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Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story

Name: Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story
Director: Jon Brewer
Released: 2017
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

7.0/10

Good

2017

Director

Jon Brewer

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The documentary serves as a historical archive of the glam rock movement, a period defined by its challenge to traditional social norms. It succeeds in documenting the queer-coded aesthetics and gender fluidity that characterized the era's artistic expression. However, the film is limited by its specific historical and geographic focus. The lack of racial and disability-centric representation reflects the demographic realities of the 1970s British music scene rather than intentional exclusion. Ultimately, the film provides a nuanced look at how music can facilitate cultural shifts, even if it does not engage with modern social advocacy directly.

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Category Breakdown

Does Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film explores the musical influence of the glam rock era, which challenged traditional norms. It captures how Ronson’s music created spaces for non-traditional gender expressions and queer aesthetics.

How does Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story portray gender?

Good

The narrative highlights a period where traditional masculine roles were deconstructed through fluid identities. It documents the historical subversion of gender hierarchies via costumes and stage presence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story?

Limited

The cast and interviewees reflect the demographic reality of the 1970s UK music industry. The film focuses on a specific British musical lineage with little racial diversity.

How does Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story represent religion and culture?

Fair

The documentary traces Ronson’s journey from working-class roots to global stardom. It captures the era's shift toward artistic liberation and the rejection of conservative social mores.

Does Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story include disability representation?

Fair

The film focuses on professional achievements and musical legacy. It touches on the personal struggles of touring musicians but lacks a centralized focus on visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Effectively documents the queer-coded aesthetics and gender-fluidity of the glam rock era.
Provides a compelling look at social mobility and the transition from working-class roots to stardom.
Captures the historical subversion of traditional masculine archetypes through artistic persona.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant representation of diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Provides minimal focus on visible or invisible disabilities.
Adheres strictly to a specific, Anglo-centric musical lineage.

Official Synopsis

Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story is a documentary about the life and work of Michael "Mick" Ronson, the guitarist, songwriter, producer and arranger who, in the early part of his career, performed with David Bowie as one of the 'Spiders from Mars'.

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