David Bowie: The Last Five Years (2018)

About David Bowie: The Last Five Years

"David Bowie: The Last Five Years" is a 2018 documentary that presents the comprehensive and definitive look at David Bowie's final five years of artistic excellence. Focusing on the artist's creative resurgence in this period, the film explores how Bowie not only completed two critically acclaimed albums ('The Next Day' and 'Blackstar') but also a musical, 'Lazarus'. The documentary intertwines rich archival footage with interviews of close collaborators, thus providing an immersive insight into Bowie's whirlwind of creativity and desire to produce exceptional work until the very end.

Making / Production

The documentary was a production of the BBC, directed by Francis Whately. It was Whately's second Bowie film following the 2013 documentary 'David Bowie: Five Years'. The film beautifully combines the past and present, manifesting Bowie's exceptional journey with the use of unseen archives and interviews.

Actors

• David Bowie - Himself (archive footage): Through archived footage, Bowie's charm, charisma, and creative brilliance shine throughout.
• Tony Visconti - Himself: Long-time collaborator and friend, Visconti provides an inside look into Bowie's final years.
• Gail Ann Dorsey - Herself: Dorsey, Bowie's bassist, provides insightful commentary on Bowie's work and life.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film features the original vocal Bowie recorded for the 'Lazarus' show, which was replaced in the final production by the show's star, Michael C. Hall.
• The idea for 'Blackstar' came from a single line in the 'Lazarus' musical: "Look up here, I’m in heaven."
• Director Francis Whately used over 50 interviews to create the film but did not include any voiceovers.

Quotes from the Movie

• "I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring." - David Bowie
• "I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human." - David Bowie
• "As an artist, I think it's my duty to be out of my comfort zone." - David Bowie

Music, Soundtrack

• 'Lazarus' - Featured in the musical and 'Blackstar' album, the song encapsulates Bowie's struggle with mortality.
• 'The Next Day' - Title track from the 2013 album, this song was a powerful comeback from Bowie.
• 'Blackstar' - Title track from Bowie's final album, it symbolizes his unprecedented musical innovation.