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Christiane F. 18 rating

David Bowie’s image and music gives brooding energy to this tale of a junkie sex-worker in 70s Berlin.

Drama 1981 131 mins

Director: Uli Edel

CC

Overview

Christiane F., Kai Hermann’s biography of a teen junkie and sex worker, caused a scandal on publication. As a recovering cocaine addict and father Bowie was shocked at witnessing teenagers getting their smack money from pick-ups at Berlin Zoo and so became interested in this film adaptation. Within the film, Bowie’s live show, tonally perfect Station to Station-era soundtrack and omnipresent image – on streets, subways and on vinyl albums passed from hand to hand – positioned him as a brooding god for the alienated youth of 70s West Berlin.

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