The Man Who Fell to Earth
David Bowie plays an earth stranded alien, whose superior intelligence enables him to develop a pioneering technological company worth billions and turn it into a space program that would enable him to return to his drought ridden home planet and save his dying family - but not before succumbing to earthly temptations. Of course Bowie's ethereal qualities are perfectly suited; his introverted sulkiness, skinny frame, soft British accent, pale skin, fiery red locks and rock star dress sense already in stark contrast to his wholesome American hosts, and that's before he pulls his lenses out.
It's the story of Icarus of course, Bruegel's Landscape with the Fall of Icarus is shown to ram that home, but Roeg's adaptation of Walter Tevis' 1963 novel of the same name is both ponderous and full of curious pratfalls - a presumably deliberate attempt to disorientate and bewilder us as much as our disconnected protagonist. Characters age quickly with barely an edit to warn us and the film frequently changes course throughout its 2hr 20 runtime, as does the soundtrack - a sensory overload epitomising our protagonist's apparent ability to absorb huge amounts of information at once (he's often watching a stack of televisions set to different channels.)
Roeg is fascinated by communication, and the characters here frequently talk in circles with Bowie's sulky alien refusing to initially communicate with anyone other than his patent lawyer, until this frosty alien heart is somewhat melted by a maid. Roeg is ever liberal with the sex; a protracted fumble recalls Don't Look Now set against a backdrop of loss. Additionally both male characters seem to share a psychic ability.
Sublime cinematography from Anthony Richmond (Don't Look Now) as expected.
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