David Bowie: The Last Five Years

David Bowie: The Last Five Years is a poignant and insightful documentary that delves into the final five years in the life of renowned music icon, David Bowie. Premiering in 2017 and directed by Francis Whately, this documentary is an intimate exploration of Bowie's profound creativity and significant contributions to the music industry during the concluding years of his extraordinary career.

One of the salient aspects constituting this documentary's allure, and perhaps it's most enticing to Bowie's plethora of loyal fans is that Bowie himself stars in it. Complementing Bowie, the docudrama also features Earl Slick, Bowie's long-time collaborator and lead guitarist, and Gail Ann Dorsey, a key player in Bowie's production team. Their invaluable insights and unique perspectives enrich this already profound exploration, offering an intimate comprehension of the enigmatic genius that was David Bowie.

At its core, David Bowie: The Last Five Years is an immersive journey into the renowned artist's work, focusing on three of his albums: "The Next Day," "Blackstar," and the musical "Lazarus." The film draws heavily upon rare archival footage, intimate interviews, and personal anecdotes to weave a provocative narrative. It is not just a montage of Bowie's significant accomplishments during these years, but also a testament to his continuous evolution as an artist, despite grappling with the realities of aging and his mortality.

Francis Whately's directorial adeptness shines through in his ability to meticulously and sensitively paint a picture of Bowie's final years that is both illuminating and respectful. He masterfully captures the essence of Bowie's steadfast commitment to artistic evolution and innovation through evocative visuals and clever sound design, capturing Bowie's essence and displaying his visionary artistry starkly on screen.

What emerges from this enchanting documentary is not just Bowie, the global icon, but also David Jones, the man behind the spectacle. The film balances the public persona and the private individual in a way that is neither invasive nor trivializing. Through exclusive interviews with close associates and collaborators, the audience gets a sense of Bowie's driving forces, his creative process, and his unwavering determination.

The character of Earl Slick in the documentary deserves special mention. As Bowie's long-time guitarist, Slick provides an insider's perspective into the world of Bowie, offering exceptional anecdotes and reflections on working closely with the legend himself. Slick's narrative not only adds depth to Bowie's character portrayal but also helps paint a vivid picture of Bowie's relentless pursuit of artistic originality and excellence.

Gail Ann Dorsey, another critical voice in the documentary, provides a unique outlook from her experience as a backing vocalist and bassist in Bowie's band since the mid-'90s. The chemistry between Bowie and Dorsey on recordings and the stage only underscores Bowie's ability to build and foster lasting collaborative relationships that shaped his sound and style. Dorsey and Bowie's stories within the documentary add a proprietary element, adding to the overall appeal of the documentary with their insightful contributions.

The documentary's title is poignant and ever relevant, 'The Last Five Years', referring to the final period of Bowie’s life where he continued to inspire and create, even when faced with a terminal illness. It showcases a legend determined to exit on his terms and remain innovative until the end. This commitment culminated in some of Bowie's most daring and experimental work, including his jazz-influenced album, "Blackstar," and his musical, "Lazarus."

David Bowie: The Last Five Years is less of a biopic and more of a tribute to an artist who ceaselessly pushed boundaries, despite the personal challenges he faced. This documentary provides a glimpse into Bowie’s world in the later stages of his life and career. It gives fans an intimate view of his relentless pursuit of reinvention, unique artistry, and constant creation, reflecting the passion and resilience that governed Bowie until his final days. It isn't merely about the fascination of an iconic musician; it's a testament to Bowie's universe's tenacious strength, resilience, and enduring relevance. Whether you are a Bowie aficionado or a general music lover, this documentary is a stirring tribute to an artist whose influence continues to reverberate through the music landscape today.