“The Man Who Fell to Earth” is a 1976 science fiction film directed by Nicolas Roeg, starring David Bowie in his first significant acting role. The film tells the story of Thomas Jerome Newton, an extraterrestrial who comes to Earth for water to save his drought-stricken planet. He quickly becomes a wealthy industrialist and uses advanced technology skills to develop several groundbreaking inventions, attracting the US government’s attention.
Newton becomes involved with the world of humans and struggles with his identity as he navigates the challenges of living on a new planet. He meets Mary-Lou, a lonely hotel clerk, and forms a romantic relationship with her, but their relationship becomes strained as Newton’s true identity is revealed.
As Newton works to complete his mission, he faces opposition from corrupt businesspeople and the government, leading to his eventual capture and imprisonment. The film explores themes of identity, loneliness, and the corrupting influence of power.
The film is a haunting and visually stunning exploration of loneliness, addiction, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that often seems incomprehensible. Bowie delivers a captivating performance as the enigmatic Newton, bringing a sense of otherworldly detachment to the character that perfectly captures the film’s themes of alienation and dislocation. Other standout performances from Candy Clark as Mary-Lou, and Rip Torn as Nathan Bryce round out this strong cast.
Available via The Criterion Collection
The Other Cinema 