
The Man Who Fell to Earth
An alien lands on Earth, and decides that he needs to a job in order to raise money to build a spaceship so he can return to his home planet.
Insights
Plot Summary
An alien from a distant planet, named Thomas Jerome Newton, lands on Earth seeking water to save his drought-stricken world. He uses his advanced technology to become immensely wealthy and powerful, intending to use his fortune to fund his return journey. However, he becomes entangled in human vices and the exploitative nature of corporate America, which leads to his eventual downfall and isolation.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, "The Man Who Fell to Earth" received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its originality, visual style, and David Bowie's performance, while others found its narrative disjointed and its themes obscure. Over time, it has gained significant cult status and is now widely regarded as a science fiction classic for its artistic merit and thought-provoking exploration of alienation and the impact of technology on humanity.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its distinctive visual style and Bowie's haunting performance.
- Celebrated for its unique and philosophical take on alien encounters.
- Seen as a challenging but rewarding film for its exploration of alienation and consumerism.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate the film's artistic ambition and David Bowie's mesmerizing portrayal of an extraterrestrial. Many find the movie's themes thought-provoking and its visual aesthetic striking, though some note its slow pacing and ambiguous narrative.
Fun Fact
David Bowie based his character's persona and appearance on his own experiences as an outsider and the public's perception of him as a pop star.
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