The Hunger

Glacially stunning vampire Miriam (Catherine Deneuve) and her latest lover John (David Bowie) spend their nights in New York’s hippest clubs, stalking new prey as Peter Murphy of Bauhaus intones 'Bela Lugosi's Dead' in a cage. John – pale, melancholy, with icy blood flowing through his veins – feeds, but can’t sleep. When John suddenly starts to age, the pair seek help from doctor Sarah Roberts (Susan Sarandon), who quickly becomes caught up in their nightmarish rituals of seduction.

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 including the hyperintelligent, enigmatic alien in The Man Who Fell to Earth and the unflappable British officer Jack ‘Strafer’ Celliers (Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence).