I was not sure what to expect but its Bowie so I HAD to go. I booked the first showing of the IMAX on 16 September 2022. I was alone. This is not unusual as I have always felt like the only Bowie fan in a 30-mile radius. I used to buy gig tickets and beg friends who ‘liked’ him to come with me and it was a bonus if they would pay for their ticket. And when I say liked, I refer to people who only know Bowie’s greatest hits. Those who can’t name their favourite album, not because they love so many, but because they don’t know them. Anyway, I was happy to go alone. It was just Bowie and me – how it has always been since I was 12. I paid for a premium seat and was near the front so that the other few people at this showing (less than 15) were behind me and I could pretend they weren’t there. I have never been so impatient for adverts to get over with. As soon as I saw an O and I on the screen I could feel the emotions welling inside of me. BOWIE.
I think Brett has made a good film. He tries very loosely to cover Bowie’s life with Bowie narrating. Hearing his voice again makes me so happy and then sad when I remember he is not here anymore. This film is a bit chaotic but that is intentional as we fall through the looking glass into another world. A world of Bowie. Trying to understand what he said, what he did, how he changed his mind and how he grew. It’s definitely a roller coaster ride. There is so much to love about this film. I recognised many of the images and clips. I felt my die-hard Bowie status is intact. But seriously, there are clips we have seen before but for me I can never get enough. I always loved the Russell Harty clips. I truly believe his best acting role was The Elephant Man so I am delighted that is included. But throughout it all, its clips of Bowie wisdom – especially towards the last 15 minutes of the film. Bowie tells us ‘Don’t waste a day. Don’t waste a minute’. What great advice.
I was crying at some of the film, and laughing and singing at other parts. To see Bowie, sing Rock n Roll Suicide on an IMAX screen is worth every penny and I was giving him my hands. ‘Cause you’re wonderful is tattooed on my wrist. I love that positive affirmation. Bowie is a genius and this film demonstrates this time and again.
I came away from the film very emotional – much more than I have been in years, since his passing to be honest. I feel the film has covered me in Moondust and reaffirmed my faith in why I love David Bowie.
I will definitely go to see it again while it is on at the cinema – and yes, the DVD is already pre-ordered.
