He started life exploring all aspects of performance, and although he became established on the music scene it was perhaps only a matter of time before Bowie the singer became Bowie the movie star. This happened in the best way possible when visual genius Nicolas Roeg cast him as an extraterrestrial losing his marbles in 1976's The Man Who Fell To Earth. The role of alien Thomas Newton, whose seemingly straightforward mission to Earth becomes complicated by the forces of government and the media, arguably reflects Bowie's own attempts to present himself to the wider world. Indeed, his cocaine use during the shoot informed his interpretation of the character, albeit inadvertently! Roeg had worked with Bowie's friend Mick Jagger on warped drama Performance, so he came to the project with some idea of how to turn a rock star into a leading man. Any naysayers who expressed surprise that Bowie had dipped his toe into those waters were soon proved wrong. The acting gamble led to a strong film career, at least compared to others who attempted the same trick.
I am a journalist and comedian who enjoys American movies of the 70s, Amicus horror compendiums, Doctor Who, Twin Peaks, Naomi Watts and sitting down. My short fiction has been published as part of the Iris Wildthyme range from Obverse Books.
