The making of the David Bowie documentary “Cracked Actor” was a wild and chaotic affair, according to the film’s director, Don Letts.
Letts, who was a young filmmaker at the time, was given unprecedented access to Bowie as he was preparing for his 1974 tour in support of his album “Diamond Dogs.”
However, Bowie was in a dark place at the time, and he was struggling with addiction. Letts said that Bowie was so strung out on cocaine that he would only agree to be interviewed in the back of a limo in the dead of night.
“He was in a really bad way,” Letts told The Guardian. “He was pale and gaunt, and his eyes were sunken. He was clearly not in a good place.”
Despite Bowie’s condition, Letts said that he was still able to capture the essence of the artist. “He was still incredibly charismatic,” Letts said. “There was an ethereal beauty about him.”
“Cracked Actor” was released in 1975, and it was met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised the film for its raw and unflinching look at Bowie, while others criticized it for being exploitative.
However, the film has since been hailed as one of the greatest rockumentaries ever made. It has been praised for its honesty and its insight into Bowie’s creative process.
A new book about the making of “Cracked Actor” is being released this month. The book, titled “Cracked Actor: David Bowie and the Making of a Modern Rock Icon,” is written by David Buckley.
Buckley, who is a music journalist, had access to Letts and other people who were involved in the making of the film. He also interviewed Bowie’s friends and family.
The book is a fascinating look at one of the most important moments in Bowie’s career. It is a must-read for any fan of Bowie or rock music.
