Source: HBO Documentary Films
Movie Title: Moonage Daydream
Year Released: 2022
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Run Time: 135 mins
My Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Documentary, Music
Rated: 15
Starring: David Bowie
Directed by: Brett Morgen
Produced by: Brett Morgen
Written by: Brett Morgen
Music by: David Bowie
Awards Received: N/A
Why did I choose this particular film?
The plain and simple reason of: I love David Bowie. I also really loved Brett Morgen's past documentary "Montage of Heck." Before watching, I was curious to view the approach he took to the incredible weight of Bowie's longstanding career and how it would be condensed into a film.
Would I recommend this film? Why or why not?
Whether you like or dislike, know everything or nothing about Bowie, I wholeheartedly recommend you watch this. You will leave the film a completely different person, the whole thing felt like a religious experience and having the narration of Bowie throughout the film carrying you through the numerous visuals, elevated the experience and created an intimacy between the viewer and Bowie himself.
Source: HBO Documentary Films
What character was I most able to identify with or connect with? In what way?
Obviously, Bowie as the film was a celebration of his life narrated by Bowie himself. It was beautiful and the points he was making were so poignant. Overall, the film really asked me to question my perception of the world and my journey through life in a way like no other film has.
Best line or memorable quote:
"It's what you do in life that's important, not how much you have or what you wished you'd done."
Was I surprised by the ending? What would I do differently?
There was nothing surprising, just the conclusion of how incredible his career and life was. Seeing it all come together in this film was magical and as mentioned before, the narration of Bowie throughout just brought the audience closer to him as he told life through his own words. Many of the videos and shots were some I had never seen before and viewing them all together within this film had a great sense of escapism to it, as an audience member it wasn't hard to feel entirely immersed in it all.
Source: HBO Documentary Films
Is the composer/ musician/ band/ group featured in the film one that I already listen to?
Yes. Bowie takes up most of my vinyl record collection and he really does hold a special place in my heart having grown up listening to his iconic music. I also grew up with a deep love for Jim Henson films and therefore had Bowie on my screen from a young age in "Labyrinth." That was the earliest memory I had of Bowie in addition to his music being played around the house.
Source: Lucasfilm
What new information did I learn?
I learned information about his brother which I wasn't aware of, in addition to him moving to Berlin and spending some time there. All of it as a whole only elevated my opinion of how incredible his life truly was. Through everything, he managed to consistently revolutionise the music industry and bring his art to life in new creative ways whether through his fashion, makeup or live performances. He was constantly evolving which explains his need to live in all kinds of locations for inspiration during his life and is a true testament to the deep love he felt for his craft and passion to make art for the world.
Source: HBO Documentary Films
Anything else to add?
It was breathtaking and such an interesting approach to the typical music documentary. This film was not one that detailed every aspect of his life from beginning to end, by contrast, it was an expression of his artistic craft and a celebration of his incredible life.