The first collection dedicated to David Bowie's acting career shows that his film characterisations and performance styles shift and reform as decoratively as his musical personas. Though he was described as the most influential pop artist of the 20th century, whose work became synonymous with mask, mystery, sexual excess and ch-ch-ch-changing genres, Bowie also applied his genius to the craft of acting. Bowie's considerable filmography is systematically examined in 12 scholarly essays that include tributes to Bowie's performance craft in other media forms. Classic films such as The Prestige and Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, cult hits Labyrinth and The Man Who Fell To Earth, as well as lesser-known roles in The Image, Christiane F. and Broadway hit The Elephant Man are viewed, not simply through the lens of Bowie's mega-stardom, but as the work of a serious actor with inimitable talent. This compelling analysis celebrates the risk-taking intelligence and bravura of David Bowie: actor, mime, mimic and icon.
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Ian Dixon, Brendan Black
Author
I’m Not a Film Star
by Ian Dixon, Brendan Black
Books Like I’m Not a Film Star
If you're looking for books similar to I’m Not a Film Star, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
David Bowie: A Life
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A comprehensive biography exploring Bowie's multifaceted career and artistic transformations. The book delves into his creative process, personal life, and cultural impact. It provides intimate insights from interviews with those who knew him best. Jones captures Bowie's chameleon-like ability to reinvent himself across music, film, and performance art.
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A masterful guide to film acting techniques from a legendary performer. Caine provides insights into the craft of screen acting, drawing from his extensive experience. The book offers practical advice on character development and performance. It complements the scholarly approach to acting demonstrated in the Bowie book.
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A definitive guide to performing Shakespearean drama. Barton provides deep insights into the craft of dramatic performance. The book explores techniques for bringing complex characters to life. It resonates with the scholarly approach to performance demonstrated in the Bowie book.
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A groundbreaking approach to film acting technique. Chekhov provides innovative methods for character development and performance. The book explores the psychological aspects of acting that parallel Bowie's approach. It offers a theoretical framework for understanding transformative performance.
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A comprehensive study of acting techniques and performance art. Benedetti explores the craft of acting from multiple perspectives. The book provides a scholarly approach to understanding performance as an art form. It resonates with the analytical approach of the Bowie performance book.
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The novel that inspired Bowie's iconic film performance. It tells the story of an alien visitor attempting to save his dying planet by bringing water to Earth. Tevis explores themes of isolation, alienation, and cultural displacement. The book's science fiction narrative perfectly complements Bowie's otherworldly screen presence.
Mime: A Play on Words
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A comprehensive exploration of mime as an art form by its most famous practitioner. Marceau provides insights into the power of non-verbal performance. The book connects to Bowie's interest in physical performance and artistic transformation. It offers a deep dive into the art of silent storytelling.
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A theoretical examination of performance across music and theater. Auslander explores the boundaries between different performance mediums. The book provides academic context for understanding artists like Bowie who transcend traditional artistic categories. It offers deep insights into performative identity.
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An academic exploration of performance art across different media. Phelan examines the boundaries between live performance and recorded media. The book provides theoretical context for understanding performers like Bowie who transcend traditional artistic categories. It offers deep insights into the nature of performative identity.
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A comprehensive exploration of collaborative performance techniques. Cohen examines the intricate relationships between actors, directors, and other creative collaborators. The book provides insights into the collaborative nature of artistic creation. It complements the scholarly approach of the Bowie performance book.
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An exploration of performance art in the modern technological era. Kaye examines how digital technologies transform artistic expression. The book provides context for understanding evolving performance techniques. It offers insights into the changing landscape of performance art.
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