Stardust
“Stardust” – the new David Bowie Biopic. Raindance 28th London Film Festival 2020
Looking too far into the past doesn’t bring you up to date with the future?
Screenplay by Christopher Bell. Directed by Gabriel Range.
Piccadilly Picture and Son/Salon Pictures
The story opens in Washington DC in 1971 when David Jones aka Bowie arrives without a travel permit to start his string of performances in the USA. After Space Oddity Bowie was trying everything to stop him being dropped from Mercury, and booked himself in for a solo tour of America.
The viewer is immediately taken up with the delicate appearance of this androgynous and intriguing elfin star of the show. Rolling Stone magazine was contacted several times so try and elicit interest in Bowie before he was a big attraction. Making jokes to them about dressing in womens’ clothes and getting laid did not really put the cherry on the cake for them for a while! He actually commented, “I feel like a carnival side show without the actual carnival” in response to his gradual rise to acceptance and mega recognition.
He told a reporter that he saw his role as “an artist, a tart, a harlot, a prostitute, a parody” . His driver in the USA had a lot to put with as half his documents once went missing on a mission to publicise Bowie when he opened the car window on a fast journey and they were scattered on the road.
There are allusions to hospitals and shrinks and Bowie said his brother was in an asylum and “I’m scheduled to be next”. Shrinks make an appearance whilst Bowie is touting his songs in the USA and can’t really make head or tail of him!
We are not treated to the “real blossoming” or “full bloom” of Bowie’s immense impact on the music world so there is definitely room for a sequel.
On his return to the UK, Bowie’s doting pregnant girlfriend lost her rag and said “We were supposed to be King and Queen, not Master and Slave” – a predictable rant from a woman who felt she’s been left “in the wings” I suppose!
Towards the end of the saga we are treated to Bowie having a revolutionary new red haircut and working with people in extravagant and dynamic costumes including himself – MORE PLEASE!
Stars the talented Johnny Flynn as Bowie – born in 1983 in Johannesburg and came to UK when he was two. He is or has been singer/songwriter of band – Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit. In addition Johnny has starred in many other media exploits over the years. He is perfectly suited to this part and let’s hope there will be money for a sequel where he can act as the Bowie who became famous and the reflecting the subsequent obsession the British and the World Public had with him for very very many years.
Also stars Jena Malone – Angie Bowie, Marc Maron – Ron Oberman Et al
PEACE. ENJOY. Penny Nair Price