I thought this little short was absolutely adorable. It wasn't meant to be taken seriously - just a lighthearted caper. I thought David Bowie was lovely as Vic - made me laugh quite a few times. Overall, I thought the film was very cute and enjoyable.
10 Reviews
Not really MTV material
uga_dog26 February 2004
This is an interesting little video, but I'll be honest, it's not really MTV material, not on the level of what Michael Jackson was doing at the time. Still, it is entertaining for Bowie fans, and a funny little piece of Cinema. Bowie plays two parts, Screamin' Lord Byron, and someone trying to get into his concert. The music video itself really is the highlight of the whole thing, it's like Bowie's acting ability goes up 10 fold when he is singing. Sadly, when he isn't singing, his acting seems to suffer a bit in this piece. Like I said, this is a funny little piece of cinema, and great for collectors.
Attraction and music
Horst_In_Translation21 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
"Jazzin' for Blue Jean" is a 20-minute short film from over 30 years ago written and directed by British filmmaker Julien Temple 5 years before the birth of his daughter Juno. The star in here (and also the co-writer) is actor and musician David Bowie, who plays a young man trying to impress a girl and also plays a famous musician, basically himself in this little movie. The most entertaining thing about it is probably the plot twist at the end. Before that, it's not too memorable a watch, even if there are a handful funny moments when he is desperately trying to get into the concert after handing his ticket to the girl of his dreams. The humour is very British for the most part and with Bowie so prominently featured, of course, there is also a great deal of music in here. As a whole, a solid little film, but nothing too memorable. Certainly it is not as memorable as some of Bowie's other works, especially in the music department. Rest in peace.
The Real David Bowie: A Human Acting As a God
thebrewmeisterphelps9 July 2004
If you want to see a closer glimpse of who David Bowie really is, this is the short for you. And the secret of what Bowie's music is all about and what a genius he really is is found here.
Throughout history, we have seen David Bowie as this stud beyond all studs. From his pre-Ziggy days through The Thin White Duke and into the present, David Bowie has presented himself as THE Glamorous Rock Star without which there could be no rock stardom. And while that role has changed constantly with the times, there is no doubt that Bowie has changed with it. But if you watch closely, you will see that this "Rock Star" was always played with a wink and a smile; for underneath the visage of David Bowie the Rock Star is David Bowie (or really David Jones) the ordinary guy creating extraordinary music and theatre. And while he has been seen as a complete doppelganger without a true personality compass, the reality is that he is one of the modern world's truly great actors and has been but playing a role for us to take in with awe.
And to see this movie short is to understand this. This movie finally has Bowie drop the rock star visage to reveal a much closer glimpse of who he really is. Certainly he is playing a role, and this role should not be mistaken for the "real" David Bowie. But equally certain is that this role is the closest we have seen him to his real self. In essence, this film shows Bowie mocking the rock star image to the hilt while simulataneiously teaching us how our perceived gods can be mortal. And just as the boobish Vic is in reality the godly Screaming Lord Byron, the Glamorous Rock Star is but an Englishman with an overactive imagination.
To not realize Bowie's normalness and mediocrity is to not realize his genius and extraordinary talent. A god is born a god and should be faulted for acting short of that. But a human that acts like a god should be praised for performing the impossible. And David Bowie has performed the impossible for several decades. To fault this mortal's later works as being unnecessary and embarrassing is to not understand how his earlier works were beyond comprehension and expectation.
And oh yeah, it's a very funny movie for those with a sense of humor. It's a tad on the dry side, but if you don't find this movie to be funny then you should just be embarrassed. Remember, life should be played with the wink and the smile. You only get to do this once, so make the most of it while you've got the chance.
Throughout history, we have seen David Bowie as this stud beyond all studs. From his pre-Ziggy days through The Thin White Duke and into the present, David Bowie has presented himself as THE Glamorous Rock Star without which there could be no rock stardom. And while that role has changed constantly with the times, there is no doubt that Bowie has changed with it. But if you watch closely, you will see that this "Rock Star" was always played with a wink and a smile; for underneath the visage of David Bowie the Rock Star is David Bowie (or really David Jones) the ordinary guy creating extraordinary music and theatre. And while he has been seen as a complete doppelganger without a true personality compass, the reality is that he is one of the modern world's truly great actors and has been but playing a role for us to take in with awe.
