David Bowie: Five Years
David Bowie: Five Years

Movie spotlight

David Bowie: Five Years

2013
Movie
90 min
English

Featuring a wealth of previously unseen archive, this film looks at how Bowie continually evolved: from Ziggy Stardust to the Soul Star of Young Americans, to the ‘Thin White Duke’. It explores his regeneration in Berlin with the critically acclaimed album Heroes, his triumph with Scary Monsters and his global success with Let’s Dance. With interviews with all his closest collaborators, David Bowie - Five Years presents a unique account of why Bowie has become an ‘icon of our times’.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users93%
Director: Francis WhatelyGenres: Documentary, Music

Plot Summary

This documentary explores a pivotal five-year period in David Bowie's career, from 1970 to 1975. It delves into the creation of seminal albums like The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and the transition to his soul-influenced Young Americans. Through archival footage, interviews with collaborators, and Bowie's own voice, the film charts his artistic evolution and rise to global superstardom during this transformative era.

Critical Reception

David Bowie: Five Years received widespread acclaim from critics for its insightful exploration of a crucial period in Bowie's career. Reviewers praised its in-depth look at the creative process behind iconic albums and its compelling use of archival material. The documentary was lauded for offering a fresh perspective on Bowie's artistic genius and his impact on popular culture during the 1970s.

What Reviewers Say

  • An essential watch for David Bowie fans, offering deep insight into his creative evolution.

  • Praised for its comprehensive archival footage and interviews with key collaborators.

  • Captures the cultural significance and artistic breakthroughs of Bowie's 1970s output.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praised the documentary, highlighting its thoroughness in covering a significant period of David Bowie's career. Many appreciated the detailed look at the making of his albums and the opportunity to hear from people who worked closely with him. The film is frequently recommended for its insightful and engaging portrayal of a musical icon.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Music Film at the Grierson Awards.

Fun Fact

The documentary utilizes extensive archival footage, including previously unseen material, to piece together the narrative of Bowie's five-year transformation.

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