David Bowie: The Last Five Years
David Bowie: The Last Five Years

Movie spotlight

David Bowie: The Last Five Years

2017
Movie
90 min
English

In the last five years of his life, David Bowie ended nearly a decade of silence to engage in an extraordinary burst of activity, producing two groundbreaking albums and a musical. David Bowie: The Last Five Years explores this unexpected end to a remarkable career. Made with remarkable access, Francis Whately’s documentary is a revelatory follow-up to his acclaimed 2013 documentary David Bowie: Five Years, which chronicled Bowie’s golden ‘70s and early-‘80s period.

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users96%
Director: Francis WhatelyGenres: Documentary, Music

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the final five years of David Bowie's life, focusing on the creative process behind his final two albums, 'The Next Day' and 'Blackstar'. It delves into the making of his stage musical 'Lazarus' and explores his evolving artistic vision during this intensely creative period. Through interviews with those closest to him and archival footage, the film offers an intimate look at Bowie's determination to create meaningful work until the very end.

Critical Reception

The documentary was widely praised by critics for its intimate portrayal of David Bowie's final years and his creative process. Reviewers highlighted the access granted to musicians and collaborators, the insightful analysis of his last two albums, and its poignant tribute to the artist. It's considered a moving and comprehensive look at a pivotal period in Bowie's career, resonating deeply with fans and critics alike.

What Reviewers Say

  • Offers a deeply personal and insightful look into David Bowie's final creative period.

  • Praised for its access to collaborators and detailed examination of 'The Next Day' and 'Blackstar'.

  • A moving and fitting tribute to an artist who continued to innovate until his death.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly loved this documentary, appreciating its intimate and detailed exploration of David Bowie's final creative output. Many viewers found it to be a poignant and respectful tribute, highlighting the depth of his artistic process and his courage in the face of illness. The film is frequently described as a must-watch for any David Bowie fan.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for Best Single Documentary.

Fun Fact

The documentary features extensive interviews with the musicians who played on Bowie's final albums, providing unique insights into his working methods and the collaborative spirit of his last creative endeavors.

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