Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: MOONAGE DAYDREAM [Cannes Film Festival 2022]
The essence of David Bowie is wrapped in the notions of his existence and his fate. With "Moonage Daydream" [Out Of Competition/Midnight], director Brett Morgan brings his editing style and storytelling to the world of Ziggy Stardust. Creating more of a concert feeling, the doc definitely is meant to be seen in a theater. In the midnight screening at the Lumiere, they definitely upped the sound. But as with some of his previous films (and because he is also the editor), the film hits its strides when it just gives into the visual color of the music. This does mean the movie stops and starts many times but that is just the basis of Morgen's structure which is less formal than most. He does what feels right. The interviews range within eras but one concert from Buffalo in the early 70s plays the most. The movie is not short at 2 hours and 20 minutes and some images are repeated more than once but Morgen tries to be comprehensive (at least in the experience). The notion of the universe is central but so Bowie's attempts to find himself. At one point around the early 80s he says he is much more comfortable in his own skin but he was surprised how much people created in the mythology of Ziggy Stardust in comparison to he himself playing it.
The notion of the artist is also explored but it is mostly existential perspective versus humanity of the real. Much of the older audio only interviews can be hard to hear in the mix but are very pertinent. Morgen wants to keep the feeling running at all times so the movie starts to feel more like a kaleidoscope especially at a couple points with his use of original animation and color soundscapes in addition to the religion of cosmic imagery and the earth being revealed from behind the moon in silhouette. The use of pop culture clips from all eras is understood but perhaps overused. That said, it does not take away from the film's power especially for fans of the singer. Bowie saw himself primarily as a writer and wanted to push himself but his inventiveness continues to stir a new generation because we can all be taught. A great antecedent is that after the movie concluded around 3am to applause, Morgen introduced his eighth grade English teacher sitting next to him that inspired him. A-
By Tim Wassberg
