Some historical figures cannot have their lives reduced to a standard biopic. If the overwhelmingly negative reception to the 2020 biopic “Stardust” is any indication, then David Bowie is one of them. For the future, a film about him would have to be as unique as Bowie himself was as an artist. Therefore, officially sanctioned by his estate and prominently featuring dozens of songs from his discography, an upcoming documentary may possibly give the rocker the film he deserves. From Brett Morgen, the director of acclaimed documentaries such as “Cobain: Montage of Heck,” “The Kid Stays in the Picture,” and “Jane” comes “Moonage Daydream.” Looking at a theatrical release this fall, the experimental documentary has a new look at its kaleidoscopic, odyssey-oriented attempt to bring Bowie to the silver screen.
“Moonage Daydream” had its premiere back in May at this year’s Cannes Film Festival; our positive review for the film being available to read here and below. In our review, we comment on how well Morgen is able to capture the mind of Bowie, the film acting as a means of transportation into the rocker’s mind instead of just being a highlight reel of his most iconic moments, as colorful and eccentric in its filmmaking as the rocker was in his music and stage personas.
To quote from our review, “Morgen’s images are often enriched with vivid color, flashing with deep sapphire and rich scarlet; candid Polaroids are juxtaposed against Bowie’s rapturous fans, fingers inching towards their messiah with all of their might.” It is a near guarantee that if someone loves glam rock and personal independence, they love David Bowie, so “Moonage Daydream” will be an integral artwork for Bowie lovers the world over.
Distributed by NEON and written, directed, and edited by Brett Morgen, “Moonage Daydream” releases in theaters and select IMAX screens on September 16. Watch the new trailer below.