The Man Who Fell to Earth (1977)
Review by Doc Ezra
Film:
DVD:

Written by Paul Mayersberg, based on the novel by Walter Tevis
Directed by Nicolas Roeg
Starring David Bowie, Rip Torn, Candy Clark, and Buck Henry

Features:

• Remastered THX audio
  
• "Watching the Alien" new production featurette
  
• Theatrical trailer
  
• TV spots
  
• Talent bios
  
• Poster and still gallery
  
• Original screenplay on DVD-ROM
  

Released by: Anchor Bay
Region: 1
Rating: R
Anamorphic: Yes

My Advice: Seek it out if you dig on the Thin White Duke and some esoteric sci-fi

Nicolas Roeg's The Man Who Fell to Earth is a one-of-a-kind science fiction movie. The story revolves around "Thomas Jerome Newton" (Bowie), an alien who has come to Earth in a quest to save his water-starved planet. Using his knowledge of advanced technology, Newton sets himself up as an entrepreneur, and rapidly amasses quite a fortune. Of course, money being the root of all evil and such, he is distracted from his original goal by the lure of easy money, a variety of intoxicants, and women. As he slips further and further into decadence, there is the added complication that he doesn't seem to be aging. This, of course, leads to a slew of uncomfortable questions from his lovers and business associates.

Full of slow, atmospheric cinematography and the sometimes oppressive use of silence, the movie is of a very different stripe than the hyperkinetic, flashy science fiction that scores the big box office takes. But what it lacks in special effects and pacing, it makes up for in sheer atmospherics. The visuals here are where it's at. Roeg's direction lingers over small details and significant plot points alike, which can make it easy for the uncareful viewer to get lost in the tale, unable to distinguish the minutiae from the momentous. This is the film's greatest strength and greatest weakness, as those that aren't impressed with Roeg's visual aesthetic have little to do with themselves for most of the movie...there's just not that much "there" there.

The performance by David Bowie is exceptional, though. His androgynous look and languid delivery match the visual pacing of the film precisely. He also conveys the sense of a man totally out of place quite nicely. Given his musical career and the issues of self-reinvention contained therein, it is little wonder that this film was an attractive leap from the stage to the screen for him. Newton's increasing sense of alienation throughout the film gives Bowie a chance to play through the same emotional phases on screen that he has spent a lifetime progressing through in his music, and he does a phenomenal job.

The DVD delivers an uncensored and totally remastered version of the film, along with a second disc absolutely crammed with bonus material. The only thing really missing here is a commentary track, which is a crying shame. Roeg's thoughts on the film, often regarded as his finest work as a director, would be great to hear, and Bowie always seems to have interesting things to say. As it is, we get an all-new featurette, trailers and promo materials, and the full screenplay on DVD-ROM...not too shabby for a cult sci-fi flick pushing thirty years old.

Fans of against-the-grain science fiction would do well to check this one out. To date, there's really nothing quite like it. Bowie boosters will likewise need to have this one, as it's easily his finest film work (though 1983's The Hunger runs a pretty close second).