The Man Who Fell to Earth

The Man Who Fell to Earth is a 1976 British science fiction film directed by Nicolas Roeg, based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Walter Tevis. The film stars David Bowie, Rip Torn, and Candy Clark, and features a unique blend of science fiction, drama, and surrealism, drawing comparisons to the works of Stanley Kubrick and Federico Fellini. The film's score, composed by John Phillips and Stomu Yamashta, adds to its otherworldly atmosphere, reminiscent of the soundtracks of 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Clockwork Orange. The film's exploration of themes such as alienation and corporate greed has drawn parallels to the works of Arthur C. Clarke and Philip K. Dick.

● Plot

The film tells the story of Thomas Jerome Newton, an alien who comes to Earth in search of a new source of energy to save his home planet, which is experiencing a severe drought. Newton, played by David Bowie, uses his advanced technology to become a successful entrepreneur and inventor, patenting numerous inventions and amassing a vast fortune. However, as he becomes more and more embroiled in human society, he begins to lose touch with his alien identity and succumbs to the corrupting influences of power and wealth, echoing the themes of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe. Along the way, he encounters a range of characters, including Mary-Lou, a hotel maid played by Candy Clark, and Nathan Bryce, a lawyer played by Rip Torn, who becomes embroiled in Newton's business dealings and personal life, drawing comparisons to the characters of The Godfather by Francis Ford Coppola and Chinatown by Roman Polanski.

● Production

The film was produced by Barry Spikings and Michael Deeley, and directed by Nicolas Roeg, who is known for his work on films such as Performance and Don't Look Now. The screenplay was written by Paul Mayersberg, who drew inspiration from the novel of the same name by Walter Tevis, as well as the works of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. The film was shot on location in New Mexico and New York City, and features a range of surreal and dreamlike sequences, reminiscent of the works of Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí. The film's cinematography was handled by Anthony B. Richmond, who worked with Nicolas Roeg to create a unique and otherworldly visual style, drawing comparisons to the cinematography of Blade Runner by Ridley Scott and Alien by James Cameron.

● Cast

The film features a range of talented actors, including David Bowie, who plays the lead role of Thomas Jerome Newton. Rip Torn plays the role of Nathan Bryce, a lawyer who becomes embroiled in Newton's business dealings and personal life, drawing comparisons to the characters of The Silence of the Lambs by Jonathan Demme and L.A. Confidential by Curtis Hanson. Candy Clark plays the role of Mary-Lou, a hotel maid who becomes Newton's lover and confidante, echoing the themes of The Last Picture Show by Peter Bogdanovich and American Graffiti by George Lucas. The film also features appearances by Buck Henry, Adrienne Barbeau, and Bernie Casey, among others, including Trevor Howard and Ralph Richardson.

● Release

The film was released in 1976, and was initially met with mixed reviews from critics. However, over time, the film has developed a cult following and is now widely regarded as a classic of science fiction cinema, drawing comparisons to the works of George Orwell and Aldous Huxley. The film has been released on DVD and Blu-ray by Criterion Collection, and has been screened at numerous film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. The film's influence can be seen in the works of Christopher Nolan and Darren Aronofsky, among others, including The Matrix by The Wachowskis and Inception by Christopher Nolan.

● Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics upon its initial release, with some praising its unique visual style and themes, while others found it confusing and overlong. However, over time, the film has developed a reputation as a classic of science fiction cinema, and is now widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, drawing comparisons to the works of Stanley Kubrick and Martin Scorsese. The film has been praised by critics such as Roger Ebert and Pauline Kael, and has been named as an influence by filmmakers such as Terrence Malick and David Lynch, among others, including Quentin Tarantino and Guillermo del Toro.

● Themes

The film explores a range of themes, including alienation, corporate greed, and the corrupting influence of power. The film also touches on issues of identity and humanity, as Newton struggles to come to terms with his alien identity and his place in human society, echoing the themes of The Stranger by Albert Camus and The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. The film's use of surreal and dreamlike sequences adds to its otherworldly atmosphere, and helps to explore the psychological and emotional states of its characters, drawing comparisons to the works of Ingmar Bergman and Andrei Tarkovsky. The film's exploration of technology and its impact on society is also reminiscent of the works of Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov.