Baal (1982)
David Bowie stars as Bertolt Brecht's self-destructive poetic antihero in this bold BBC production directed by Alan Clarke.
Baal - Movie Information
- Original Title: Baal
- Release Year: 1982
- Directed by: Alan Clarke
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Music, Drama, TV Movie
- Runtime: 1h 4m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 2, 1982 (United Kingdom)
- Alternative Titles: Baal with David Bowie (UK)
- Production Companies: BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Baal - Plot
Baal is an amoral poetic genius who, after a life of debauchery, betrayal and violence, is about to cut his ties to the world and meet his doom. A high society party is where the end begins.
Baal - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of David Bowie's mesmerising performance:
Where to Watch Baal
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Baal - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alan Clarke
Main Cast
- David Bowie
- Jonathan Kent
- Zoë Wanamaker
- Juliet Hammond-Hill
- Tracey Childs
- Julian Wadham
- Robert Austin
- Russell Wootton
- Polly James
- Hugh Walters
Writers
- Bertolt Brecht
Producers
- Louis Marks
Baal - FAQs
What is Baal (1982) about?
Baal follows an amoral, self-destructive poetic genius through a life of excess, betrayal, and violence. Adapted from Bertolt Brecht's early play, the BBC production traces his inevitable downfall, beginning at a high society party where the seeds of his doom are sown. David Bowie brings an electrifying intensity to the title role.
Why did David Bowie choose to play Baal?
Bowie was drawn to Brecht's outsider antihero as a natural extension of his own artistic persona. He saw Baal's anarchic, boundary-defying spirit as a role that resonated with his career-long fascination with transgressive characters. He also recorded an EP of Brecht–Weill songs to accompany the broadcast, deepening his commitment to the project.
Is Baal based on a true story or a play?
Baal is adapted from Bertolt Brecht's first full-length play, written around 1918 when Brecht was just twenty years old. It's not based on a true story, though Brecht drew on real bohemian poets of his era. The BBC production uses a translation by John Willett and Ralph Manheim.
Where can you watch Baal (1982)?
You can check current streaming availability and viewing options for Baal on JustWatch, which tracks where the film can be rented, purchased, or streamed across major platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on where you're located.
Who directed Baal and what is his reputation?
Alan Clarke directed Baal for the BBC. Clarke is widely regarded as one of British television's most daring and influential directors, known for unflinching social realism in works like Scum and The Firm. His collaboration with Bowie on Baal remains one of the most distinctive creative pairings in British TV history.
Who are the main cast members in Baal?
David Bowie leads the cast as Baal, supported by Zoë Wanamaker as Sophie, Jonathan Kent as Eckart, Juliet Hammond-Hill as Emilie, Tracey Childs as Johanna, and Julian Wadham as Johannes. The ensemble brings Brecht's morally complex world vividly to life.
How long is Baal (1982)?
Baal runs for 64 minutes, making it a compact but intense viewing experience. Its brevity suits the raw, episodic structure of Brecht's original play, allowing Alan Clarke to maintain relentless dramatic momentum throughout without overstaying its welcome.
Did Baal receive critical acclaim after its broadcast?
Baal attracted considerable critical interest, largely due to the remarkable pairing of David Bowie and director Alan Clarke. Over time it has grown in reputation as a cult artifact — a rare document of Bowie's theatrical ambitions and Clarke's uncompromising visual style working in striking harmony.
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