The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976)

Every now and then a film comes along that is more pretentious than even I can stand. I shall defend 2001: A Space Odyssey to the death as there is method to Kubrick's maddening classic. This movie, The Man Who Fell to Earth, I will not.

David Bowie stars as Thomas Jerome Newton, a humanoid alien, who comes to Earth in search of water for his own planet. Infinitely smart, Newton employs patent lawyer Oliver Farnsworth (Buck Henry) and turgid genius Nathan Bryce (Rip Torn) to execute his numerous start-up companies all with the intent of funneling money towards his return trip home. That is where the story ends and the frail, enigmatic Newton becomes enraptured of human vices.

The Man Who Fell to Earth is guilty of unending pretension that wastes quality cinematography and intriguing concepts on opiate fiends. I daresay how else could you enjoy this vapid psychedelic mess without the assistance of illicit drugs?!

The film is a series of poorly executed edits that unsuccessfully meld the alien and the human. Studded with numerous sexual encounters that needlessly assault the senses and overwhelmingly odd chain of events, this film is dumbfounding.

David Bowie is brilliantly weird and upsetting as the eccentric Newton. His features suit the role perfectly. Equally weird, but not in the brilliant way is his whiny drawling mistress Mary-Lou (Candy Clark). I'd rather bleed from the ears whilst listening to Michael Bolton and Kenny G duet than endure her again.

As I see it, The Man Who Fell to Earth is a disjointed, tedious and self-important film. Billed as a sci-fi cult classic, the film falls flat unlike Bowie's oft-engorged member found here.

J4T: 0 stars