What can you really say about David Bowie? The man was a true legend: a musician who changed music, a performer with magnetic skills, and an artist of the first degree. He tried his hand at everything; and even when he occasionally stumbled, he never truly fell. His work covered countless mediums: music, art, writing, and film. Always the consummate performer, Bowie brought his charm and talent to the big screen in a number of amazing roles. Below are the David Bowie movie performances--more reminders of the singular artist the world has lost.
The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976)
In his first major role, Bowie displayed his haunting persona and cinematic knack with this weird and wonderful film by director Nicolas Roeg. Bowie played spaceman Thomas Jerome Newton, an alien who has crash-landed on Earth seeking water for his drought-afflicted planet. His experiences on our planet are a fascinating and unsettling meditation on greed, the idea of home, and what being human truly means.
The Prestige (2006)
Christopher Nolan's intense adaptation of the Christopher Priest novel about dueling magicians at the end of the 19th century had some serious heavyweights in the cast: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Scarlett Johansson all got top billing. But the entire film was deftly and delightfully stolen by David Bowie in his brief but utterly unforgettable role as the brilliant scientist Nikola Tesla. The only complaint about his performance is that you're left wanting so much more.
Labyrinth (1986)
No list of David Bowie films would be complete without Labyrinth. Bowie stars as Jareth, the Goblin King, who has kidnapped the infant brother of a young Jennifer Connelly. Her only way to save her baby brother is to solve his labyrinth. Surrounded by the wonderful creations of the Jim Henson Studio, Bowie combines a theatrical flamboyance and a truly sinister style that makes for one of the most memorable villains of the '80s. Despite Jim Henson's wonderfully weird puppet creations, this movie is decidedly grown-up; no wonder it's become a beloved cult classic over the years.
The Hunger (1983)
David Bowie as a sexy and seductive vampire? It's casting perfection, and placing him alongside the mesmerizing Catherine Deneuve as his vampire consort is a match made in heaven (well, metaphorically speaking). The film follows Bowie as he struggles to find a solution to his problem: namely that being a vampire means living forever, not being young forever. Susan Sarandon co-stars as the determined doctor tasked with helping him regain his youth, and all the bloody chaos plays out against the backdrop of the sensational band Bauhaus. Corny and creepy in equal turns, it's a dark delight.
Zoolander (2001)
His brief cameo (as himself, of course), comes amidst the good-natured mayhem of this Ben Stiller comedy about models. Still, it's well worth watching; Bowie handles the silliness with grace and good humor (and of course, the signature style that was often imitated but never ever duplicated). Bowie never had trouble poking fun at himself throughout the years. He even provided a voice for the hit comedy show Spongebob Squarepants. His character? Lord Royal Highness, of course. Whether on the runway or under the sea, Bowie rules.
Basquiat (1996)
This all-star film about the life of artist Jean-Michael Basquiat has the sort of cast people can only dream of: Jeffrey Wright, Gary Oldman, Dennis Hopper, Parker Posey, Benicio Del Toro, Tatum O'Neal, Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell, and Courtney Love all make memorable appearances in this fascinating (if flawed) look at a tremendous artistic talent taken far too early. David Bowie shines in a transformative turn as Basquiat's friend and mentor, Andy Warhol. The scenes between the two are the core of the movie, and a loving tribute to art and the people who make it.
