Bowie: The Man Who Changed the World

It's some kind of accomplishment to make a solid documentary about the late David Bowie without actually incorporating his music (aside from samples from pre-stardom early efforts). This post-mortem portrait looks and sounds better than the slapdash production one might expect in the wake of Bowie's death at the beginning of 2016. While nothing here will be hugely revelatory to those very familiar with the singer's life, filmmaker Sonia Anderson's profile hits the key points, from Bowie's strong need to escape his emotionally distant parents, to his initial awkward performances, to his increasing comfort in becoming a character on stage, which led to the chameleon-like performer's adoption of ever-changing personas over the years. Bowie's marriages and children are covered here, but in some ways the most interesting material concerns the evolution of Bowie's business acumen. After leaving finances to others—and never having money, even during commercial peaks—Bowie finally decided to take the reins of his own career, coming up with such innovations as Bowie Bonds (in which investors gave him money up front in exchange for dividends later). Also of interest is Bowie's Berlin period, a storied chapter involving adventures with Iggy Pop, as well as his attempt to meld into a band called Tin Machine (as if anyone could accept him as a member of an ensemble). An engaging tribute, this is recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)