Cat People

When one day Irena (Nastassja Kinski) visits the zoo in New Orleans, she becomes fascinated – not to say aroused – by a wild black panther. Zoo director Oliver (John Heard) in turn feels attracted to Irena. It's the start of a strange affair.

For the title song, Schrader approached none other than David Bowie. He wrote the lyrics and sang on the musical theme already made by disco king Giorgio Moroder. The recordings took place in Montreux, where Bowie recorded the hit 'Under Pressure' in a duet with Freddy Mercury of Queen.

David Bowie and film

To accompany the reissue of The Man Who Fell to Earth – which had its première fifty years ago – Eye on Sound is organising an homage to David Bowie, who passed away ten years ago.

On Saturday 14 March, you will be able to watch films that illuminate various aspects of Bowie’s relationship to film; whether as a composer/musician on the soundtrack or on screen as an actor. The programme consists of The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976), Cat People (1982), Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983), The Hunger (1983) and Labyrinth (1986).

Bowie appeared in more than thirty films, usually in a cameo or small supporting part. His many albums, memorable tours, interviews and ever-changing personas mean that we have somewhat lost sight of Bowie the actor.

Several directors – including David Lynch, Christopher Nolan and Nicholas Roeg – have highlighted Bowie’s qualities: he was a singer-performer who could convincingly fill a wide range of character parts. Striking examples include the hyperintelligent, enigmatic alien in The Man Who Fell to Earth and the unflappable British officer Jack ‘Strafer’ Celliers (Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence).