The Legend of Leigh Bowery (2002)

The Legend of Leigh Bowery (2002) poster

Welcome to the over-the-top, extravagant world of Leigh Bowery, a key figure in New Romanticism and London nightlife in the 1980s. With his bizarre outfits, a mix of kitsch and fetish, and his eccentric performances, he influenced artists, musicians and stylists like Boy George, Lucian Freud (of whom he became the muse), Vivienne Westwood, Anthony and the Johnsons, John Galliano and David LaChapelle. Born in Australia into an intensely religious family and brought up in a Melbourne suburb, Leigh moved to London where he worked as a fashion designer and a promoter, and started the legendary disco club night "Taboo", the first outrageous polysexual party in London. The documentary offers a fully rounded portrait of this artist, including interviews with the people who knew him, who describe a complex, extreme, and ironic personality, a performer, actor and designer ahead of his time, from his difficult early life to international success, up to his death in 1994.

Director: Charles Atlas
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 83 min
Release Date:

Cast

Production: One Canvas Productions, ARTE, Atlas Films
Country: Denmark, United States of America, France, United Kingdom
Language: English
Original Language: en

Keywords

performance art, fashion

More Films by Director: Charles Atlas
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Legend of Leigh Bowery about?
Welcome to the over-the-top, extravagant world of Leigh Bowery, a key figure in New Romanticism and London nightlife in the 1980s. With his bizarre outfits, a mix of kitsch and fetish, and his eccentric performances, he influenced artists, musicians and stylists like Boy George, Lucian Freud (of whom he became the muse), Vivienne Westwood, Anthony and the Johnsons, John Galliano and David LaChapelle. Born in Australia into an intensely religious family and brought up in a Melbourne suburb, Leigh moved to London where he worked as a fashion designer and a promoter, and started the legendary disco club night "Taboo", the first outrageous polysexual party in London. The documentary offers a fully rounded portrait of this artist, including interviews with the people who knew him, who describe a complex, extreme, and ironic personality, a performer, actor and designer ahead of his time, from his difficult early life to international success, up to his death in 1994.
Who directed The Legend of Leigh Bowery?
The Legend of Leigh Bowery was directed by Charles Atlas.
Who stars in The Legend of Leigh Bowery?
The Legend of Leigh Bowery stars Leigh Bowery, Boy George.
How long is The Legend of Leigh Bowery?
The Legend of Leigh Bowery has a runtime of 1h 23m (83 minutes).
What genre is The Legend of Leigh Bowery?
The Legend of Leigh Bowery is a Documentary film.
Where was The Legend of Leigh Bowery produced?
The Legend of Leigh Bowery was produced in Denmark, United States of America, France, United Kingdom.