My lecturer showed the terrifying scene of the ghost Santi walking down a dark corridor, creeping ever so slowly towards orphan Carlos. After watching this I went digging for the full film and I was amazed by it from beginning to end. Everything from the melodious script, direction and acting was pitch perfect and I’m yet to find a flaw with it.

What marks a favourite film in my mind is the ability to have your breath taken away every time you watch it. The Devil’s Backbone isn’t a film I watch every week but when I do I’m reminded of the beauty and simplicity of its story.  The film follows 12 year old Carlos who finds himself abandoned at a remote orphanage, if the historical background of the Civil War isn’t traumatic enough; the orphanage is haunted by the ghost of a young boy called Santi. The film raises a wealth of important issues such as betrayal, fear, childhood, and innocence. Guillermo del Toro explores these areas with a delicate touch and creates a visually stunning film that pulls at the heart strings emotionally, whilst still terrifying every inch of you.

The performances from the child/teenage cast are exceptional and del Toro doesn’t shy away from the grimness of their lives. There are moments of childish humour throughout, combined with the horrors of the Civil War, as well as Santi who the children call “the one who sighs”. Del Toro has always put faith in child leads and it works exceptionally well within The Devil’s Backbone.

Del Toro regular Federico Luppi is also on hand as the defiant Dr Casares, who’s haunting narration opens and closes this seminal film. If you’re looking for a multi-layered film but want to be genuinely frightened, then I would highly recommend embracing The Devil’s Backbone.

My Most Re-watchable Film – Velvet Goldmine

With more glitter, flared trousers, platform shoes and Bowie, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed comparisons then you can shake a stick at, my most re-watchable film is Todd Haynes’ Velvet Goldmine. I can already hear the taken aback gasps that someone enjoys this film, but I’ve inexplicably loved it from the moment I first saw it.

The film charts the rise of Bowie-esque figure Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and his subsequent down fall during the Glamrock era of the 70s. It’s overly stylised and has more plot holes then you can imagine, but it captures my imagination and it never fails to cheer me up. There’s an all-star cast including Ewan McGregor (as an incarnation of Iggy Pop, Kurt Cobain and Lou Reed), Eddie Izzard, Toni Collette, and Christian Bale. The film is packed full of kitsch songs and flamboyant set pieces which make it one of the easiest films to sit back and enjoy.  True it has its pretentious darker side but that just makes me love it even more.

Velvet Goldmine does take itself too seriously at times but that adds to my enjoyment of it. When I was trying to narrow down my favourite film list I couldn’t help but come back to this bit of fun which I first discovered whilst suffering from a blinding hangover.  It instantly lifted my spirits and although its ending is a bit of a downer, there’s enough songs and glitter to keep me entertained again and again.

Is there a difference between your favourite film and your most re-watched film?

Helen Murdoch

Filed Under: Uncategorized

FMTV – Watch Our Latest Video Here

WATCH OUR MOVIE NOW FOR FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

The 1990s in Comic Book Movies

MTV Generation-Era Comedies That Need New Sequels

The Best Milla Jovovich Movies Beyond Resident Evil

Who is the Best Final Girl in Horror?

Coming of Rage: Eight Great Horror Movies About Adolescence

Is Denis Villeneuve the Best Choice to Direct Bond?

Great Cyberpunk Movies You Need To See

Ten Great 80s Movie Stars Who Disappeared

The Villainy of Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Superman

The Breakfast Club at 40: The Story Behind the Quintessential Coming-of-Age Teen Drama of the 80s

Top Stories:

Comic Book Review – Rick and Morty vs. The Universe #1

Movie Review – Saint Clare (2025)

18 Incredible 21st Century Films You May Have Missed

Feel the Heat: 10 Uncomfortably Hot and Sweaty Films

10 Great 1980s Sci-Fi Adventure Movies

James Gunn’s Superman soars with $217 million worldwide box office opening

Movie Review – Eddington (2025)

Comic Book Review – Star Trek: Red Shirts #1

STREAM FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

FEATURED POSTS:

10 Great Cult 80s Movies You Need To See

Lock, Stock and The Essential Guy Ritchie Movies

Great 2010s Thrillers You May Have Missed

Classic Retro Video Games Based on 80s UK TV Game Shows

Our Partners

  • Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

© Flickering Myth Limited. All rights reserved. The reproduction, modification, distribution, or republication of the content without permission is strictly prohibited. Movie titles, images, etc. are registered trademarks / copyright their respective rights holders. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you can read this, you don't need glasses.


 

Flickering MythLogo Header Menu
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket