Directed by
Nicolas Roeg
Made by
Cinema 5 Distributing
Discover the intricate plot of The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Thomas Jerome Newton is a humanoid alien who arrives on Earth from a distant planet, landing in the stark landscapes of New Mexico. To the world, he appears as an ordinary Englishman, but he is here on a critical mission: to transport water back to his home planet, which is enduring a dire drought. Using the advanced technology from his homeland, Newton quickly patents several inventions on Earth, amassing considerable wealth through his role as the head of the World Enterprises Corporation, aided by his skilled patent attorney, Oliver Farnsworth.
During one of his visits to New Mexico, Newton crosses paths with Mary-Lou, a lonely young woman from Oklahoma. Mary-Lou juggles numerous part-time jobs at a local hotel to make ends meet. As she introduces Newton to various earthly customs—ranging from attending church services to indulging in alcohol and exploring intimate relationships—the two form a bond and move into a newly built house near the site of his arrival.
Dr. Nathan Bryce, a former college professor with a questionable past regarding his female students, secures a position as a fuel technician at World Enterprises. He gradually becomes Newton’s confidant, sensing that there is something decidedly alien about him. In curiosity, Bryce arranges a clandestine meeting where he uses a special X-ray camera to uncover Newton’s true alien physiology. As Newton struggles with his growing addiction to alcohol and the distractions of television—often watching multiple screens simultaneously—tensions rise between him and Mary-Lou. In a moment of truth, Newton reveals his alien form to her; however, she is horrified and flees in panic.
As Newton completes his spaceship, ready for its maiden voyage to transport water home, he faces unexpected turmoil. Just before take-off, he is captured by the government and a rival company, leaving his fate hanging in the balance. In a shocking turn of events, his business partner Farnsworth is murdered, and Newton is confined to a locked luxury apartment deep within a hotel complex, where he faces rigorous medical examinations. The government keeps him sedated with alcohol, leading to the unfortunate fusion of his contact lenses with his eyes during an X-ray procedure.
Years pass within his derelict confinement, but Mary-Lou returns, now aged and affected by the ravages of time and alcohol. Their reunion is marked by an unsettling mixture of mock-violence and nostalgic intimacy, and they engage in playful antics involving toy guns and drinking games. Yet, their love has waned; Mary-Lou admits she no longer loves him, and Newton mirrors her sentiments. Eventually, the shackles of his restrained existence break down when he discovers that his prison is actually unlocked and makes the choice to leave.
With no way to return home, a disenchanted and alcoholic Newton records a message filled with alien signals, aspiring to send it back to his native planet. Meanwhile, Dr. Bryce, who has gone on to marry Mary-Lou, encounters Newton once more at a restaurant. Although Newton maintains his youthful appearance and vast wealth despite the passage of time, he is dripping in sadness and alcoholism. As he sits at the restaurant’s outdoor patio, a poignant moment unfolds when he asks about Mary-Lou before succumbing to a drunken stupor, encapsulating his tragic journey on Earth.
Track the key events of The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Arrival on Earth
Thomas Jerome Newton, a humanoid alien from a distant planet, lands in the stark landscapes of New Mexico. Disguised as an ordinary Englishman, he has come to Earth on a critical mission to transport water back to his drought-stricken home planet.
Becoming Wealthy
Using his advanced technology, Newton quickly patents several inventions, leading to massive wealth. He becomes the head of World Enterprises Corporation, aided by his skilled patent attorney, Oliver Farnsworth, who helps navigate the legal intricacies of his innovations.
Meeting Mary-Lou
During a visit to New Mexico, Newton encounters Mary-Lou, a lonely young woman from Oklahoma. Their connection deepens, and Mary-Lou introduces him to various earthly customs, creating a unique bond that leads them to share a home together.
Dr. Nathan Bryce's Introduction
Dr. Nathan Bryce, a former college professor with a questionable history, becomes a fuel technician at World Enterprises. Sensing the alien nature of Newton, he becomes a confidant and seeks to uncover the truth about him.
Discovery of Newton's Alien Physiology
Curious about Newton, Dr. Bryce arranges a clandestine meeting where he employs an X-ray camera. This meeting reveals Newton’s alien physiology, which confirms Bryce's suspicions and opens an avenue for deeper intrigue.
Addiction Struggles
As Newton becomes increasingly addicted to alcohol and distracted by television, tension builds between him and Mary-Lou. Their relationship strains, culminating in a moment of revelation where Newton shows Mary-Lou his true alien form, leading to her terrified flight.
Foreboding Turmoil
Just as Newton is readying his spacecraft for its maiden voyage to transport water back home, he is unexpectedly taken hostage by the government and a rival company. This marks the beginning of a tumultuous turn in his life on Earth.
Farnsworth's Murder
As chaos unfolds, Newton's business partner, Oliver Farnsworth, is murdered, leaving Newton vulnerable and trapped. He finds himself confined to a luxurious apartment under tight observation, coupled with rigorous medical examinations.
Medical Experimentation
While in confinement, the government sedates Newton with alcohol, leading to a harrowing experience where his alien contact lenses fuse with his eyes during an X-ray procedure. This traumatic event symbolizes the loss of his autonomy and freedom.
Unfortunate Years of Confinement
Years pass in his derelict confinement, but a familiar face reappears when Mary-Lou visits him. Now aged and affected by life's struggles, she engages in a bittersweet reunion filled with playful antics, yet their love has faded.
The Choice to Leave
Eventually, Newton discovers that his locked prison is actually unlocked, offering him a chance at freedom. He makes the choice to leave, breaking free from the shackles of his restrained existence, although he remains lost and conflicted.
Record of Alien Signals
With no feasible way to return to his home planet, Newton records a heartfelt message filled with alien signals. This attempt symbolizes his desperation and longing to reach out to his origins, despite his current despondent state.
Chance Encounter with Dr. Bryce
Years later, Dr. Bryce, now married to Mary-Lou, encounters Newton again at a restaurant. Despite the passing years, Newton maintains his youthful appearance and wealth but is shrouded in sadness and the burdens of alcoholism.
Final Moments at the Restaurant
As Newton sits on the restaurant's patio, he inquires about Mary-Lou, triggering a wave of nostalgia. Succumbing to a drunken stupor, he reflects on his tragic journey, encapsulating both his alien nature and human fragments.
Meet the characters that bring The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Thomas Jerome Newton (David Bowie)
Thomas Jerome Newton presents a complex character torn between his alien origins and his newfound life on Earth. Despite his wealth and advanced technology, he grapples with addiction and emotional struggles, ultimately showcasing the vulnerability beneath his enigmatic exterior.
Mary-Lou (Candy Clark)
Mary-Lou is portrayed as a lonely young woman searching for connection amidst her part-time jobs. Her attraction to Newton brings out her desire for adventure, but she struggles with the reality of their relationship and the impact of time on her love and identity.
Dr. Nathan Bryce (Rip Torn)
Dr. Nathan Bryce serves as a moral compass and confidant for Newton, drawn to the mystery of his alien identity. His complicated past and curiosity ultimately lead him to a position of both support and conflict in Newton's journey.
Uncover the settings of The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film's events appear to unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting the social and technological dynamics of the 1970s. Issues such as corporate greed, addiction, and the search for personal connection resonate throughout the narrative.
Location
New Mexico, Oklahoma
New Mexico is known for its stunning desert landscapes, which serve as a backdrop for Thomas Jerome Newton's arrival on Earth. Oklahoma, represented by Mary-Lou, offers a contrasting urban setting with its hotels and diverse job opportunities, showcasing the stark differences in their lives.
Explore the core themes of The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Isolation
Isolation is a central theme, illustrated by Newton's detachment from humanity despite his integration. His alien existence highlights the deep loneliness that comes from being different and misunderstood in a world focused on superficial connections.
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Love and Loss
The love story between Newton and Mary-Lou captures the fleeting nature of relationships under the strain of time and addiction. Their reunion is marked by a bittersweet acknowledgment of lost love, showcasing how circumstances can metamorphose the deepest bonds.
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Escapism
Newton's mission to return home symbolizes the longing for escape from the burdens of Earthly life. His ultimate failure to do so speaks to the broader human desire to transcend our limitations and connect with something greater.
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