The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Nicolas Roeg

Writers:

Paul Mayersberg (writer)
Walter Tevis (novel)

Release Date:

26 May 1976 (Netherlands)

Genre:

Sci-Fi | Drama

Tagline:

You have to believe it to see it

Plot:

Thomas Jerome Newton is a humanoid alien who comes to Earth to get water for his dying planet. He starts...

Plot Keywords:

Water | Alien | Dying Planet | Lakeside | Crotch Shot

Awards:

1 win & 3 nominations

Cast

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

Runtime:

139 min | Sweden:119 min (cut version)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo

Certification:

Norway:18 (1976) | New Zealand:R18 | Iceland:12 | Netherlands:12 | UK:18 | Argentina:16 | Australia:R | France:-12 | Sweden:15 | UK:X (original rating) | USA:R | West Germany:16 | Finland:K-16

Filming Locations:

Alamogordo, New Mexico, USA

Company:

British Lion Film Corporation

Trivia:

Nicolas Roeg originally wanted to cast the 6'10" author Michael Crichton in the lead role of the alien.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: Towards the end of the movie, Newton walks through a long, saloon-like room while the camera pans back. A lamp at the upper right part of the screen moves, probably touched by the camera crew.

Quotes:

Waiter: I think perhaps Mr. Newton has had enough, don't you?
Nathan Bryce: I think... perhaps... you're right.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Soundtrack:

Parker's Band

Bizarre from the bizarre.

Remarkable movie by Nic Roeg starring David Bowie. Nic really knew how to get the best out of rock stars, also doing the fabulous 'Performance' (with Cammel), with Jagger and these two movies being his best work. Such a perfect role for Bowie and done in his youthful heyday. I don't think anyone else could've done the role justice. No it's not a musical.My favourite lines in the movie are the CIA guy saying "This is modern America and we intend to keep it that way" (when threatened by the future-shock tech Mr.Newton has brought; also, "Yes, I think you've had enough, Mr. Newton." Great effects, especially the sex scene, parts of which were banned in the US when first released.