The Man Who Fell to Earth

Main Plot

"The Man Who Fell to Earth," directed by Nicolas Roeg, follows an extraterrestrial named Thomas Jerome Newton who arrives on Earth seeking water to save his drought-stricken home planet. Using advanced technology, Newton amasses a fortune by patenting inventions, intending to build a spacecraft for his return journey. Along the way, he encounters various humans, including Mary-Lou, with whom he forms a complex relationship. As Newton becomes entangled in human emotions and corporate greed, his mission becomes jeopardized. The film explores themes of isolation, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the fragility of human connections, ultimately portraying a poignant and tragic tale of an alien's struggle to navigate and survive in a world that is both foreign and familiar.

Characters

• Thomas Jerome Newton, an alien seeking water for his drought-stricken planet, becomes entangled in Earth's complexities and human vices, ultimately derailing his mission.
• Rip Torn plays Dr. Nathan Bryce, a college professor who becomes intrigued by the protagonist's mysterious origins and ultimately helps reveal his true identity.
• Candy Clark plays Mary-Lou, a hotel maid who becomes romantically involved with the alien protagonist, aiding and complicating his mission on Earth.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of Nicolas Roeg's film "The Man Who Fell to Earth," the protagonist, Thomas Jerome Newton, an alien who came to Earth on a mission to save his drought-stricken home planet, ultimately fails in his quest. Newton, portrayed by David Bowie, becomes increasingly entangled in human vices and corporate machinations. His plans to build a spacecraft are thwarted by a combination of government intervention and his own deteriorating focus, exacerbated by alcohol and emotional entanglements. Newton is eventually captured by a government agency and subjected to a series of invasive medical tests. Although he is later released, he finds himself isolated and unable to return to his home planet. The film ends with Newton, now a broken and disillusioned figure, releasing an album of alien-themed music in a futile attempt to communicate with his distant family. The poignant conclusion underscores themes of alienation, the corrupting influence of power and wealth, and the ultimate futility of Newton's mission, leaving him stranded and despondent on Earth.