The Velvet Underground

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2:15

The Velvet Underground

R

2021

1h 50m

Documentary

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

135 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

The Velvet Underground created a new sound that changed the world of music, cementing its place as one of rock 'n' roll's most revered bands. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Todd Haynes, "The Velvet Underground" shows just how the group became a cultural touchstone representing a range of contradictions: the band is both of their time, yet timeless; literary yet realistic; rooted in high art and street culture. The film features in-depth interviews with the key players of that time combined with a treasure trove of never-before-seen performances and a rich collection of recordings, Warhol films, and other experimental art that creates an immersive experience into what founding member John Cale describes as the band's creative ethos: "how to be elegant and how to be brutal."

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Critics Consensus

The Velvet Underground takes a fittingly idiosyncratic approach to delivering a rock documentary that captures the band as well as its era.

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J. Hoberman

Tablet

Without belaboring the point, The Velvet Underground also makes the case for Warhol’s enduring significance.

Mar 25, 2022

Full Review

Peter Howell

Toronto Star

This bracing collage is pure rock bliss and a poke in the eye to old-style storytelling.

Rated: 3.5/4

Dec 22, 2021

Full Review

Chris Waywell

Time Out

If you already love the Velvet Underground, this is two hours of visual and aural bliss. If you don't, same.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 3, 2021

Full Review

Ryan Swen

Taipei Mansions

Very much the work of a fan, of someone in love with not just the brilliant and daring music, but also the whole vibe.

Sep 5, 2025

Full Review

Geoffrey Macnab

iNews.co.uk

The director’s admiration for The Velvet Underground is obvious but that doesn’t blunt his critical edge.

Rated: 5/5

Jan 16, 2025

Full Review

William Stottor

Loud and Clear Reviews

Todd Haynes’ The Velvet Underground is everything the band was: experimental, unique, energetic and, above all else, hypnotic.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 18, 2024

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faith

I love box office man

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/04/21

Full Review

Daniel B

Interesting approach with lots of footage, but I wish they talked more about the music than the personalities.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/11/25

Full Review

James B

Incredible documentary. Really gives you an insight into the band

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/19/24

Full Review

Sams K

The best band ever.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/23/24

Full Review

Torin F

VELVET UNDERGROUND effectively invokes the experimental nature of the band in relating their story and enduring legacy, creating an interesting portrait of both the band and the era that informs and entertains, whether you're a fan or not.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/13/24

Full Review

Gareth v

A confession first, I'm a huge fan of The Velvet Underground. This movie really focuses closely on the influences, relationships, and musical processes, The Velvet Underground developed in their short and influencial reign. Some great archival footage, and most of the talking heads are amazing, and give us a real feel of the 1960's - 70's NYC art scene. One of 2021's best movies.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/17/23

Full Review

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Todd Haynes

Director

Mary Woronov

Self

Jonathan Richman

Self

John Cale

Self

Maureen Ann Tucker

Actor

Sterling Morrison

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The Velvet Underground: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

The Velvet Underground created a new sound that changed the world of music, cementing its place as one of rock 'n' roll's most revered bands. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Todd Haynes, "The Velvet Underground" shows just how the group became a cultural touchstone representing a range of contradictions: the band is both of their time, yet timeless; literary yet realistic; rooted in high art and street culture. The film features in-depth interviews with the key players of that time combined with a treasure trove of never-before-seen performances and a rich collection of recordings, Warhol films, and other experimental art that creates an immersive experience into what founding member John Cale describes as the band's creative ethos: "how to be elegant and how to be brutal."

Director: Todd Haynes
Producer: Christopher Clements, Julie Goldman, David Blackman, Carolyn Hepburn, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon
Screenwriter: Todd Haynes
Distributor: Apple TV+
Production Co: Killer Films, Killer Content, Motto Pictures
Rating: R (Sexual Content|Nudity|Language|Some Drug Material)
Genre: Documentary, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 15, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 15, 2021
Runtime: 1h 50m

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