Auteurs,
It's about time! The scoop on all the 40th Anniversary celebrations for the restored re release of Nicolas Roeg's The Man Who Fell To Earth in London (walking tours, special screenings, books & music releases) - UPCOMING EVENTS
When it comes to sublime storytelling there are few that can match master auteur and eternal outsider Nicolas Roeg for vision, originality or technical knowledge. I am a huge fan of his work, always original, always more about art surreally reflecting; nuances of story, broader life, social context, creating mood and mind states, than a linear story arc, always surprising and always drawing out incredible performances from his cast for his films.
It would appear that the 40th Anniversary of Nicolas Roeg's The Man Who Fell to Earth is going to be a big year with The Man Who Fell to Earth released into cinemas from September 9th, Special screenings with introductions from Mr Danny Boyle and The Man Who Fell To Earth Costume Designer May Routh, walks, books and of course the 40th Anniversary 4K restored home re-release will be be available from October 24th in varying formats. Upcoming events include the below list which is expanded upon further below:
27 August - The official, definitive making of The Man Who Fell To Earth book is available for preorder!
9 September: Nicolas Roeg's The Man Who Fell To Earth will be launched into UK cinemas!
9 September: Hackney Picturehouse Special Event - The Man Who Fell To Earth with introduction from Danny Boyle and after party!
9 September: Curzon Soho David Bowie Day - Walking tour and The Man Who Fell To Earth Screening with introduction from Costume Designer May Routh #savecurzonsoho
9 September & 28th October: The Original Soundtrack for The Man Who Fell To Earth will be available on CD & vinyl for the first time!
24 October: The Man Who Fell To Earth Home Release is launched!
25 October: David Bowie's The Man Who Fell To Earth play - Lazarus starring Michael C. Hall lands in London!
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| 40th Anniversary re-release The Man Who Fell To Earth Original Soundtrack The Man Who Fell To Earth Book [enlarge] |
Roeg's films have made an indelible impact on me and to be quite honest I have always wondered why the man is not more celebrated for his contribution to the art of cinema. In all fairness I would be amiss if I did not mention that David Lynch, Nicolas Winding Refn and to some extent, as he is much more subtle - Ben Wheatley are making a damn good attempt at walking a similar path.
A film is a magical and mysterious combination of reality, art, science and the supernatural – as well as a gateway to the nature of time, and perhaps even the first clue in solving the puzzle of what we’re doing in this world.”
- Nicolas Roeg, BBC Arena Documentary - Nicolas Roeg: It's About Time
The Establishing Shot: RESTORED 4K THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH TRAILER
As I have previously posted
Roeg's "talent as an auteur is immeasurable, to this day his oeuvre of films are just as impactful, engaging and influential as they were on release. I have a particular obsession with his debut feature film (as co-director) Performance starring James Fox, Mick Jagger and Anita Pallenberg. I doubt there will ever be a similar type of film that could possibly come close to Performance, as with his stranded alien on Earth tale - The Man Who Fell to Earth starring David Bowie, in his first big screen role, his grief filled horror Don't Look Now starring Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland and of course the timeless tale of love, desire and lust Bad Timing starring Art Garfunkel, Theresa Russell & Harvey Keitel.
Video: Producer Jeremy Thomas discusses Nicolas Roeg's films from Arena documentary, Nicolas Roeg - It's About Time
| The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) The Man Who Fell to Earth is a 1976 British science fiction drama film directed by Nicolas Roeg and written by Paul Mayersberg, based on Walter Tevis' 1963 novel of the same name, about an extraterrestrial who crash lands on Earth seeking a way to ship water to his planet, which is suffering from a severe drought. Director: Nicolas Roeg Writers: Paul Mayersberg & Walter Tevis Stars: David Bowie, Rip Torn, Candy Clark, Buck Henry, Bernie Casey |
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And indeed some of his works are amongst my favourite films, but all of them across the board, are compelling viewing and offer an almost hallucinatory and unique viewing experience. Roeg's works have been on my mind lately, most recently with the release of concept art for the Blade Runner sequel, the original was made by legendary British Producer Michael Deeley who also produced Nicolas Roeg's brilliant adaptation of Author Walter Tevis' The Man Who Fell to Earth, watching the extra features on last year's Far From The Madding Crowd restored release I discovered Nicolas Roeg's involvement and early signs of his trademark camera work, and of course with the tragic passing of one of our shining lights - David Bowie the titular Man Who Fell to Earth - one of my favourite science fiction films of all time.
For me The Man Who Fell to Earth is a companion piece alongside Roeg's debut feature six years earlier - the great Performance, which he shot and co directed with Donald Cammell (a character in his own right who conceived the concept, wrote the screenplay and invited Roeg along) and his darkly tragic Bad Timing with Art Garfunkel.
Not only do the film and music world's blur with the casting of prominent musicians - Mick Jagger in Performance, David Bowie in The Man Who Fell To Earth and Art Garfunkel in Bad Timing but reality and film merge as Roeg explores issues of identity, loss, duality, grief, isolation and humanity in an experimental experience - drawing on his actor's understanding of the issues of fame and the lines between themselves and others to bring their characters to life in engaging performances."
