Jazzin' for Blue Jean

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.

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.

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. ;-)

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!

I love the song and the musical part of this video, but the dramatic parts of it are a bit blah, but then of course, David Bowie is not known for his acting!! But see this only for the GREAT song, not for the acting.