David Bowie: Finding Fame is a documentary film directed by Francis Whately and produced by BBC Studios. The film explores the early years and early career of the legendary musician and performer, David Bowie, before he became internationally famous as Ziggy Stardust.
The film is structured around key moments and turning points in Bowie's life and career, beginning with his childhood and early influences in post-war South London, and then moving through his early struggles to find his voice as a songwriter and performer. It includes interviews with many of Bowie's early collaborators, friends, and family members, as well as rare archival footage and photographs.
Throughout the film, Whately traces the evolution of Bowie's persona and songwriting style, from his early days as a mod and folk singer, to his breakthrough with Space Oddity in 1969, which launched him into the mainstream. Along the way, the film explores Bowie's experiments with different musical genres and his collaborations with other artists, including the influence of avant-garde playwright Lindsay Kemp and saxophonist Ronnie Ross.
David Bowie: Finding Fame also examines the social and cultural context of Bowie's early career, including the changing political and artistic landscape of London in the 1960s and 1970s. The film highlights the ways in which Bowie drew upon and transformed a diverse range of cultural influences, including science fiction, queer culture, and African-American music.
Ultimately, David Bowie: Finding Fame presents a compelling portrait of one of the most innovative and influential artists of the twentieth century, and sheds new light on his early years and influences.