5 Movies To Watch In Memory Of David Bowie

The death of David Bowie has been a big loss for a lot of people, myself included. He was an amazing musician as well as just an awesome figure in culture in general. So, to remember Bowie, I decided to create a list of 5 movies that should be checked out to remember him. To start this list, let's get started with some honorable mentions before we jump to number 5.

Honorable Mentions

There are so many great movies I wanted to include in this list, but I figured if I made it longer than five, people might pass it by. But I do want to mention a few that if you have time, you should definitely check out, because it shows how versatile Bowie was as a performer. The Hunger is a great vampire movie to check out with Bowie as a vampire who has 24 hours to live. In Basquiat, David gives a phenomenal portrayal of the iconic Andy Warhol that has to be seen to be believed. Also check out Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, The Man Who Fell to Earth, and The Last Temptation of Christ if you have a free weekend. Bowie truly is an underrated actor.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

To start the list, I decided to go with a movie that Bowie isn't actually in, but one of his songs is a central piece to the plot. Walter Mitty, the title character, is just an average guy, but in a moment of inspiration, he hears "Space Oddity" and decides to actually do something with his life. This movie had some mixed reviews but overall seems generally well-liked. The moment that makes the movie for me is the Bowie song, though. It turns a song that many take as just a song about a guy in space and makes it relatable to people who feel lost in our real lives and need to take action. It's powerful, and although the movie doesn't actually have Bowie himself in it, I felt the song was a strong enough influence on the movie to include it in my list.

Moon

Again, I include a movie that doesn't actually have Bowie in it, but has his feel and presence. Which makes sense, because his son, Duncan Jones, made it. Moon is a film about an astronaut, played by the brilliant Sam Rockwell, who is alone in space and finds a curious discovery on the moon while apart of a mining experiment. The movie is FANTASTIC and deep, and has much of the feel of "Space Oddity," concerning a lone man in space who misses his family, and may never return. This should be a must-see if you haven't already seen it. It's a bit obscure but is remarkably touching and insightful. Plus it shows Bowie's legacy in his son, who is an astounding creator in his own right. That's something Bowie would be proud of.

Absolute Beginners

This is an odd choice for sure, but one that is a personal favorite of mine that I wanted to make sure I included. David Bowie plays a cool ad man who is tempting the main character in the most stylish way possible. He may not be the lead in this movie, but he is certainly the most entertaining and memorable part. He sings a song that he wrote for the film, "That's Motivation," which is so classy and slimy at the same time, you have to see it to believe it. This is the fun, creative, and smart Bowie that made him what he is today.

The Prestige

Another smaller role for Bowie, but one that captured him well in his later life. Here, Bowie plays Nikola Tesla, a reclusive, outcast, scientist whose brilliance is illuminated by the portrayal Bowie gives. It isn't a huge role, but Bowie makes it so intriguing. Honestly, I would have watched a full movie of Bowie playing Tesla. He has such gravitas that few actors have. Even when he isn't playing a charming super-cool guy, you get the idea that whatever part he is playing means something important. Plus there is a certain magic between Bowie and Tesla that resonates with one another. They are both these enigmatic geniuses the world viewed through a lens of wonder and amazement.

Labyrinth

Anyone who didn't expect this to be the number one on my list just doesn't get my love for Bowie. Yes, it is his biggest, most memorable role, and yes, moments of the movie are cheesy/creepy, but this movie is so amazing and shows the artist at his prime, dancing with puppets and teenage girls having a blast. He not only starred in it, but also wrote music for the film. This movie displays all sorts of emotions from Bowie as the evil Jareth, the Goblin King, and there are so many memorable lines delivered only in a way Bowie can deliver. He really goes all out in this film and I'm glad he does. He was a great musician, actor, and artist. I'm glad I lived during his time and got to see his works before he passed. He will be missed greatly by all, as an inspiration to artists around the world.  Here's to you, Mr. Bowie. You have made my life happier by being an icon in it.