Absolute Beginners
“Welcome to the world of your dreams!”
Synopsis
A musical adaptation of Colin MacInnes' novel about life in late 1950s London. Nineteen-year-old photographer Colin is hopelessly in love with model Crepe Suzette, but her relationships are strictly connected with her progress in the fashion world. So Colin gets involved with a pop promoter and tries to crack the big time. Meanwhile, racial tension is brewing in Colin's Notting Hill housing estate...
Top Cast
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Eddie O'Connell
Colin, Photographer / Narrator
Patsy Kensit
Suzette
James Fox
Henley of Mayfair, Dressmaker to the Queen
David Bowie
Vendice Partners
Ray Davies
Arthur, Colin's Dad
Mandy Rice-Davies
Flora, Colin's Mum
Eve Ferret
Big Jill
Tony Hippolyte
Mr. Cool
Graham Fletcher-Cook
Wizard
Joseph McKenna
Fabulous Hoplite
Steven Berkoff
The Fanatic
Sade
Athene Duncannon (as Sade Adu)
Edward Tudor-Pole
Ed the Ted (as Tenpole Tudor)
Bruce Payne
Flikker
Alan Freeman
Call-Me-Cobber
Anita Morris
Dido Lament
Paul Rhys
Dean Swift
Julian Firth
The Misery Kid
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 18, 1986
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Julien Temple
- Screenplay & Story
- Richard Burridge, Christopher Wicking, Don MacPherson
- Original Title
- Absolute Beginners
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 48m
- Production Studios
- Goldcrest Films International, Palace Pictures, Virgin Vision
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Julien Temple
Richard Burridge, Christopher Wicking, Don MacPherson, Colin MacInnes
Oliver Stapleton
Michael Bradsell, Gerry Hambling, Richard Bedford
Nik Powell, Al Clark, Robert Devereux, Stephen Woolley, Chris Brown
Department Leadership Roster
Julien Temple
Director
Richard Burridge
Screenplay
Christopher Wicking
Screenplay
Don MacPherson
Screenplay
John Beard
Production Design
Michael Bradsell
Editor
Gerry Hambling
Editor
Richard Bedford
Editor
Russell Lloyd
Editor
Oliver Stapleton
Director of Photography
Stephen Woolley
Producer
Chris Brown
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Absolute Beginners.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Absolute Beginners
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Absolute Beginners about?
A musical adaptation of Colin MacInnes' novel about life in late 1950s London. Nineteen-year-old photographer Colin is hopelessly in love with model Crepe Suzette, but her relationships are strictly connected with her progress in the fashion world. So Colin gets involved with a pop promoter and tries to crack the big time. Meanwhile, racial tension is brewing in Colin's Notting Hill housing estate...
Who directed Absolute Beginners?
Absolute Beginners was directed by Julien Temple.
Who stars in Absolute Beginners?
The principal cast of Absolute Beginners includes Eddie O'Connell, Patsy Kensit, James Fox, David Bowie, Ray Davies.
When was Absolute Beginners released and how long is it?
Absolute Beginners was released in 1986 with a total runtime of 1h 48m.
Is Absolute Beginners based on a book or true story?
Absolute Beginners is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Colin MacInnes".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Absolute Beginners?
Absolute Beginners holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).