Marc Bolan / T. Rex (October 20, 2000) – “Billy Elliot” Film Review Reference - The Philadelphia Inquirer
This Philadelphia Inquirer review of the film Billy Elliot opens with a direct reference to Marc Bolan and T. Rex, noting how Bolan's music helps establish the atmosphere of 1980s Britain. Reviewer Steven Rea highlights “Cosmic Dancer” as one of several Bolan recordings used throughout the film.
Publication: The Philadelphia Inquirer
Date: October 20, 2000
Country: United States
In his review of Billy Elliot, critic Steven Rea immediately draws attention to Marc Bolan's presence within the film's soundtrack.
The article opens with the lyric:
“I was dancing when I was 12,”
from “Cosmic Dancer,” one of Marc Bolan's best-known recordings with T. Rex. Rea notes that the song provides a fitting introduction to the story of a young boy who discovers a passion for ballet rather than boxing.
The review explains that Bolan's music appears throughout the film and praises the way the songs contribute to the atmosphere of the story. Rea describes the inclusion of Bolan and T. Rex recordings as adding a dreamlike quality to the production.
Set in northern England during 1984, Billy Elliot follows the struggles of a coal-miner's son who discovers an unexpected talent for dance. According to the review, Bolan's music helps connect the film's emotional and personal themes with the period setting.
The article specifically observes that Marc Bolan's distinctive presence seems to hover over the film, giving the story an additional sense of imagination, freedom and escape.
Although the review primarily focuses on the performances and narrative of Billy Elliot, the mention of “Cosmic Dancer” and the wider use of Bolan and T. Rex recordings demonstrates how strongly his music continued to resonate more than two decades after his passing.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Released in 2000, Billy Elliot became one of the most acclaimed British films of its era. Music plays a central role throughout the production, and Marc Bolan's recordings are among the key tracks used to establish the film's period atmosphere.
The review is notable because Bolan is mentioned in the opening paragraph and again later in the article, where his music is credited with helping to shape the emotional tone of the film.
For Marc Bolan collectors, the clipping provides another example of his recordings continuing to find new audiences through cinema long after their original release.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Review of Billy Elliot
Era: 2000 retrospective use of Marc Bolan's music
Tone: Positive film review
Photography: Production image from Billy Elliot featuring scenes from the film
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Opening quotation from “Cosmic Dancer”
• Reference to Marc Bolan and T. Rex music throughout Billy Elliot
• Steven Rea describing Bolan's music as adding a dreamlike quality to the film
• Discussion of the role music plays in establishing the story's period setting
• Evidence of Marc Bolan's continuing cultural influence in 2000
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