For me The Man Who Fell to Earth is a companion piece alongside Roeg's debut feature six years earlier - the great Performance, which he shot and co directed with Donald Cammell (a character in his own right who conceived the concept, wrote the screenplay and invited Roeg along) and his darkly tragic Bad Timing with Art Garfunkel.
Not only do the film and music world's blur with the casting of prominent musicians - Mick Jagger in Performance, David Bowie in The Man Who Fell To Earth and Art Garfunkel in Bad Timing but reality and film merge as Roeg explores issues of identity, loss, duality, grief, isolation and humanity in an experimental experience - drawing on his actor's understanding of the issues of fame and the lines between themselves and others to bring their characters to life in engaging performances."
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| Nicolas Roeg Mirrors and Reflections [enlarge] |
The list goes on and on and includes: Gene Hackman, Theresa Russell, Rutger Hauer (and early appearances from Mickey Rourke & Joe Pesci) in Eureka, Gary Busey, Tony Curtis & Theresa Russell in Insignificance, Oliver Reed & Amanda Donohoe in Castaway, Theresa Russell, Gary Oldman & Christopher Lloyd in Track 29 and Tim Roth & John Malkovich in Heart of Darkness, etc. I'm not ignoring his most recent works - I have chosen to stagger their viewing as I now can still look forward to that pleasure.
Video: EUREKA Original Theatrical Trailer (Masters of Cinema)
Many of these films were part of a movement that defined not only progressive cinema but Britain of the time. Bear in mind The Man Who Fell To Earth was the first ever British produced feature film to be made in the US. Many of Roeg's films interpret and work within similar themes. I could attempt to cobble together a bit about the themes that are so engaging in Roeg's work but I would be hard pressed to discuss them as, as eloquently as these two chaps:
Nic Roeg is one of Britain's most important and inventive directors. His films range from the antipodean eeriness of Walkabout, the timeless chills of Don't look now, through the science fiction of The Man Who Fell to Earth, the dark erotisicm of bad Timing and most recently the strange magic of Puffball.I would also like to add that Roeg's work is almost instantly recognisable by his bold use of colours, particularly splashes of red, as well as his use of zoom, both distinct hallmarks that he developed whilst a cinematographer.
But whatever story he is telling his preoccupations remain the same: the reflective surfaces of reality, the importance of sound and music and the non linearity of time itself.
- Mark Kermode interviewing Nicolas Roeg about Don't Look Now for The BBC's Culture Show
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| David Bowie The Man Who Fell To Earth Tech Noir Cinegraph |
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| Nicolas Roeg The Colour Red [enlarge] |
To make the most of the video mashup below about the themes in Nicolas Roeg's work - push play on both videos, make sure the volume is up on the 1st video Mark Cousins introducing Nicolas Roeg's Bad Timing for Moviedrome but mute the sound on Mashup Artist Hugo Red Rose's Five Themes For Nicolas Roeg video, st back and watch.
As a young man, Roeg saw a film being dubbed into French and loved the way the action would go forward and back forward and back until the actor got the timing right.
He says that this made him think of cinema as a kind of time machine and it seems to have drawn his attention to the pleasures of fragmented bits of action, of moments intensified by repetition.
- Mark Cousins, introducing Nicolas Roeg's Bad Timing for Moviedrome
Video: Mashup Nicolas Roeg Themes (Mark Cousins introduces Bad Timing for Moviedrome & Fan Edit of 5 Roeg Themes)
So I'm rather chuffed that Nicolas Roeg is getting some attention of late, culminating in a large push around the 40th anniversary restored re-release of Roeg's brilliant 1976 The Man Who Fell to Earth starring David Bowie. Granted this probably has more to do with the passing of a cultural icon but if it brings The Man Who Fell to Earth and Nicolas Roeg back into the foreground I'd say it's about time.
Video: Mike Figgis on The Man Who Fell to Earth from Arena documentary, Nicolas Roeg - It's About Time
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| Nicolas Roeg White Horses The Man Who Fell to Earth, Don't Look Now [enlarge] |
Unrelated but just as a measure of the gentleman's jib. I love this quote from Nicolas Roeg about the double edged sword of the rise of visual arts and culture shifts which his monumental career bridges:
People of my age are the first, or rather, the second generation of realising what the cinema is.I have already posted about the The Man Who Fell to Earth 4K restored home re-release but along with this alert came confirmation of some of the actual extras available on the Home Release. Which are below.
I think my children think of everything visually, they come in, watch the television, practically everything is a visual exchange, and gradually drifting away from a literary, or written background I guess.”
- Nicolas Roeg in conversation with Philip Strick for The Guardian
27 August - The official, definitive making of The Man Who Fell To Earth book is available for preorder!
A new book about the making of The Man Who Fell To Earth, is also being published to mark the 40th anniversary of the film’s release.
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| Making of The Man Who Fell To Earth Book [enlarge] |
Written by Jay Glennie and Darryl Webber, over 300 pages it gives a fascinating insight into how this landmark film was put together through new interviews with cast, crew and others involved in the production.
