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If David Bowie's 10-minute video for "★" was an epic space opera, his new video for "Lazarus" is a tumultous bottle episode. Covered by the same creepy buttoned blindfold he sported in "★," Bowie is bedridden for most of the video, only escaping to a nearby desk to pour his energy onto the pages of a book. The connection between the videos is obvious, but also obscure: is he writing the book we see him thumping in "★?" Or recovering from the traumatic events that transpired? "Lazarus" leaves us with more questions than answers. It's incredible that he can still do that 28-albums deep into a 54-year career.Both videos are directed by Johan Renck, who has directed videos for Madonna and Robyn, and whose name you might have seen in the credits for certain episodes of Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and Bates Motel. "I think I started crying, actually," Renck tells Noisey of the moment Bowie tapped him to collaborate on videos for the ★ album, which officially launches tomorrow—just in time for the Thin White Duke's 69th birthday. Renck continues, “One could only dream about collaborating with a mind like that; let alone twice. Intuitive, playful, mysterious and profound… I have no desire to do any more videos knowing the process never ever gets as formidable and fulfilling as this was. I’ve basically touched the sun."Watch the video for "Lazarus" below.Keep up to date with David Bowie on his website, and see more of Johan Renck's work here.Related:Bowie Down, Bitches: How David Bowie Became an Icon for Sexual LiberationDavid Bowie Releases Trailer for New Short Film & Single "★"The David Bowie Art Exhibition Finally Makes It To AmericaDavid Bowie's "★ " Director Talks Making the 10-Minute Short Film
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