Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (2023)

Powerful

Fantastic!

Don't Believe the Hype

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

Decent capture of David Bowie at his creative, flamboyant best. Good concert, and it's not all about Bowie. Mick Ronson's guitaring almost steals the show. Interesting behind-the-scenes footage adds a new, more personal, aspect to the live concert genre. Could have done with more of that though, as the behind-the-scenes stuff is fleeting, and sometimes seems token. Maybe some footage of practices and sound checks, or interviews with Bowie, would have been in order. Not perfect though. Production quality is quite raw and rough. Sound quality is variable. A must-see for all David Bowie fans.

Don't come expecting plot: Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is just a concert film, recorded at the last show of David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" tour at the Hammersmith Odeon in London, July 3rd, 1973. However, to say it's _just_ a concert film doesn't quite cover the bases... Let's be blunt: if you like the idea of the 26-year-old Bowie in a skimpy satin tunic and boots, growling into a microphone and spreading his thighs for the fans, then you're going to love this film. If that idea does nothing for you -- and, frankly, if it doesn't then I think you're missing one of life's great kicks -- then you're not the target audience.I should add that there are also five or six costume changes, some amusing backstage conversation, plenty of shots of the audience (apparently mostly fourteen-year-old girls in varying states of sexual ecstasy), and some rather scorching extended solos from lead guitarist Mick Ronson. Oh, yes: and I shouldn't forget to mention that Bowie's showmanship is amazing and the musical performances range from interesting to excellent -- there's a truly fabulous version of "Cracked Actor," for instance, with Bowie maintaining a surprising level of fierceness while playing harmonica and draped in a satin kimono. Beyond the music -- "Ziggy" staples like "Changes," "Space Oddity," "My Death," "All The Young Dudes," etc., as well as covers of the Rolling Stones' "Let's Spend The Night Together" and Lou Reed's "White Light, White Heat" -- the visual imagery is what really makes this interesting. The come-hither hip-shaking of "Moonage Daydream," or the guitar-sex-flavored performance of "Time" (with Bowie in unitard, garter and feather boa), all make this a fantastic education in what Bowie's original aesthetic -- and sex appeal -- were all about.Personally, I think this is a _Gesamtkunstwerk_ -- that is, a total work of art -- and should probably be beamed into outer space for the aliens to have fun with. But you can probably figure out which segment of the audience I fall into.P.S.: By the by, Todd Haynes' Velvet Goldmine made a hell of a lot more sense after I'd seen this film.

but I like it. This is a terrific concert recorded 30 years ago by Bowie. Considering that Bowie is in his 50's now and still recording and touring this is an excellent opportunity to see him in his prime. His voice is in great shape & the songs are first rate. Ziggy is one of the peaks in Rock and Roll history. Also Mick Ronson is one of the greatest rock guitarists ever. Much has been made of the costumes & Bowie's use of mime etc. but it is the music which carries the day.

I just got back from seeing Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars at the Castro Theater. Here's a few observations... 1. I see better bands/shows on a monthly basis here in San Francisco. 2. Bowie's ex-wife was a numbskull. 3. English people can't dance (although I can't either unless it's no-wave related). 4. The best thing about the movie is the costumes that Bowie wears. 5. The worst thing about the film is that it has the visual appearance of being filmed by a first-year photography student; jumpy camerawork, no prep work, bad lighting, (at times) bad sound, no sense of FOCUS, and a general lack of professionalism. I can forgive this only because it was filmed in 1973, when every artist was a supreme hack trying to build a reputation (OH, AND I KNOW ABOUT HACK ARTISTS... I KNOW!) 6. The new soundtrack is infinately better than the one on the original release and that first soundtrack. 7. LOTs of frumpy middle-aged drag queens were doing lines at the 7:00 showing judging from their rather frantic exit when I was in line for popcorn at the 9:00 showing. WOW, never have I seen so many men trying to be their mothers in their fashion sense. 8. There's lots of pseudo-gay punks in the Castro these days, and lots of really annoying homeless people. Coincidence? I THINK NOT! 9. $8 was about twice as much as anyone should pay for this film. Wait until it comes out on DVD... Seriously. 10. I had a great time listening to Yarra du Jour snicker at the fashion on one side of me and listening to my uncle Stephen chuckling at the utter worthlessness of the movie on the other. Our other friend Catlin remained suspiciously silent during the film. Maybe she fell asleep? I certainly did at least twice.