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The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)

Director: Nicolas Roeg

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From Time Out Film Guide

Roeg's hugely ambitious and imaginative film transforms a straightforward science fiction story (novel, Walter Tevis) into a rich kaleidoscope of contemporary America. Newton (Bowie), an alien whose understanding of the world comes from monitoring TV stations, arrives on earth, builds the largest corporate empire in the States to further his mission, but becomes increasingly frustrated by human emotions. What follows is as much a love story as sci-fi: like other films of Roeg's, this explores private and public behaviour. Newton/Bowie becomes involved in an almost pulp-like romance with Candy Clark, played out to the hits of middle America, that culminates with his 'fall' from innocence. Roeg, often using a dazzling technical skill, jettisons narrative in favour of thematic juxtapositions, working best when exploring the clichés of social and cultural ritual. Less successful is the 'explicit' sex Roeg now seems obliged to offer; but visually a treat throughout.

Author: CPe 0000-00-00 00:00:00

Time Out Film Guide

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Cast & crew

Director: Nicolas Roeg

Producer: Michael Deeley, Barry Spikings

Cast: David Bowie, Rip Torn, Candy Clark, Buck Henry, Bernie Casey, Jackson D Kane full cast

Genre(s): Science Fiction

Duration: 138 mins

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