David Bowie’s music video for “Blackstar” is very freaky

If Guillermo del Toro were to ever make a sequel to 2006 classic Pans Labyrinth then he should probably call David Bowie for some ideas. The legendary musician has released what is perhaps one of the creepiest music videos of all time for his single “Blackstar”, the title track from his forthcoming album, denoted with the symbol “★”.

The breathy, 10-minute song is eerie enough on it’s own, but this music video takes to a whole new level with Bowie playing some sort of blind prophet with a heavily processed voice whose eyes are covered by a bandage with two black stones. Bowie’s character occupies a cell with several others who are eventually turned into live scarecrows who thrash against their own crucifixes in some post apocalyptic cornfield. The disturbing scenes are intercut with a tailed-woman uncovering a dead spaceman – who many believe to be Major Tom – only to find that he has become nothing more than a skull adorned with jewels.

The clip was directed by Johan Renck, who created the drama series, The Last Panthers, which inspired Bowie to write the song. Surprisingly enough, the awkward dance moves featured in the clip are inspired by classic cartoon Popeye.

Having been described as a jazzy package with gregorian chants and electronic beats, Bowie’s ★ is certainly looking to continue the man’s distinctive and distinguish reputation as one of the most unique and inspired artists of our time. The album will be released in January 2016.

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Chris Singh

Chris Singh is an Editor-At-Large at the AU review, loves writing about travel and hospitality, and is partial to a perfectly textured octopus. You can reach him on Instagram: @chrisdsingh.