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Deep Dive: Ricochet (1984)

Film Lens

Ricochet
Ricochet is a documentary film about musician David Bowie, made with his full consent and participation. Directed by Gerry Troyna, the film was filmed during the final leg of Bowie's 1983 Serious Moonlight Tour in the Far East. It combines documentary elements with travelogue, scripted narrative interludes, and edited live performances, providing a multifaceted view of Bowie during this period. The documentary was released in 1984 on VHS and features performances from the tour, including songs like 'China Girl' and 'Fame'. It captures Bowie’s shift towards a more mainstream appeal, as seen in his 1983 album Let's Dance, and reflects his desire to present himself authentically, moving away from his previous personas. The film also includes a remastered version released in 2006 with additional footage.

Why Watch

  • See Bowie perform 'Heroes' live in Hong Kong.
  • Find out about Bowie's mainstream shift with Let's Dance.
  • Meet the crew behind Bowie's ambitious Far East tour.

Did You Know

Ricochet was filmed during the last leg of Bowie's Serious Moonlight Tour in December 1983.
The documentary was released on VHS in 1984 and has a runtime of 59 minutes.
Bowie's album Let's Dance, released on 14 April 1983, became his most successful album up to that point.
The final Hong Kong show on 8 December 1983 coincided with the third anniversary of John Lennon's murder.

Perfect For

David Bowie fans1980s music historyLive concert footage