And to see this movie short is to understand this. This movie finally has Bowie drop the rock star visage to reveal a much closer glimpse of who he really is. Certainly he is playing a role, and this role should not be mistaken for the "real" David Bowie. But equally certain is that this role is the closest we have seen him to his real self. In essence, this film shows Bowie mocking the rock star image to the hilt while simulataneiously teaching us how our perceived gods can be mortal. And just as the boobish Vic is in reality the godly Screaming Lord Byron, the Glamorous Rock Star is but an Englishman with an overactive imagination.
To not realize Bowie's normalness and mediocrity is to not realize his genius and extraordinary talent. A god is born a god and should be faulted for acting short of that. But a human that acts like a god should be praised for performing the impossible. And David Bowie has performed the impossible for several decades. To fault this mortal's later works as being unnecessary and embarrassing is to not understand how his earlier works were beyond comprehension and expectation.
And oh yeah, it's a very funny movie for those with a sense of humor. It's a tad on the dry side, but if you don't find this movie to be funny then you should just be embarrassed. Remember, life should be played with the wink and the smile. You only get to do this once, so make the most of it while you've got the chance.
It was the Fa Fa Fa Fa Fashion...
Sir Didymus15 February 2003
In the mid 1980s, thanks mainly to Michael Jackson, seemingly everyone and their codfish was making overlong promo videos with stories on either side of the song.
David Bowie only made one of these - but it's far better than most. The story is that Bowie's character, Vic, manages to impress a girl enough with his false tales of being friends with rock star Screaming Lord Byron, and for some reason says he has tickets for his gig that week - the hottest gig in town!
Bowie manages to get her a ticket, but not himself, and the opening part of the video sees his ridiculous attempts to get past security while Byron (also Bowie) prepares for the gig by doping himself up and moping about in a stereotypical rockstar manner.
Post performance of 'Blue Jean' from Byron, Bowie and his date meet the star... with disasterous consequences, and a funny exchange between Bowie and the director about what 'should' happen...
A classic video, and now easy to own thanks to the 'Best Of Bowie' dvd... as long as you can work out how to find it (hidden easteregg) that is...
David Bowie only made one of these - but it's far better than most. The story is that Bowie's character, Vic, manages to impress a girl enough with his false tales of being friends with rock star Screaming Lord Byron, and for some reason says he has tickets for his gig that week - the hottest gig in town!
Bowie manages to get her a ticket, but not himself, and the opening part of the video sees his ridiculous attempts to get past security while Byron (also Bowie) prepares for the gig by doping himself up and moping about in a stereotypical rockstar manner.
Post performance of 'Blue Jean' from Byron, Bowie and his date meet the star... with disasterous consequences, and a funny exchange between Bowie and the director about what 'should' happen...
A classic video, and now easy to own thanks to the 'Best Of Bowie' dvd... as long as you can work out how to find it (hidden easteregg) that is...
The greatest music video ever made
Oatsdad2 December 2002
Funny, clever, and memorable. Videos don't get any better than this! No one will consider "Blue Jean" to be Bowie's best song, but the video's an absolute classic. It blows away other longform clips like the overrated "Thriller" - it maintains a real plot, amusing characters, and has absolutely no flaws. How great it is to find this on the new "Best of Bowie" DVD!
Bowie Plays Dork and Diva!
thevoid995 February 2003
Warning: Spoilers
It's an excellent and hilarious piece that is available as one of the Easter Eggs in the Best of Bowie DVD. ***SPOILER WARNING*** Pretty funny since Bowie plays a dork named Vic who tries to impress a chick by claiming to know a pop star (also played by him) and everything goes to sh*t. He even meets the pop star, Screamin' Lord Byron who ends up stealing the girl and Bowie goes back to himself screaming at Julien Temple about how another of his bloody creations steals another girl from him.
