Man Who Fell to Earth
by Nicolas Roeg
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Bernie Casey, Buck Henry, Candy Clark, David Bowie, Rip TornDirector: Nicolas Roeg
Brand: BOWIE,DAVID
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 5.1 EX; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1 EX
Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 139 minutes
Published: 2003
DVD Release Date: 2003-02-11
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Movie Reviews of Man Who Fell to Earth
Movie Review: The Man Who Fell To Earth - Trippy and Beautiful
Summary: 5 Stars
Anybody who loves science fiction as much as I do should have seen this movie a long time ago and studied it closely. Yet I only recently was introduced to The Man Who Fell to Earth and was mesmerized.
For the time period it was made, it is visually incredible. The story line is also excellent considering how unbelievable the premise is. I would also state it is probably easily misunderstood because of the subtle use of cues and disjointed plot structure. But this movie cements what I already believed to be true: David Bowie is a creative genius who deserves more acclaim than he gets.
It's interesting that in a movie in which Bowie was cast, the music is very non-Bowie. I'm sure that was meant to not overshadow his performance, which is incredible. I don't want to give away too much detail, but the title kind of says it all. If I had to summarize this movie briefly, I would say it was like Starman meets E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial and Valley of the Dolls.
I will add this: please avoid the reviews with spoilers. Several comments have been made which are not totally accurate. Watch the movie yourself and watch carefully. Then you can draw your own conclusion.
Like I said, the special effects are very good, yet tastefully done for the time period. They are not overly done as some other sci-fi of the late 70s and early 80s.
We learn about Bowie's character little by little through a series of flashbacks. These definitely highten the anticipation, but they also make the story disjointed. When we do finally see what Bowie truly is, it's an incredible climax.
There's also plenty of hippie-like scenes as Bowie's character is pulled out of his shell by a very unique female character. I personally felt like her lines could have been better, but she does a good enough job.
Rip Torn's character is perhaps the biggest enigma. I suspect that the film-makers purposely left some ambiguity as to his role in Bowie's demise.
I am not surprised by those who want simple explainations all laid out for them in a movie like this. This is meant to be an unconventional story told in an artistic way. Despite what some may say, there is a great deal of beauty and profundity in the way this story is told.
The supporting cast is good, though there are definitely some characters who are given less dialogue than they deserved.
The closure of this movie definitely made me feel sad for the world and mankind in general. Draw your own conclusions, but watch carefully or you will misunderstand what is really happening.
I would say anybody who loves sci-fi and hasn't seen this should see it soon. I may have been the last guy to this party, but if there are any others out there like me definitely check this out.
Enjoy.
Summary of Man Who Fell to Earth
A science-fiction film in which a frail and exotic alien is exposed to and ultimately overcome by technology, American Capitalism and earthly love.Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: R
Release Date: 11-FEB-2003
Media Type: DVD
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