David Bowie: Five Years

David Bowie: Five Years is a documentary film that provides an in-depth examination of the life and career of the iconic musician, David Bowie. From his early years as the legendary Ziggy Stardust to his later roles as the 'Soul Star' and the 'Thin White Duke', the film delves into the various phases of Bowie's transformation. The film commences with Bowie's rise to fame in the early 1970s, as he became synonymous with the character of Ziggy Stardust. Through a collection of unseen archive footage and interviews with his closest collaborators, including producer Tony Visconti, the film showcases Bowie's groundbreaking work with his 1972 single 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars'. This pivotal album would become the soundtrack to Bowie's most iconic character, and would go on to define the glam rock era. However, as the 1970s progressed, Bowie began to undergo a metamorphosis. Ditching the flamboyant persona of Ziggy Stardust, Bowie adopted a new identity - that of the 'Soul Star'. This new persona was epitomized on the critically acclaimed album 'Young Americans', which marked Bowie's successful fusion of soul and rock music. Through interviews with musicians like Chic's guitarist, Alfa Anderson, who collaborated with Bowie on his hit single 'Fame', the film highlights the influence of soul music on Bowie's sound during this period. Bowie's transformation didn't stop there. As the decade drew to a close, Bowie found himself increasingly enamored with the avant-garde art scene. He relocated to Berlin, where he formed an alliance with musicians Brian Eno and Iggy Pop. This partnership led to the creation of one of Bowie's most iconic albums, 'Low', and its subsequent release in 1977. This experimental work marked a turning point in Bowie's career, as he pushed the boundaries of rock music and explored new sonic territories. The film also explores Bowie's subsequent collaborations in Berlin, particularly on the critically acclaimed album 'Heroes', released in 1977. 'Heroes' is an album characterized by a mix of electronic and rock elements, with Bowie's poetic lyrics exploring themes of isolation and hope. Through interviews with guitarist Earl Slick, who worked on the album, and Bowie's wife and muse, Angie Bowie, the film showcases the intense creative period that resulted in one of Bowie's most beloved albums. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Bowie entered a new chapter in his career. He released the album 'Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)', which showcased a newfound appreciation for punk and new wave music. Produced by David Bowie's long-time collaborator, Brian Eno, 'Scary Monsters' is marked by a sense of urgency and experimentation that defines the post-punk era. This pivotal album would go on to influence a plethora of musicians, and cement Bowie's status as a visionary artist. Bowie's commercial success continued in the 1980s with the release of the hit album 'Let's Dance'. Produced by Chic's guitarist, Nile Rodgers, 'Let's Dance' was a triumphant blend of rock, pop, and dance elements, further solidifying Bowie's global appeal. The album's single, 'Let's Dance', became an instant hit worldwide, topping the charts in numerous countries. Through interviews with Rodgers, the film highlights the creative process behind the album, which marked a significant shift towards a more pop-oriented sound. Throughout the documentary, the film presents insights into Bowie's innovative spirit, his collaborations with fellow artists, and the various personas he adopted throughout his career. Through interviews with numerous collaborators and archival footage, David Bowie: Five Years showcases Bowie's ability to reinvent himself and continually push the boundaries of rock music. The film concludes by highlighting Bowie's lasting influence on the music industry. As an icon of our times, Bowie's music has left an indelible mark on contemporary culture. His experimental nature and innovative approach to art have inspired generations of musicians, from Prince to Lady Gaga. David Bowie: Five Years is a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic musician, and a fitting tribute to his remarkable career, which will continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.