Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars (Bowie '73 with the Spiders from Mars) (1983)

71% of critics liked it
(28 reviews)
85% of users liked it
(1,727 ratings)

The July 3, 1973 concert by David Bowie at London's Hammersmith Odeon Theatre is the subject of this documentary by director D.A. Pennebaker, best known for the earlier rock films Don't Look Back and Monterey Pop. Framed by a smattering of behind-the-scenes footage, the bulk of the film concerns the… More The July 3, 1973 concert by David Bowie at London's Hammersmith Odeon Theatre is the subject of this documentary by director D.A. Pennebaker, best known for the earlier rock films Don't Look Back and Monterey Pop. Framed by a smattering of behind-the-scenes footage, the bulk of the film concerns the actual concert, notable as the final time that Bowie would perform under the Ziggy Stardust persona -- an announcement that, at the time, led many fans to mistakenly believe Bowie was retiring altogether. This "final" performance features numerous songs from Ziggy Stardust, Hunky Dory, Aladdin Sane and other Bowie albums, including "Ziggy Stardust," "Moonage Daydream," "Changes," and "Space Oddity," as well as a cover of the Velvet Underground's "White Light/White Heat." Though a shortened version of the film was broadcast on television in 1974, the film did not receive a full theatrical release until 1983. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: D.A. Pennebaker
Genres: Documentary, Musical & Performing Arts, Special Interest

In Theaters: Dec 1, 1973 Wide
On DVD: Apr 1, 2003
Studio: 20th Century Fox Film Corporat

Critic Reviews

Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
Freed of the unflattering contemporary distractions offered by This Is Spinal Tap, Pennebaker's Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars captures Bowie at perhaps his purest, punkiest rock 'n' roll peak.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
The concert remains more of an historical curiosity than a must-see rock film.
Gary Dowell, Dallas Morning News
A colorful snapshot of an early chapter in the story of an accomplished performer.
Jonathan Perry, Boston Globe
Pennebaker doesn't break any ground here, in what is essentially a linear concert film. But he doesn't need to. Bowie's brilliant -- and, by today's stadium-size standards, intimate -- performance does that for him.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
An excellent example of its genre, with Pennebaker capturing the excitement of what was a very special, emotion-charged occasion.
Richard Harrington, Washington Post
Looks like a bootleg concert video made by a gifted fan.
Bryan Reesman, Citysearch
While "Ziggy" is obviously more of interest to hardcore Bowie fans than anyone else (some critics have trashed it for that reason), it should be required viewing for rockers-in-training who really want to learn about good showmanship.
Shawn Levy, Oregonian
Certainly of interest, if only for its vintage. But the film is drab and slight.
John Patterson, L.A. Weekly
Somehow poor pacing and this lack of visual variety manage to make a great show seem boring -- which is, I suppose, an achievement of sorts.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
Even the non-Bowie fans...will be entertained with this finale perf as the alien-like Ziggy [Stardust].
Laura Clifford, Reeling Reviews
what truly awes in the realization of Bowie's completely mature command of both his voice and the stage so early in his career

Read all 11 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Grant B

YES! So good! I thoroughly enjoyed the music from this era in David Bowie's career, and seeing the footage of him live was incredible!
Emily B

I was born in the wrong time. Brilliant, Bowie at his best.
Keith M

Bowie is a God and Pennebaker is a badass. Watching this on the big screen makes me weep.
David S

A great concert film. Bowie is brilliant and sexually intrigueing as Ziggy. The footage has a real raw look to it which makes you feel like you're really there. Interesting comparing this to his recent Reality concert film which looks much more professional but doesn't have… More
A great concert film. Bowie is brilliant and sexually intrigueing as Ziggy. The footage has a real raw look to it which makes you feel like you're really there. Interesting comparing this to his recent Reality concert film which looks much more professional but doesn't have the same immediacy.
Anthony V

A great film concert experience.