The Man Who Fell to Earth

1976

The Man Who Fell to Earth

Critics Consensus

Filled with stunning imagery, The Man Who Fell to Earth is a calm, meditative film that profoundly explores our culture's values and desires.

83%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 59

69%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 12,824
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Movie Info

Space alien (Bowie) crash lands on Earth, seeking help for his drought-stricken planet. By securing patents to advanced technology, he becomes a fabulously wealthy industrialist. However, money and its attendant decadence ultimately exert a stronger gravitational pull. Bowie seemed perfectly cast as the space traveller, and the film further cemented director Roeg's status as one of the most unique filmmakers of the 1970's. Originally cut by 20 minutes in its 1976 US release, this anniversary presentation is the complete version.

Cast

David Bowie
as Thomas Jerome Newton
Rip Torn
as Nathan Bryce
Candy Clark
as Mary-Lou
Buck Henry
as Oliver Farnsworth
Bernie Casey
as Peters
Jackson D. Kane
as Prof. Canutti
Rick Riccardo
as Trevor
Tony Mascia
as Arthur
Linda Hutton
as Elaine
Hilary Holland
as Jill
Adrienne Larussa
as Helen
Lilybell Crawford
as Jewelry Story Owner
Richard Breeding
as Receptionist
Peter Prouse
as Peter's Associate
Jim Lovell
as Himself
Albert Nelson
as Waiter
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Critic Reviews for The Man Who Fell to Earth

All Critics (59) | Top Critics (17) | Fresh (49) | Rotten (10)

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Audience Reviews for The Man Who Fell to Earth

  • Jul 08, 2018
    9/07/2018 - A badly acted, drunken and sex filled film with no plot. Go watch a Porno instead!
    Peter B Super Reviewer
  • Jan 17, 2016
    There is no way a movie as ambitious as this would ever get made today. Edgy, daring and with a definite tinge of loneliness. Also has a strong message about mankind, with our often xenophobic tendencies. Stunning visual imagery without and David Bowie is superb. I can see why this is a cult classic.
    Ian W Super Reviewer
  • Oct 08, 2015
    In "The Man Who Fell to Earth", the film itself is really 1970s America, as projected into an alien visitor. We can see what the country is by what living there does to this naive and gentle person. David Bowie and the film are uniquely suited to each other; the film has a strong essence and it is quite memorable. I have to say, though, "The Man Who Fell to Earth", is more for people that are up for a film challenging them rather than entertaining them. The US portrayed is not nice, it is garishly futuristic and dated, subtly domineering and hostile. The vibe is uneasy, desperate and despairing (and yet the grace of Bowie takes a bit of the sting off). There is a lot in it that takes a bit of questioning to figure out, the type of film you want to go into ready to exercise your wits and/or watch more than once. Recommended mainly to those interested in society and culture (and, of course, Bowie fans).
    Robert B Super Reviewer
  • Feb 27, 2013
    An alien (David Bowie) comes to earth incognito with plans to earn billions of dollars, build a spaceship and export water to his barren home planet, but finds himself unprepared to deal with human temptations and corporate politics. This melancholy story is more than a little muddled, but it has flashes of satire and moments of style.
    Greg S Super Reviewer
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