Bowie: The Man Who Changed the World (2016) Reviews

• "I do the art, and then I try to sell it." - David Bowie

  classicsoncall2017-05-30

  I was surprised at the low viewer rating for this documentary, but reading some of the writers here it's kind of understandable - there's not much David Bowie music in it. It's not something that really bothered me while watching because I picked up on a bunch of facts concerning Bowie that I never knew before, even though I've followed his music virtually from the beginning of his career. Like his older brother Terry being institutionalized for schizophrenia and eventually committing suicide, and Bowie's own belief in Roswell aliens which formed the basis of his early career, Ziggy Stardust persona. That Bowie brought a theatricality and showmanship to music that didn't exist before goes without saying. Not only did he entertain, but he intrigued and provoked audiences as well, while totally obliterating accepted musical boundaries. With that, I found it interesting that an early influence on his career was Anthony Newley, the well regarded British singer and actor, who never achieved Bowie's sort of flamboyance, but did have an infectious energy and style while performing. I found that quite interesting. Probably the one downside for this viewer that others have mentioned was the narrow scope of the film's focus. There was a heavy preponderance of things going on in the single year of 1969, the year when 'Space Oddity' hit the music charts. Almost the entire rest of Bowie's career is given fleeting mention, including collaborations with Marc Bolan and Mick Ronson, who helped him develop the androgynous look, blurring the lines of sexuality in his music. I think if you read some of the harsher reviews for the documentary on this board you might be put off seeing the picture, but I think there's some value to it, for music and Bowie fans alike. If I had my preference, I would have liked to see and hear more music too, but there are plenty of other sources for that. Give this one a try and I'm sure you'll pick up some nuggets you didn't know about just as I did.

• Interesting, but no Bowie music included and issues with volume fluctuations

  brettsanace2017-05-29

  The content was interesting and highlights how Bowie was always ahead of the trends in music creativity, fashion, and the ways in which the music industry operated, which explains how he got his reputation as a music genius and legend. Do not watch this if you want to hear any of his recordings or see concert footage as there isn't any. Either the producers didn't want to fork out for the licensing fees or Bowie's estate did not give permission for their use. The sound editing is pathetic with massive changes in volume throughout which is quite annoying. It is these last two points that resulted in me only rating this documentary 5/10.

• Insightful

  bigbyrd-839662017-06-28

  Just when you think you've seen everything about David Bowie already it's a treat when something comes along that forges its own path. I don't want to over hype this and despite mixed reviews I was looking forward to it. My expectations were surpassed. It explores the global power and impact of the music of David Bowie and reveals the passions, experiences and forces that shaped his life and revolutionary sounds and looks at the career of arguably the greatest pop star who ever lived. The filmmakers used interviews with friends who give testimony regarding Bowie's impact on their lives. It is extremely insightful. I could go on and on. It's not perfect. Okay let's get the negatives out of the way and it's a big one – except from one of Bowie's early songs there's none of his music. The eeriness of the music score was fitting though. Positives? I'd just tell you watch it

• Crash Course for the Ravers

  leerax2017-05-19

  Was always hypnotized by Bowie because he was different. Now the glitter has settled. The seasons have changed and returned. So many other dear ones have departed near and far. It's been a year without Bowie that kicked off when dozens of beloved musical icons died unexpectedly —Glenn Frey, Prince, Leonard Cohen and George Michael,to name a few. Childhood pals Dana Gillespie and George Underwood talk about facets of David's early life. Enjoyed the older footage and stories on glam adventures on how Bowie made it.The stuff from his girlfriend Mary was cool. Friend Bob descriptions about Bowie being shunned in his early career was interesting too, "food for thought". It ends with footage from his Brixton birthplace on the night he died, when thousands of fans, many wearing the Aladdin Sane stripe — gathered to mourn the hero. I went down there that night. It was both a stunned wake and a total celebration. Why this doesn't have any Bowie music- why? You won't see the great man's concerts but you will see interviews with friends close to the man you never saw before. In conclusion, is it worth watching? I'd have to say "yes".

• All The Not So Young Dudes

  aaronmorgan-288952016-11-04

  I'm a die-hard Bowie fan from before Ziggy Stardust. This new release confirmed my hopes & desires to see something different about Mr. Jones so I was pleasantly surprised. It may not be especially interesting to casual fans, but Bowie zealots will treasure these new interviews with friends who document the making of an icon. It examines how Bowie was responsible for pioneering the most groundbreaking fashion trends of the twentieth century. How he refused to conform to 'masculine' expectations and ended up changing the face of music. His shifting identities served a purpose, but even when all the "confusion" is stripped away, he still retained an enigmatic mystique. Sadly, there's no Bowie music in this, but it's well constructed and overall, the movie serves to help illuminate to Bowie fans on who the man really was.