The Man Who Fell to Earth [1976] Directed by: Nicolas Roeg Based on the book by Walter Tevis
Although the author Tevis also helped write the screenplay for me an important moment in the film is the ending. The ending of the book was lost in the film adaption. Similar to the book Newton is found as being an alien and the government decides to “experiment” (torture) on him. When I read this part in the novel it was soul crushing. For a species that only wanted to feel the essence of being a human this is far from it. He had no ill intentions for the human race but to exist, find water for his dying planet, and well... go home. The ending of the novel brings reality that humans can be as gifted but as destructive a lot as any. Being blindly tortured in the name of science he informs him that testing on his eyes will prove detrimental to him. Thinking this isn't true he is forced into a machine that renders him…blind. Now, the institution realizes what a crime they caused and they buy his silence with apologies guised in destroying all evidence of these various tests placed on him. Newton decides ahead of time to take the high road. He decides to forgive but even so they destroy evidence. The last chapter we find him at a bar he asks Dr. Bryce a man he trusts about his love interest on earth. He finds out from Dr. Bryce that he will be marrying Betty Lou (Mary Lou). He asks if there is anything he might need. Dr. Bryce asks for the sum of 1 MILLION DOLLARS. Blind he struggles but writes out the check. After some conversation he collapses to the floor. This wasn’t shown in the film and I think this scene would have added to the collapse of his spirit. When I read about T.J. Newton (Bowie) I imagined him to be arrogant but wise. The film adaption explored this persona well and the director casting Bowie was genius. Bowie brought a regal innocence to Newton that I feel encompassed the character in the book.
My thoughts: Overall, the film was sensually mellow. The cinematography was well done. The casting was strong and well done.
Final Scores: Novel: 8.5/10
Film: 8/8/10
Comments