Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cult sci-fi drama has Bowie, sex, nudity, and alcoholism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Man Who Fell to Earth
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
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Cinema 5 Distributing
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 139 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate