A new documentary film promises a fresh, if sometimes bittersweet, look at the final chapters of David Bowie's extraordinary career. 'Bowie: The Final Act' focuses on the artist's work from the 1990s through to his poignant final album in 2016, a period often viewed as less creatively fertile than his iconic 70s and 80s reinventions.
Navigating a Shifting Legacy
Arriving amidst a steady stream of Bowie-related projects—from the V&A's upcoming David Bowie Centre to the 2022 documentary 'Moonage Daydream'—the film faces the challenge of engaging audiences with a era that confounded some fans. It candidly addresses Bowie's controversial 90s venture with the band Tin Machine, described at the time by Melody Maker critic Jon Wilde as 'glorified pub rock'. The film even features Wilde reflecting on his own harsh critique.
Despite the occasional creative misstep, the documentary argues this period was not without its highlights. It charts Bowie's attempts to engage with contemporary trends, including a brief exploration of drum & bass, and is framed by his enduring fascination with outer space. The narrative is punctuated by flashbacks to his earlier glory days, providing context for his later journey.
Collaborators and Comebacks
The film is enriched by personal and professional insights from a roster of close associates. Contributors include long-time producer and friend Tony Visconti, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, actress and singer Dana Gillespie, author Hanif Kureishi, and guitarists Earl Slick and Reeves Gabrels.
A key moment examined is Bowie's legendary headline performance at the Glastonbury Festival in 2000, widely seen as a triumphant return to form that cemented his status as a living legend. Yet, the documentary suggests that his most significant creative achievement of this later period was undoubtedly his final work.
A Poignant and Defiant Finale
The film's most moving segments centre on the creation of Bowie's last album, 'Blackstar', released just two days before his death in January 2016. It details how Bowie and Visconti worked in secret, aware that this would likely be his final artistic statement. The documentary portrays the making of 'Blackstar' not as going out on a high in the traditional sense, but as a profoundly dignified, poignant, and defiant farewell from an artist in full control of his exit.
'Bowie: The Final Act' will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from 26 December, offering fans a chance to reflect on the complex, compelling conclusion to one of music's most storied careers.
