Legendary filmmaker dies at 94
D.A. Pennebaker, the film director who captured some of rock’s most iconic moments, died on Aug. 1 at the age of 94.
Pennebaker was a decorated figure in the film industry, but his work didn’t grace much of the mainstream. But if you’re a fan of rock ‘n’ roll, you’ve probably seen – and loved – his art.
He frequently tackled music and politics, and he collaborated with the likes of Robert F. Kennedy, David Bowie, Duke Ellington, Bob Dylan and others.
His career began in 1953 with “Daybreak Express,” a film that was scored by Ellington.
Perhaps his most famous work is “Don’t Look Back,” which chronicled Dylan’s tour of England in 1965. In addition to providing fans with an intimate behind-the-scenes portrait of the enigmatic young artist, the director’s deft camerawork and editing laid bare the relationships between him and Joan Baez and the comradery between the folk artist and his innermost circle.
Pennebaker also produced the film showcasing Bowie’s last concert with the Spiders From Mars (Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder and Mick Woodmansey). It was poorly filmed by today’s standards, but for a small arena and the primitive technology of 1973, it wasn’t bad. Most importantly, the documentary/concert film captured the obituary of rock’s most quintessential characters. That show, which is thought to be one of the best modern concerts of all time, ended with a gorgeous rendition of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide.”
Bowie would return again and again, bringing life to many other characters, but Ziggy always will be the most famous of his alter egos. He once said that he had to kill Ziggy because he had become Ziggy, but Pennebaker was on hand to capture his last gasp.
Pennebaker also produced the film documenting the Monterey International Pop Festival, and he directed “Jimi Plays Monterey,” a short film that showcases guitar god Jimi Hendrix at his very best and which famously features him immolating his guitar onstage.
The director also worked with Chuck Berry, Depeche Mode and John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band in addition to making posthumous documentaries on jazz pioneer Bessie Smith and rocker Otis Redding. Many of his films were limited releases, but he garnered enough attention to earn a lifetime Oscar in 2013.
