This is my entry for “Z” in the Blogging A to Z Challenge. Throughout April I will be watching and reviewing a documentary movie from A to Z. Previous “Z” documentaries I’ve reviewed include Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait and Zimbelism.
Title: Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
Release Date: December 23, 1983
Director: D. A. Pennebaker
Production Company: Miramax Films | MainMan | Bewlay Bros.
Summary/Review:
David Bowie finished off a world tour supporting The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars with this performance at London’s Hammersmith Odeon on July 3, 1973. Pioneering D. A. Pennebaker and a small crew were on hand to film the show. Cinematically, this film does not hold up to the likes of The Last Waltz or Stop Making Sense. Nevertheless, I appreciate the simplicity and the intimacy of this concert film.
Bowie is the focus of the film, whether he’s on stage or in his dressing room for a costume change. It’s clear that he has a special connection with the audience, many of who are in Ziggy Stardust style makeup and costumes. Assuming there are no overdubs in this film – and I don’t think there are – the band was on fire this night, especially Mark Ronson who has several excellent guitar solos. Pianist Mike Garson lends a cocktail lounge jazz sound to several songs that works very well. My only disappointment is that the band doesn’t perform “Starman” or “Life on Mars” in this set.
If you’re like me and weren’t alive to see what the big deal was regarding Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, this is a good way to found out.
Rating: ****
Panorama of the Mountains 
Have heard David Bowie. Sounds like an concert to listen to.
Congratulations for completing 2 A to Z!
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I’m not as familiar with David Bowie as I probably should be, given my interests in all things outer space. Maybe I’ll check this documentary out.
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Haven’t seen it but want to.
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It’s worth seeking out.
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My fellow Bowie fans and I eagerly awaited this documentary’s arrival in the theatres, and I went to see it several times at my local art house. This is an amazing look into the early days of his career and, as you point out, well worth seeing. He was a real tour de force as a performer, even as young as he was then.
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