MitrevMovies

The Man Who Fell to Earth

1976 139 min ★ 6.5 Science Fiction, Drama, Fantasy

Thomas Jerome Newton is an alien who has come to Earth in search of water to save his home planet. Aided by lawyer Oliver Farnsworth, Thomas uses his knowledge of advanced technology to create profitable inventions. While developing a method to transport water, Thomas meets Mary-Lou, a quiet hotel clerk, and begins to fall in love with her. Just as he is ready to leave Earth, Thomas is intercepted by the U.S. government, and his entire plan is threatened.

▶ Watch Trailer

Cast

David Bowie

Thomas Jerome Newton

Rip Torn

Nathan Bryce

Candy Clark

Mary-Lou

Tony Mascia

Arthur

Buck Henry

Oliver Farnsworth

Bernie Casey

Peters

Adrienne La Russa

Helen

Claudia Jennings

Peters' Wife (uncredited)

Rick Riccardo

Trevor

Jim Lovell

James Lovell

Details

Director

Nicolas Roeg

Screenplay

Paul Mayersberg

Tagline

"Power, space, time and a visitor."

Status

Released

Original Language

Budget

$1,500,000

Production

British Lion Films, Houtsnede Maatschappij

Reviews

CinemaSerf

January 2, 2023

★ 6/10

Very much a vehicle for David Bowie, this is otherwise a rather derivative and unimaginative story of an alien ("Newton") who arrives on Earth, naked and penniless. He is tasked with trying to find a way to save his own doomed planet, but quickly discovers that he has skills! He can make money, and money buys nice things; it buys nice sex; it gives him power... All of these pleasures distract him ...