The Man Who Fell to Earth
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The Man Who Fell to Earth
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Man Who Fell to Earth is a 1976 sci-fi movie -- adapted from a novel -- with multiple sex scenes, full-frontal nudity, and depictions of alcoholism. It is a serious drama but with a satirical edge. Pop icon David Bowie stars as alien Thomas Jerome Newton, who arrives on Earth in search of resources for his home planet. He is first driven and successful but becomes distracted by TV and alcohol addiction. The movie features multiple sex scenes with full male and female nudity. During one sex scene, a drunk Newton and his partner, Mary-Lou (Candy Clark), play with a gun and incorporate it into sex. There are some violent scenes, such as men being grabbed in their homes and thrown out of high windows. In a surgery scene, a man's nipples are removed with a scalpel. Newton's use of alcohol makes him occasionally obnoxious and selfish, as well as diminishing his drive. He is imprisoned by the government but remains philosophical. The movie has infrequent strong language, which includes "f--k" and "bulls--t."
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What's the Story?
In THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH, Thomas Jerome Newton (David Bowie) is an alien who has come to Earth to develop technology to help deliver resources to his home planet. But while on Earth he finds temptation in some of humanity's more addictive vices.
Is It Any Good?
In this cult 1976 film, Bowie looks magnificent and otherworldly in the central role of Newton, an alien in human form who is lost in space and time. In part a serious, uncompromising sci-fi movie, The Man Who Fell to Earth also plays as a satire, a love story, and a comment on how people get their kicks. Director Nicolas Roeg (Don't Look Now) creates an illuminating experience, presenting the best and worst aspects of the world as seen through Newton's fresh eyes.
Candy Clark glows as the charming Mary-Lou. While Rip Torn's college professor with an eye for young students is redeemed when he finds his purpose in life, working for the company set up by Newton. However, the opposite occurs when Newton finds new pleasures in TV and alcohol, his spark dulling but still managing to remain philosophical. A movie to be experienced and interpreted rather than understood, The Man Who Fell to Earth might be frustrating for some. But when caught in the right mood at the right time, it transports you to another world that delivers rich rewards.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the sex scenes in The Man Who Fell to Earth. Were they gratuitous? Did they add to the story or characters? If so, how? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Discuss how the movie portrayed drinking. Was it glamorized? Why did Newton begin drinking? How did alcohol impact his life? What were the consequences? Why is that important?
Newton becomes addicted to TV and watches nine shows at a time, being overwhelmed but not being able to look away. Do you see any parallels with today's society? Why is it important to be aware of how much media we consume?
This movie is considered by many to be a "cult classic." What makes something a "cult" hit?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 18, 1976
- On DVD or streaming: September 27, 2005
- Cast: David Bowie, Rip Torn, Candy Clark
- Director: Nicolas Roeg
- Studio: Cinema 5 Distributing
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Book Characters, Space and Aliens
- Run time: 139 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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2001: A Space Odyssey
Kubrick's sci-fi masterpiece is still relevant.
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E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
Spielberg's family classic is still one of the best.
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Moon
Thought-provoking sci-fi has some violence, strong language.
For kids who love cult sci-fi
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