Brett Morgen

David Bowie is an alligator. He’s a mama-papa comin’ for you. And the space invader. 

 Or so go the lyrics to his 1972 ballad “Moonage Daydream,” which shares the name with Brett Morgan’s new archival documentary on the glam rock icon.

The film is a kaleidoscopic telling of the many iterations and characters of Bowie throughout his half a century career. Sumptuous visuals from classic films, Bowie music videos and artwork, backed with candid interviews tell the story of the singer with purely archival material.

The Knockturnal attended a For Your Consideration screening in an IMAX theater, which is the optimal medium to appreciate the dazzling, space-faring, makeup-wearing, fantasy role-playing singer in all his grandeur.

The film depicts Bowie as a man deeply invested in constructing his own identity, through costume, art and public persona. He evolves later in life, both as a person and how he sees and presents himself. So does his music. And so does the aesthetic of the documentary.

The brilliance of the film is that it allows you to experience Bowie. Not hear about Bowie through an intermediary. This is the record the late Bowie left us constructed in such a way that we feel the man and his art throughout.

He’s lonely. He’s brilliant. He’s compassionate. He’s fabulous. He’s high on life. He’s a rock ‘n’ rollin’ bitch for you. Freak out in an IMAX Moonage Daydream.