David Bowie has traveled decades of musical and cinematographic history, continually rewriting himself and his art, also lending himself to sometimes arduous cinematographic roles. Today we retrace his path through the transformations and characters he interpreted, both as a musician and as an actor.
Major Tom
Although not a real character that appeared physically, Space Oddity‘s Major Tom (1969) is a first approach by the singer to a fictitious version of himself that will be more and more constant in the following years.
Ziggy Stardust
Ziggy Stardust is certainly among the most famous faces of David Bowie, the one that allowed him to establish himself in the world charts. It also marks the beginning of his Glam phase in 1972.
Halloween Jack
Halloween Jack is the other character that Bowie plays in his Glam period, after Ziggy’s “death”, making him live in Diamond Dogs (1974).
Thomas Jerome Newton
Played by David Bowie in the film The Man Who Fell to Earth (1975), Thomas is a cold and glacial alien, perfectly interpreted by the artist.
The Thin White Duke
The White Duke is next step: in 1976 Bowie takes the characteristics of the alien Thomas Newton to the extreme.
Paul Ambrosius von Przygodski
Bowie this time is a Prussian officer who ends up being a gigolo.
John Blaylock
In The Hunger (1983) he plays the part of the protagonist’s vampire companion.
Jack Celliers
In 1983 David Bowie stepped into the shoes of a soldier in the film Furyo.
Jareth
In 1986 he played the Goblin King in Labyrinth.
Vendice Partners
In Absolute Beginners (1986) he also contributes in making part of the famous soundtrack.
Pontius Pilate
In The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) he is the Roman prefect.
Nathan Adler
The investigator of the 1995 album Outside is yet another example of David Bowie’s ability to cover continuously changing characters.
Andy Warhol
In 1996, in Basquiat, he offers his face for the characterization of Andy Warhol.
Nikola Tesla
In 2006 he played the role of the visionary inventor in The Prestige.