The Man Who Fell To Earth (Limited Collector’s Edition): Blu-ray Review
The Movie:
Thomas Jerome Newton (David Bowie) is a humanoid alien who comes to Earth from a distant planet on a mission to take water back to his home planet in the midst of a catastrophic drought. Using the advanced technology of his home planet to patent many inventions on Earth, Newton, aided by leading patent attorney Oliver Farnsworth (Buck Henry), acquires incredible wealth as the head of a technology-based conglomerate that he intends to use to finance the construction of a space vehicle to ship water back to his planet. Newton embarks on a relationship with hotel maid Mary-Lou (Candy Clark) and makes progress with the construction of his vehicle but soon finds his true identity at risk via his roguish colleague and confidant Dr. Nathan Bryce (Rip Torn) who threatens not only his relationship with Mary-Lou, but his freedom and chances of making it home to the family he yearns for.
For many years this film was recommended to me and it’s unfortunate that I only now had a chance to watch it after the passing of David Bowie. This film is definitely “something else” and you can see that right from the start. It’s artsy and experimental with the way that it’s presented but it does have a message to it that many people may not see because of the “weird factor”. The film is an interesting satire of a corrupt world that I think people could easily identify with in present day and it does really well in showing that. I really loved the way that is was presented as well. Certain scenes hit a specific beat then hit a quick cut to another scene that flows a totally different way. In a weird way it creatively keeps you on your toes. I will however just say that anyone who watches it that hasn’t seen it before needs to experience it with an open mind because of this. It really is an enjoyable watch and if you’re a Bowie fan then this is definitely a must buy. 7/10
Special Features:
David Bowie Interview: French TV 1977 – This was a really cool flashback to see. Fans of the film and Bowie will love this.
Interview With Costume Designer May Routh – A small chat that involves the person talking about their experiences during the film.
Interview With Photographer David James – Interview With Fan Sam Taylor-Johnson –
Interview With Producer Michael Deeley – A small chat that involves the person talking about their experiences during the film.
“The Lost Soundtracks” – This feature looks at the controversy regarding the soundtrack that Bowie never completed.
Interview With Candy Clark – A small chat that involves the person talking about their experiences during the film.
Interview With Paul Mayersberg – A small chat that involves the person talking about their experiences during the film.
Interview With Cinematographer Tony Richmond – A small chat that involves the person talking about their experiences during the film.
Interview With Director Nicolas Roeg – A small chat that involves the person talking about their experiences during the film.
