David Bowie’s Best Film Moments
As if Monday wasn’t a hard enough day to get through, today we’ve also had to cope with the tragic passing of David Bowie. He was a true icon and legend of the music industry and had an uncanny chameleon knack for reinvention, managing to transcend all manor of boundaries. Bowie is beloved to the world for the music and magic that he brought into our lives and the way in which he changed the industry.
His songs didn’t only have a massive effect on the world of music, they also impacted on the medium of film. You only have to look at the soundtracks portion of the late musician’s IMDB page to see just how many movies have been enriched by his vocals. That of course wasn’t the end of Bowie’s contribution to the film industry as he also starred in several high profile movies during the course of his vast career.
To celebrate one of the brightest stars that has ever shone, the THN team have gathered together to share with you our favourite film moments to feature the great man.
Paul Heath
I imagine that a lot of people will comment on Bowie’s turn as Jareth in Jim Henson’s Labyrinth as their stand-out moment of the icon on-screen. It’s the same for me. It’s probably my earliest memory of visiting the cinema, and it would have hit screens at just the right age for me. I was nine. There is another film in which Bowie also stars in, for which I’ll always remember him, and that is as John Blaylock in Tony Scott’s The Hunger. Bowie also appeared in the TV series as ‘The Host,’ but if you haven’t managed to check out the 1983 original, do so. The film wasn’t amazing, but you’ll see some awesome work from Mr. Bowie.
Kat Hughes
David Bowie’s Best Film Moments
A film that combined both the actor and singer for me, it has to be Labyrinth. It’s a film that raised me, and thus Bowie has always been intrinsically linked to Jareth for me. Labyrinth is one of several films that had a massive hand in shaping me. It’s got everything a child could wish for in a fantasy film – cute creatures, magic and good defeating bad.
His performance as the Goblin King is Bowie at his zaniest and he is clearly relishing every moment he is on screen. Whilst many will cite the Dance, Magic scene as their favourite from the film, for me it’s the drug-induced dream sequence during which Jareth serenades Sarah. It’s especially close to my heart as that song, As the World Falls Down, was the song for the first dance at my wedding.
Sean Narbourough
While Ben Stiller’s remake of The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty isn’t perfect, there is one moment that sticks out thanks to the genius of David Bowie. Needing motivation to start the adventure of a lifetime, Walter Mitty pictures his love interest played by Kristen Wiig playing an acoustic version of David Bowie’s Space Oddity. Wiig’s voice fits the song so perfectly and is a beautiful rendition. Space Oddity was the perfect song not just for this scene but also for the film as a whole. The film is about taking the risk to make more of your life and Space Oddity captures that message perfectly.
It’s important to make the most of your life and David Bowie himself certainly did just that. He broke conventions and decided to take risks to improve his life and the lives of everyone he connected with. While Space Oddity fits perfectly with this scene from The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty, it also fits perfectly with the life of David Bowie and is the ideal song to remember him by.
Steve Palace
David Bowie’s Best Film Moments
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. A random, inspired and utterly mad appearance, just like the man himself.
Luke Ryan Baldock
David Bowie’s Best Film Moments
Bowie displayed his iconic acting chops in the incredible Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence. His poise and charm reflected Maj. Jack Celliers’ strength and courage exceptionally well. A powerful and emotional film with a stunning lead performance.
Jazmine Sky Bradley
My favourite Bowie reference in film is the ending of The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. With Heroes blasting from the car radio, it’s such a poignant moment, with the film’s three young protagonists really appreciating what it’s like to be free. His music changed lives, and I think that short scene truly shows this.
Nick Martin
David Bowie’s Best Film Moments
His turn as Nicolas Tesla in The Prestige was fantastic – really haunting performance adding to the overall tone of the film
Mike McCarthy
David Bowie’s Best Film Moments
I can only echo Nick, The Prestige was a fantastic film and a large part of that was Bowie. He had a habit of making things appear effortless and his version of Tesla was no different. I was only talking about the film last week and singing his praises…
It’s not a movie reference but I also think his turn in Ricky Gervais‘ Extras was also hilarious, as was his unexpected cameo in Zoolander.
The man was the very definition of a legend, right to the very end. Difficult to say more than that.
Matthew Ceo
David Bowie’s Best Film Moments
I have a lot of adoration for Bowie in The Prestige and Labyrinth. Two of his finest performances for me, that really contributed into creating two memorable, thought-provoking pieces of cinema. He’s an absolute sheer joy to behold.
Lucy Cave
David Bowie’s Best Film Moments
In Christiane F when David Bowie comes on stage to sing “Station To Station”. It was the first time I ever saw David Bowie as a performer and he is just epic from beginning to end.
And can I just say I am absolutely devastated that he has passed away. He was an hero of mine and I can’t believe it.
Dan Bullock
David Bowie’s Best Film Moments
I’m echoing The Prestige, Extras and – of course – Labyrinth. The latter dominating my childhood memories as the scary, yet understandable and empathic Goblin King, Jareth.
I also have to mention his track and association with Seven and the gritty, dark nature. His influence effortlessly transcended generations and I’m also deeply saddened by this loss. Many condolences to his family and friends.
Benjamin Read
David Bowie’s Best Film Moments
Bowie was not only an extremely talented actor, but also a remarkably gifted comedian. His hilarious self-parody cameo appearances in Ben Stiller’s Zoolander and Ricky Gervais‘ Extras still induce hysteric laughter to this day.
John Sharp
David Bowie’s Best Film Moments
Short but sweet- David Bowie’s first appearance as Nicholas Tesla in The Prestige has to be one of the most badass entrances in all of cinema. In what may well be the defining performance of one if the most under rated scientists in history, film goers will know Tesla almost exclusively through Bowie’s performance. It is befitting both men that his entrance is literally electrifying and the cinema in which I saw the film erupted into unexpired cheers. For me, it’s an unforgettable moment brought to life by an unforgettable man.
