The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) Watch Online Free

Thomas Jerome Newton is an alien who has come to Earth in search of water to save his home planet. Aided by lawyer Oliver Farnsworth, Thomas uses his knowledge of advanced technology to create profitable inventions. While developing a method to transport water, Thomas meets Mary-Lou, a quiet hotel clerk, and begins to fall in love with her. Just as he is ready to leave Earth, Thomas is intercepted by the U.S. government, and his entire plan is threatened.

The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) is a unique and profound science fiction film directed by Nicolas Roeg, starring David Bowie in one of his most iconic roles. Based on the 1963 novel by Walter Tevis, the film tells the story of Thomas Jerome Newton, an extraterrestrial being who arrives on Earth with the mission of saving his drought-stricken home planet. However, his time on Earth becomes a tragic journey of moral and existential decay as he is corrupted by human vices and fails to complete his mission.

The film is a masterpiece of non-linear storytelling, blending surreal visuals with haunting themes of alienation, identity, and the corrupting power of materialism. Newton’s plight is deeply symbolic; he represents not just an alien, but also a fallen angel, unable to save his own people or ascend back to his home. His failure to adapt to human society, as well as his eventual capture and dehumanization, form the emotional core of the movie.

Plot and Analysis

The plot of The Man Who Fell to Earth follows Newton’s arrival on Earth, where he seeks to raise money to build a spaceship that will take water back to his home planet. He uses his advanced knowledge to create a groundbreaking technology company, amassing wealth and power. As Newton becomes more involved with human culture, his inability to understand and navigate human emotions, morality, and social structures leads to his eventual downfall. He forms relationships with Mary-Lou (Candy Clark), a lonely woman, and Bryce (Rip Torn), a scientist who is obsessed with Newton’s abilities, but these relationships only contribute to his destruction.

The film’s structure is fragmented, often shifting between time periods and perspectives. This disjointed narrative mirrors Newton’s disconnection from both Earth and his own mission. The visuals, often symbolic and abstract, enhance this sense of alienation. Newton’s experiences are filled with confusion and disillusionment, reflected in the fragmented editing and surreal imagery, which create a dreamlike atmosphere.

Newton’s alien nature is highlighted not only by his physical appearance—pale, gaunt, and distant—but also through his strange behavior, which contrasts with the norms of human society. His initial inability to grasp human emotions is central to the film’s exploration of what it means to be human, and how we define both humanity and alienness. Newton is both an outsider and a mirror, reflecting the flaws and contradictions of the society he inhabits.

The film can be interpreted as a critique of consumerism and capitalist greed, seen through Newton’s rise to wealth and power and the resulting exploitation and eventual corruption he faces. The tragic irony is that while Newton is capable of building a vast business empire, he is ultimately destroyed by the very systems of greed, manipulation, and exploitation that he sought to control. His fate seems inevitable, as his inability to adjust to the complexities of human society results in his eventual capture and loss of agency.

10 Reasons to Watch The Man Who Fell to Earth

1. David Bowie’s Iconic Performance: This film marks Bowie’s acting debut, and his portrayal of Newton is mesmerizing. His androgynous, ethereal appearance and his nuanced performance give the character a haunting presence that stays with the viewer long after the film ends.
2. Themes of Alienation: The film delves deeply into themes of isolation and alienation, not just in a physical sense, but emotionally and existentially. Newton’s disconnection from both his mission and human society makes for a deeply introspective viewing experience.
3. Surreal Visuals: Director Nicolas Roeg’s use of surreal and symbolic imagery creates a dreamlike, disorienting atmosphere that enhances the thematic elements of alienation and disillusionment.
4. A Critique of Capitalism: The film critiques materialism and the corruption that comes with wealth and power, portraying Newton’s downfall as a result of humanity’s obsession with greed and consumption.
5. Psychological Depth: The film is rich with psychological complexity, offering insights into human nature through its portrayal of various flawed characters, from Newton to the humans he interacts with.
6. Innovative Storytelling: The fragmented, non-linear narrative keeps the audience engaged and adds to the film’s sense of mystery and depth, encouraging multiple interpretations.
7. Timeless Message: Although set in the 1970s, the themes of The Man Who Fell to Earth feel timeless and continue to resonate with modern concerns about technology, isolation, and the impact of capitalism on the individual.
8. Cinematic Masterpiece: With Roeg’s direction and a powerful screenplay, the film stands as a piece of cinematic art, combining existential storytelling with stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack.
9. Cultural Impact: The film has become a cult classic, influencing generations of filmmakers and artists. Bowie’s performance and the film’s visuals have left an indelible mark on pop culture.
10. A Philosophical Exploration of Humanity: Ultimately, the film explores what it means to be human, using Newton’s alien perspective to question our values, relationships, and societal norms.

How You’ll Feel After Watching

After watching The Man Who Fell to Earth, you will likely feel a sense of melancholy and reflection. The film’s existential themes—alienation, the corrupting nature of power, and the failure of human systems—invite deep introspection. The tragic arc of Newton, from an almost god-like figure to a broken and dehumanized being, is both poignant and haunting. You may also feel a sense of disillusionment with the materialistic world, as the film’s commentary on capitalism and human folly is sharp and unrelenting. Additionally, the surreal storytelling might leave you with a sense of awe and confusion, as the film’s ambiguity and abstract visuals encourage multiple interpretations, offering layers of meaning to unpack long after the credits roll.

The Man Who Fell to Earth is a haunting, thought-provoking experience that lingers in the mind, making it an essential watch for those interested in cinema that challenges the viewer’s perception of reality, identity, and humanity.