David Bowie - The Sacred Triangle: Bowie, Iggy & Lou 1971- 1973

David Bowie - The Sacred Triangle: Bowie, Iggy & Lou 1971-1973 is an illuminating documentary about the fascinating symbiosis between three of rock music’s most iconic figures – David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Lou Reed. Released in 2010 and directed by Alec Lindsell, this documentary gives an insider look into the pivotal period from 1971 to 1973 when these three extraordinary artists were creating groundbreaking music and influencing each other.

Bowie, one of the most influential and distinctive rock stars of the 20th Century; Iggy Pop, the enigmatic frontman of the proto-punk band The Stooges; and Lou Reed, the vocalist, and songwriter for the Velvet Underground, were not only vital parts of the rock landscape but also acted as catalysts for each other, fostering a critical period of creative inspiration.

The documentary dives deeply into this sacred triangular relationship focusing on Bowie's role as a career revivalist enhancing the fame of Reed and Pop. During this time, Bowie was revamping his androgynous alter ego Ziggy Stardust and revolutionizing the music world, while also looking to Reed and Pop as influential figures.

The film is crammed with exclusive interviews featuring prominent individuals in the music industry who personally knew the main characters and were involved intimately with their careers. These interviews offer deeper perspectives into the lives and influence of the three protagonists. Archival footage, concert clips, and old photos are seamlessly stitched together to recreate a vivid image of the ‘70s music scene. The documentary is not merely an illustration of the facts, but it also provides a nostalgic journey for the music lovers who admire Bowie, Reed, or Pop.

The film predominantly illustrates how David Bowie's interaction with Lou Reed and Iggy Pop came to define a significant phase in all of their careers. Bowie's role in the revival of Reed's career and his substantial influence on The Stooges' raw power are explored in great detail. It presents a brilliant reexamination of how these three careers ascended and intertwined at a particular moment in rock history.

The narrative highlights the nature of the surrogate family that existed between Reed, Pop, and Bowie, showcasing the musical growth born from these complicated interrelationships. It effectively encapsulates the profound personal and professional transformation of the three essential figures of rock and roll who changed the attitudes and behaviors of a generation.

This documentary also explores Bowie's role as a popularizer and interprets these varying facets of Bowie's career clearly and effectively. It expands on the impact of Bowie as a performer, his artistic development during this phase, his legendary status as a style icon, and his ability to anticipate, adapt to, and trigger new cultural trends.

A pull-apart highlight of the film is an exploration of the four seminal albums released during this period. It delves into Bowie’s 'Hunky Dory,' 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars', along with Lou Reed's 'Transformer' and Iggy & the Stooges’ 'Raw Power.' The film helps viewers appreciate how these works are a significant part of the legacy of rock music.

The Sacred Triangle: Bowie, Iggy & Lou 1971–1973 does not just attempt to retell the history of these music icons, but rather provides an insightful analysis of their shared experience and collaboration. It brings to light the unique dynamic that existed between these three influential figures and emphasizes the impact they had on the music and pop culture that followed.

Overall, this documentary is a must-watch not only for fans of David Bowie, Lou Reed, or Iggy Pop but anyone who appreciates music history, rise of glam rock and the evolution of rock and roll. It’s the perfect mixture of music analysis, biography, and cultural commentary that gives a fresh understanding of these people and the music industry of the '70s. The Sacred Triangle is for those interested in how artists influence one another, and how their work impacts their life trajectory.