I saw this on American TV in 1973 when it still included Jeff Beck on "Jean Genie". Beck had his footage removed, maybe after he saw a cut of the film. No, it's not terribly well shot. It's dark, grainy 16mm. To be fair, Pennebaker had mere days to prepare for the shoot, it was a last minute idea. I think it focuses (sometimes) on Bowie and Ronson because they're the only ones who had enough light on them to get an exposure.
But it's quite a time capsule, an essential document for Bowie fans, being the biggest slice of Ziggy and the Spiders you'll find anywhere. Yes, the histrionics are corny, the make-up hideous, the costumes dubious (why Bowie is considered a fashion icon is beyond me). But the songs are terrific and the band is ferocious. There have been more agile ax-men, but Mick Ronson stands as one of rock's great guitar stylists, gone too soon.
And Bowie does mime! Oh, I guess that's not a recommendation.
But it's quite a time capsule, an essential document for Bowie fans, being the biggest slice of Ziggy and the Spiders you'll find anywhere. Yes, the histrionics are corny, the make-up hideous, the costumes dubious (why Bowie is considered a fashion icon is beyond me). But the songs are terrific and the band is ferocious. There have been more agile ax-men, but Mick Ronson stands as one of rock's great guitar stylists, gone too soon.
And Bowie does mime! Oh, I guess that's not a recommendation.