It's very funny, oh and this should be added as a trivia note. In the role of Vic's flatmate, Bowie wanted Bryan Ferry to play the role but he declined which helped fuel more rumors about their rivalry but really, it's more of a friendly rivalry they have. After all, they both made excellent albums in 2002.
It's very funny, oh and this should be added as a trivia note. In the role of Vic's flatmate, Bowie wanted Bryan Ferry to play the role but he declined which helped fuel more rumors about their rivalry but really, it's more of a friendly rivalry they have. After all, they both made excellent albums in 2002.
Jazzin' It Up
mcp66611 November 2011
Sometimes, people just totally miss the point. David Bowie 'not known for his acting'. Harsh dude, his whole life is pure drama but, forget that, check out Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence..... I rest my case.
First and foremost, this is a pop video. This is a medium to deliver a new song to an audience. During this era, a few artists with bottomless bank accounts (Michael Jackson) fancied trying their luck in the movies. Fortunately, people like Julien Temple were there to help them and so started the 'Video Short', a mini movie containing a pop video.
So, here we have an attempt at the most simple story. Boy meets Girl, Boy wants to impress Girl, Boy gets in all sorts of trouble.... Since David Bowie is not known for his acting we need a strong supporting cast to carry him.
Dream Girl, Louise Scott, she says nothing, does nothing and goes on to do a lot more nothing. The Bouncer, nope. Ah, the pop star, eh.... that's David Bowie again, he's playing two roles with no real supporting cast AND he does a sterling job. Some marvellous 'off the cuff' ad lib. I find it hard to believe it was scripted as it's far too natural, and his character is so likable, straight out of Only Fools & Horses.
OK, context folks, this is a tongue in cheek extended pop video with a superb performance by David Bowie. A 20 minute advert for Blue Jean and very enjoyable it is. I saw it premier on TV and I just watched it again on YouTube. It's OK, fun and mildly entertaining and, YES, it has a jolly good pop song at 13:32.... Enjoy, just don't expect Gone With The Wind or Citizen Kane. ;-)
First and foremost, this is a pop video. This is a medium to deliver a new song to an audience. During this era, a few artists with bottomless bank accounts (Michael Jackson) fancied trying their luck in the movies. Fortunately, people like Julien Temple were there to help them and so started the 'Video Short', a mini movie containing a pop video.
So, here we have an attempt at the most simple story. Boy meets Girl, Boy wants to impress Girl, Boy gets in all sorts of trouble.... Since David Bowie is not known for his acting we need a strong supporting cast to carry him.
Dream Girl, Louise Scott, she says nothing, does nothing and goes on to do a lot more nothing. The Bouncer, nope. Ah, the pop star, eh.... that's David Bowie again, he's playing two roles with no real supporting cast AND he does a sterling job. Some marvellous 'off the cuff' ad lib. I find it hard to believe it was scripted as it's far too natural, and his character is so likable, straight out of Only Fools & Horses.
OK, context folks, this is a tongue in cheek extended pop video with a superb performance by David Bowie. A 20 minute advert for Blue Jean and very enjoyable it is. I saw it premier on TV and I just watched it again on YouTube. It's OK, fun and mildly entertaining and, YES, it has a jolly good pop song at 13:32.... Enjoy, just don't expect Gone With The Wind or Citizen Kane. ;-)
Honoring Julien Temple for his genius
zenasarasvati28 November 2008
i just remembered Julien Temple last weekend when i went to listen/see Robyn Hitchcock at Symphony Space in NYC and Jonathan Demme was sitting in front of me... both being the makers of incredible music videos
then looking him up as a sweet memory, i noticed in Wikipedia that his birthday is the 26th of November Happy Birthday Julien Temple with many joyous returns
actually, i am Blue Jean
was feeling antsy checked the Voice and saw that a Bowie video night at the then called Ritz now Webster Hall
to my surprise the balcony space usually reserved for PR or Record people were free for the public to sit. i sat at a table soon to realize that i was sitting across from Bowie incognito
what could have been the greatest gift i could give to one of my favorite musician craftsman but his freedom to enjoy himself incognito so i just cherished the energy and expressed my thanks through my appreciation towards his video and music
then came the Kraftwerk videos, another of my favorite Michael Rother, but i kindly asked the DJ to switch back to Bowie as i had to go back home to my daughter also born January 8 (much later though, in 1975).... whom i had left to be back home by 1 o'clock or so... (and who in the meantime became yet another incredible artist www.seze.net )
the DJ cooperated, i danced frantically, a Black-Sea Turkish folk dance called Hamsi sort of a River dance.... and saw Bowie looking... then i was embarrassed and didn't look up again...
