"The Man Who Fell to Earth" is originally a 1963 novel by Walter Tevis. It was famously adapted into a 1976 British science fantasy drama film directed by Nicolas Roeg, starring David Bowie as the extraterrestrial Thomas Jerome Newton
. The story follows Newton, an alien from a drought-stricken planet, who crash-lands on Earth seeking a way to transport water back to his home world. Using advanced technology, he quickly amasses wealth by patenting inventions, aiming to build a spaceship to save his planet. However, he becomes entangled in human vices like alcohol and faces captivity by government forces, leading to a tragic decline
. The narrative explores themes of alienation, human corruption, and the clash between advanced alien technology and earthly limitations. The film is noted for its surreal imagery and Bowie's unique performance, gaining a cult following and being considered a significant work in science fiction cinema
. Additionally, the story has been adapted into a 1987 television film and inspired a 2022 American TV series that continues the story decades later, featuring new characters and exploring similar themes of alien encounters and human evolution
. In summary, "The Man Who Fell to Earth" is a multi-format science fiction story about an alien's struggle to save his planet while confronting the complexities and flaws of human society.
