Have I seen Stardust, the non-family approved biopic of David Bowie’s early quest for stardom in America? Nah. Will I eventually? Oh probably, haven’t we noticed I like to torture myself? Until such time, however, here’s more interesting fun you could be having re: the works of Mr. Bowie.
1. “Blue Jean” AKA “Jazzin’ for Blue Jean”, the 21-minute Extended Version (1984) Bowie plays two roles in this short film: Vic, a bumbling Everyman who just wants to take the girl of his dreams (Louise Scott) to a concert, and Screaming Lord Byron, star of the concert in question. Nothing works out for poor Vic in this Julien Temple-directed adventure, but it’s a better time than, say, a biopic. https://youtu.be/DXvAaNcXNzI
Screaming Lord Byron himself
2. “Blackstar” (2016) If A24 made a music video it would probably wish it could be as chilling and remote as Bowie’s 9:59 art rock jewel. The first single from his final studio album (of the same name), “Blackstar” is more short film than music video. Directed by Johan Renck, “Blackstar” has jewel-encrusted skulls of astronauts (sorry, Major Tom), women doing secret rituals, crucified scarecrows gyrating, and Bowie as three different, but equally disconcerting characters. It’s a lot, and we love him for it. https://youtu.be/kszLwBaC4Sw
3. “Time Will Crawl” (1983) A Toni Basil-choreographed behind the scenes look at rehearsals for Bowie’s Glass Spider tour, “Time Will Crawl” is fun and silly and features Peter Frampton in like, vinyl jogger pants? The ‘80s! Still better than Stardust. https://youtu.be/YHU28e8hZkA
4. “The Hearts Filthy Lesson” (1995) “Paddy? Paddy? Who’s been wearing Miranda’s clothes?” Probably known to most as the ending credits music of Seven, “The Hearts Filthy Lesson” was the promo single for his industrial-inspired album Outside. The video (frequently shown on television in censored form) is a *’90s music video* writ large; a warehouse of artsy crust punks throw paint and blood and give each other piercings in a flurry of ritualistic creativity as Bowie himself paints and sings over their solemnities. Also featuring a far-too human eyed dummy, “The Hearts Filthy Lesson” is one for the ages. Unfortunately not on YouTube in a decent version at the moment.
5. “Jump They Say” (1993) The first single from the album Black Tie White Noise, “Jump They Say” is about Bowie’s half-brother Terry Burns who committed suicide in 1985. The video (directed by Mark Romanek) paints a picture of a successful but paranoid man who is perhaps proved wrong and perhaps right, but loses his life in the process. The video ends with a visual inspired by the real-life suicide of Evelyn McHale and the lyrics’ darkness belies the funky poppy tones. “My friend don't listen to the crowd/They say jump”. https://youtu.be/xPZWgCLMsW8
