Watch David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars

David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars is a 1979 movie directed by D.A Pennebaker, a film that documents Bowie's last performance as Ziggy Stardust, his alter ego, and the band that came to embody his persona - the Spiders from Mars. Narrated by Bowie himself, the movie begins with a glimpse of Bowie's backstage preparations before the concert, and then takes the viewers on a journey into the 70s glam rock scene with a few minute-long clips of Bowie's performances on stage.

The concert, which took place on July 3rd, 1973, at the Hammersmith Odeon in London, is the main event of the movie, as it is presented in its entirety. The gig was originally supposed to be just another stop on the tour to support the release of the album Aladdin Sane, but it became an iconic moment in music history when Bowie announced to the audience, "This is the last show we'll ever do.". It was the last time Bowie performed in the guise of Ziggy Stardust, and the band that had supported him on his journey.

The concert features a setlist that included songs such as 'Rock 'n' Roll Suicide', 'Suffragette City', 'Moonage Daydream', and many others, all performed with an impressive stage production that included an elaborate light show, glittering costumes, and props.

Bowie's performance is nothing short of stunning, and the energy and charisma he brings to each song make it clear why he became one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Mick Ronson's guitar work is extraordinary, adding an edge to Bowie's songs and weaving intricate solos with ease. Trevor Bolder's bass playing and Mick Woodmansey's drumming tie everything together with a tight rhythm section that leaves the audience breathless.

In between songs, Bowie shares insights into the development of his character, Ziggy Stardust. He explains how he was inspired by the image of a 1950s rock star and mixed it with inspiration from Japanese kabuki theater to create a persona that was both otherworldly and familiar. He said that he wanted Ziggy to be "an alien messiah, caught and perceived through our own time."

The movie not only showcases the band's musical talent but also provides a glimpse into the 70s counterculture. Bowie's androgynous appearance, which was considered scandalous at the time, challenged gender norms and inspired living room discussions across the country.

The black-and-white footage gives the film a raw, authentic feel that captures the essence of the band's live performance. The editing is intentionally rough at times, suggesting that the viewer is witnessing events as they unfold in real-time.

Overall, David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars is an essential piece of music history that captures a moment in time where the boundaries of art, music, and culture were being pushed to the limit. The movie's combination of raw energy, innovative visuals, and Bowie's unique storytelling creates a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience for viewers.

David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars is a 1973 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 58.