The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)

Thomas Jerome Newton is a humanoid alien who comes to Earth to get water for his dying planet. He starts a high technology company to get the billions of dollars he needs to build a return ... See full summary »

Director:

Nicolas Roeg

Writers:

Paul Mayersberg, Walter Tevis (novel)

Stars:

David Bowie, Rip Torn, Candy Clark

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Bowie	...	Thomas Jerome Newton
Rip Torn	...	Nathan Bryce
Candy Clark	...	Mary-Lou
Buck Henry	...	Oliver Farnsworth
Bernie Casey	...	Peters
Jackson D. Kane	...	Professor Canutti
Rick Riccardo	...	Trevor
Tony Mascia	...	Arthur
Linda Hutton	...	Elaine
Hilary Holland	...	Jill
Adrienne Larussa	...	Helen
Lilybelle Crawford	...	Jewelery Store Owner
Richard Breeding	...	Receptionist
Albert Nelson	...	Waiter
Peter Prouse	...	Peters' Associate

Storyline

Thomas Jerome Newton is a humanoid alien who comes to Earth to get water for his dying planet. He starts a high technology company to get the billions of dollars he needs to build a return spacecraft, and meets Mary-Lou, a girl who falls in love with him. He does not count on the greed and ruthlessness of business here on Earth, however.

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Plot Keywords:

alien | water | dying planet | urinating in fear | red pubic hair | 

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Taglines:

You have to believe it to see it

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Genres:

Sci-Fi | Drama

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 May 1976 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

El hombre que cayó a la tierra

Filming Locations:

Alamogordo, New Mexico, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$3,343 (USA) (15 July 2011)

Gross:

$83,547 (USA) (23 September 2011)

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Lion Film Corporation, Cinema 5

Technical Specs

Runtime:

139 min 119 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Toward the end of the film, in the record store, Bryce walks past a display for David Bowie's "Young Americans" album.

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Goofs

When Newton lifts up the cookies in the desperate moment before the transformation, there were only twelve cookies on the plate, then, when they were shuffling in the air, it's easily possible to count at least sixteen of it.

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Quotes

Jewelery Store Owner: Can I help?
Thomas Jerome Newton: I'm sorry. I want to sell this ring.
Jewelery Store Owner: [looks it over] Where'd you get it from?
Thomas Jerome Newton: My wife gave it to me. You see it has initials.
Jewelery Store Owner: [reads] T.J.N. Do you have any I.D.?
Thomas Jerome Newton: I'm British, I have a passport.
[shows it to her]
Jewelery Store Owner: [reads] Thomas Jerome Newton. This is not a pawn shop, Mr. Newton.
Thomas Jerome Newton: I beg your pardon?
Jewelery Store Owner: If you sell it to me now, you can't redeem it later.
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Man Who Fell to Earth (Remix) (2010)

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Soundtracks

"One Way"
Written & Performed by Stomu Yamashta

User Reviews

Fantastic, severely under-rated film

This movie is definitely one of my favourites. First off, the acting is wonderful. David Bowie is awesome, I could not have imagined a better choice of actor. He plays his role to perfection and with just the right emotion. Candy Clark is also incredible in her role. Then comes the plot itself. Sure the plot is a little hard to follow but it is so brilliantly rendered and the cinematography is perfect. A very strong atmosphere and mood is created and the whole thing all together is just mind-blowing. Very original. Very artistic. Go see it if you haven't already.

I would also like to add that this cult science fiction film is however not for everyone. The way it was created and the way the scenes are shot resembles an experimental film. The style is also out of the ordinary and the plot may seem to be a little strange and confusing to some. Most people either love it or hate it.