Just my opinion, but...

I think it's fairly impossible to come away from the VG film with any clear concept of 'whose fault it is" with regard to the breakup, simply because Todd Haynes touches over it so briefly. We don't know why they're fighting or what led to the hostility, and neither the script, nor the direction gives us any clue.

The conclusion I came to, after several viewings and many in-depth conversations, was that Brian was young enough and eager enough in his zeal for glory, to be easily manipulated by Jerry, record execs, Shannon, Mandy... whomever he thought could further his goal. I don't think he had any conscious desire to hurt Curt... I don't think he was even aware that he had until it was too late. I also thought that Curt bore equal responsibility for the way the road turned, because of his apathetic reaction to life, his career, and Brian in some cases. Certainly, the drugs had some effect on it, but it seemed to me, in places, that he was simply going along for the ride, because he either didn't care where it would take him or didn't have the guts to make an alternative decision. This was my MOVIE reaction, mind you, and with no thanks to Todd Haynes and company for making a damn convoluted movie. LOL

I much prefer Silk's method of storytelling. She makes it FAIR. Brian screwed up, sure. But so did Curt. So did Jerry and Shannon and their evil, scheming ways. So did Mandy for being a latch on, never truly loving her husband, just the life and the fortune and fame he brought her by proxy. In actuality, I think Silk went out of her way to be GOOD to Brian, even though Todd and his crew really seemed to want you to walk away with Brian-the-villian stamped on your brain. Brian is much more victimized in Rewriting History, than in Velvet Goldmine, where he's made out to be a sadistic bastard. The screen play for the movie, even directs him to be cold and unfeeling in places where there simply cannot BE a lack of feeling (God bless you, Jonny). But anyone with eyes can see that he isn't any such thing.

Once again... this is all my opinion. But, if anybody ever writes a movie of my life, I know I want Silk writing the script. At least that way, I'll get a fair trial. :-)

- Mali

'Just fear me. Love me. Do as I say, and I will be your slave...'
- David Bowie