Bowie is perfectly cast as an alien who seeks water for his dying planet. This film is so sparse as to be misleading as to the depth of its development, and it takes considerable time to grasp the message on the screen. But when you do, it is devastating: it haunts me 30 years after seeing it. Bowie's character has, of course, super powers...but not of the comic book kind...which he uses to amass a fortune in order to finance his goal. He is drawn to earthly ways, seeks emotional contact, but is unable to connect on any level. Earthlings use him mercilessly, and he is truly alone. His failure to save his family seals his doom; he will outlive all around him. Science fiction of the best kind.
Review of The Man Who Fell to Earth
