The teaser trailer for new feature-length David Bowie documentary Moonage Daydream has been released, and it’s an absolute treasure trove for fans of the iconic musician.
The 140-minute movie has been five years in the making and is the first official film project that has been supported by Bowie’s estate since the singer’s death in January 2016. It’s been made using thousands of hours of archival footage in both 35mm and 16mm, and includes Bowie’s own narration to tie the scenes together. The film will also feature around 40 newly remastered concert tracks - an absolute treat if you love the Brixton-born singer.
“Questions have arisen such as who is he? What is he? Where did he come from? Is he a creature of a foreign power? Is he a creep? Is he dangerous? Is he smart? Dumb? Nice to his parents? Real? A put on? Crazy? Sane? Man? Woman? Robot? What is this?” says a voiceover the trailer, as neon lights flash around a figure of Bowie as he walks onto a stage.
“All people, no matter who they are, all wish they had appreciated life more,” narrates Bowie to the increasingly dramatic music. “It’s what you do in life that’s important. Not how much time you have. Or what you wish you had done.”
Self-described as “an immersive cinematic experience,” the project has been directed, written and produced by Brett Morgen who made 2015’s Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, and who won an Emmy for 2017’s Jane, a documentary about the primatologist Jane Goodall. Then, as if that wasn’t exciting enough, Tony Visconti, Bowie’s longtime producer, is reported to be behind the sound, serving as the film’s music producer.
Fans and publications have come out in full force to celebrate the new documentary.
“If you love David Bowie, then #MoonageDaydream is the cinematic event of the year,” said Variety.
"MOONAGE DAYDREAM is spectacular, Brett Morgen was crazy for this one, every other music doc just retire now,” tweeted The Quietus editor Ella Kemp.
“It’s a joy to see every aspect of Bowie’s art celebrated, and to share his embrace of existence: "I’m pretty keen on life.”” added film critic Peter Howell.
If you love David Bowie, then #MoonageDaydream is the cinematic event of the year. The documentary includes 40 remastered songs and never-before-seen footage of the cultural icon. Watch the trailer: https://t.co/i1Hu9xrpL9 pic.twitter.com/VuKUD1bTAI
— Variety (@Variety) May 23, 2022
MOONAGE DAYDREAM is spectacular, Brett Morgen was crazy for this one, every other music doc just retire now #Cannes2022
— Ella Kemp (@ella_kemp) May 24, 2022
MOONAGE DAYDREAM: A Bowie love supreme. Brett Morgen's doc is cinema jazz: part mad idolatry, part surreal scrapbook, all David, voiced by him. It's a joy to see every aspect of Bowie's art celebrated, and to share his embrace of existence: "I'm pretty keen on life." #Cannes2022 pic.twitter.com/Da6a1NxqdP
— Peter Howell (@peterhowellfilm) May 24, 2022
The title Moonage Daydream is a nod to Bowie’s song of the same name, which was released in May 1971, and is regarded as one of his best. In the track, listeners are indirectly introduced to the character of Ziggy Stardust - fitting for the new film, which re-introduces fans to the star’s extraordinary life.
The trailer was dropped ahead of the film’s Cannes premiere last night. Moonage Daydream will be released in cinemas in autumn, before heading to HBO and HBO Max in Spring 2023.
