Moonage Daydream – REVIEW

The life and career of English singer songwriter David Bowie are put under the microscope in this loud and visually stunning documentary which was written, directed, produced, and edited by Academy Award nominated filmmaker Brett Morgen.

Named after one of Bowie’s most popular songs, which he wrote in 1971, this documentary incorporates footage from Bowie’s archives which has never been seen before.

Bowie was one of the most iconic artists of our generation and audiences will ‘get up close and personal’ to this extraordinary artist in this remarkable documentary.

The fanbase won’t be disappointed as they’re taken on a spiritual and musical journey through his life and in the process learning little known facts about Bowie.

Described as eccentric, Bowie never purchased a house. He believed in the therapy of art. He moved from one art form to the next. Amongst his secondary talents he was an actor, writer, painter, sculptor, and experimental video maker. He portrayed the real life Eighteenth Century character John Merrick in the Broadway production of The Elephant Man in 1980.

This documentary also explores his earlier years. Born in Brixton in 1947 there were dark secrets within his family. He was never close to his mother and his parents had no physical attraction, which he attributes to his feeling like an outsider and being an emotional skeleton himself.

Bowie narrates the documentary which features 48 of his musical tracks and extensive footage of his dazzling performances while on tour.

Bowie wore flamboyant outfits and heavy makeup on stage which led many to ask whether he was into black magic. Oddly, he wore makeup and changed his appearance constantly on stage as he didn’t want to perform as himself.

What resonates throughout this insightful documentary is the adoration his fans had for Bowie. Bi-sexual men and women followed him. When asked whether Bowie was sexy one female fan responded, “He’s arousing, he’s my fantasy!”

Ultimately Bowie was an intelligent man who worshipped life. He believed that to be an optimist one must be positive and responsive to life and people. “It’s what you do in life that’s important – not how much time you have.”

★★★★

In Cinemas September 15.