finally when having a drink at the bar the master, revered Julien Temple came up to me, then i didn't know who he was, i told him my story about wanting to give a painting i had done to Bowie at the Booth Theatre where he was performing The Elephant Man.... and i couldn't leave the gift at the box office so me and my friend went in the garage entrance and found ourselves on stage... ran out the other side where the lighting and sound engineers' boards were, and during the show we had two gorillas breathing over our necks... very funny
of course i shared my invisible date with Bowie with all my friends the next day, and in 7-8 months later to be gifted with the video and song Blue Jean....
here it is - an arrow of cupid sent to infinity to allow the other its joy of freedom - and having done this with respect and reverence.... and not even mentioning it to the friend at the bar, Julien...
so Julien thinks i didn't know it was Bowie right next to me Bowie thinks i didn't recognize him and they both see my admiration in recognition of our common energies therefore reverence in a way towards Bowie...
only to be gifted with this song to which i was a muse...
a few decades have passed and here i'm coming out only to send my best wishes to Julien ...
Blue Jean wishes Julien Temple a very Happy Birthday - xoxo
then looking him up as a sweet memory, i noticed in Wikipedia that his birthday is the 26th of November Happy Birthday Julien Temple with many joyous returns
actually, i am Blue Jean
was feeling antsy checked the Voice and saw that a Bowie video night at the then called Ritz now Webster Hall
to my surprise the balcony space usually reserved for PR or Record people were free for the public to sit. i sat at a table soon to realize that i was sitting across from Bowie incognito
what could have been the greatest gift i could give to one of my favorite musician craftsman but his freedom to enjoy himself incognito so i just cherished the energy and expressed my thanks through my appreciation towards his video and music
then came the Kraftwerk videos, another of my favorite Michael Rother, but i kindly asked the DJ to switch back to Bowie as i had to go back home to my daughter also born January 8 (much later though, in 1975).... whom i had left to be back home by 1 o'clock or so... (and who in the meantime became yet another incredible artist www.seze.net )
the DJ cooperated, i danced frantically, a Black-Sea Turkish folk dance called Hamsi sort of a River dance.... and saw Bowie looking... then i was embarrassed and didn't look up again...
finally when having a drink at the bar the master, revered Julien Temple came up to me, then i didn't know who he was, i told him my story about wanting to give a painting i had done to Bowie at the Booth Theatre where he was performing The Elephant Man.... and i couldn't leave the gift at the box office so me and my friend went in the garage entrance and found ourselves on stage... ran out the other side where the lighting and sound engineers' boards were, and during the show we had two gorillas breathing over our necks... very funny
of course i shared my invisible date with Bowie with all my friends the next day, and in 7-8 months later to be gifted with the video and song Blue Jean....
here it is - an arrow of cupid sent to infinity to allow the other its joy of freedom - and having done this with respect and reverence.... and not even mentioning it to the friend at the bar, Julien...
so Julien thinks i didn't know it was Bowie right next to me Bowie thinks i didn't recognize him and they both see my admiration in recognition of our common energies therefore reverence in a way towards Bowie...
only to be gifted with this song to which i was a muse...
a few decades have passed and here i'm coming out only to send my best wishes to Julien ...
Blue Jean wishes Julien Temple a very Happy Birthday - xoxo
Song is great--the rest is fair
SkippyDevereaux13 December 2001
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