The book will feature more than 600 stunning images from the film, many never released before. It will be a limited edition, large format hardback coffee table book with only 1000 copies available worldwide. Order exclusively from www.themanwhofelltoearth.co.uk
The book will feature more than 600 stunning images from the film, many never released before. It will be a limited edition, large format hardback coffee table book with only 1000 copies available worldwide. Order exclusively from www.themanwhofelltoearth.co.uk
9 September: Nicolas Roeg's The Man Who Fell To Earth will be launched into UK cinemas!
The film will be released in cinemas nationwide on 9th September by Park Circus. Restored by Deluxe London, the restoration of The Man Who Fell to Earth is based on a 4K scan of the original camera negative, followed by a full 4K workflow, with the approval of Nic Roeg and the assistance of cinematographer Anthony Richmond ASC, BSC who was closely involved in the new grade.
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| Man Who Fell to Earth 40th Anniversary Poster [enlarge] |
Richmond says:
Featuring a startling and era defining lead performance from David Bowie (The Prestige, Labyrinth) in his debut feature role and based on the cult novel by Walter Tevis, The Man Who Fell to Earth endures as, not only a bitingly caustic indictment of the modern world but, also, a poignant commentary on the loneliness of the outsider.
I had been disappointed with previous editions of the film for which I hadn’t been involved in the grading process. The colourist Steve Bearman and I have brought the new 4k restoration in line with the original film print. I felt that certain scenes were lacking that look and feel. Probably the biggest change is early in the film where David Bowie is sitting by the riverbank drinking water and looking at the rings. We warmed it up and made it match the print.
I also felt the interiors all had a little too much Magenta in them so we took that out. The other changes were very subtle.”
Featuring a startling and era defining lead performance from David Bowie (The Prestige, Labyrinth) in his debut feature role and based on the cult novel by Walter Tevis, The Man Who Fell to Earth endures as, not only a bitingly caustic indictment of the modern world but, also, a poignant commentary on the loneliness of the outsider.
9 September: Hackney Picturehouse Special Event - The Man Who Fell To Earth with introduction from Danny Boyle and after party!
Meanwhile, over in Hackney on Friday 9th, Oscar-winning Director Danny Boyle introduces a special screening at Hackney Picturehouse. This is one of his favourite films and he has often sited Nicolas Roeg as a key influence on his career (he referred to the film in the London Olympic opening ceremony).
One of Nicolas Roeg’s most elliptical, not to say intractable, films, in which he takes his cross-cutting, kaleidoscopic style to its furthest limits. A simple story by Walter Tevis, about a disorientated alien visitor (Bowie) trying to get back to his own planet, is transformed into a dense extravaganza - part road movie, part corporate thriller, part sci-fi fantasy.
Introduction with Danny Boyle
Oscar-winning Director Danny Boyle introduces a special screening of the new restoration of The Man Who Fell to Earth, one of his favourite films, on behalf of its director, Nicolas Roeg, whom he has often cited as a key influence on his career. Then dance the night away to Bowie tunes in the Attic Bar, courtesy of a DJ set from Readers Wifes.
Ticket Link: https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Hackney_Picturehouse/film/the-man-who-fell-to-earth
One of Nicolas Roeg’s most elliptical, not to say intractable, films, in which he takes his cross-cutting, kaleidoscopic style to its furthest limits. A simple story by Walter Tevis, about a disorientated alien visitor (Bowie) trying to get back to his own planet, is transformed into a dense extravaganza - part road movie, part corporate thriller, part sci-fi fantasy.
Introduction with Danny Boyle
Oscar-winning Director Danny Boyle introduces a special screening of the new restoration of The Man Who Fell to Earth, one of his favourite films, on behalf of its director, Nicolas Roeg, whom he has often cited as a key influence on his career. Then dance the night away to Bowie tunes in the Attic Bar, courtesy of a DJ set from Readers Wifes.
Ticket Link: https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Hackney_Picturehouse/film/the-man-who-fell-to-earth
9 September: Curzon Soho David Bowie Day - Walking tour and The Man Who Fell To Earth Screening with introduction from Costume Designer May Routh #savecurzonsoho
Curzon Soho are declaring Friday 9th September a one-off David Bowie Day as part of their campaign to save the cinema from demolition.
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| The Man Who Fell To Earth Curzon Soho [enlarge] |
After a special Save Curzon Soho edition of David Bowie Is Walking In Soho tour of the Thin White Duke's locations, led by the V&A’s David Bowie Is curator Geoffrey Marsh, join the team at the cinema for a very special screening of The Man Who Fell to Earth introduced by its costume designer May Routh.
A special DJ set in the bar, courtesy of TheMenWhoFell2Earth DJs, and more. Read more about what you can do to Save Curzon Soho and book tickets here: Curzon David Bowie Day Event
A special DJ set in the bar, courtesy of TheMenWhoFell2Earth DJs, and more. Read more about what you can do to Save Curzon Soho and book tickets here: Curzon David Bowie Day Event
9 September & 28th October: The Original Soundtrack for The Man Who Fell To Earth will be available on CD & vinyl for the first time!
The original soundtrack album will soon be released for the first time by UMC.
A 2CD set from 9th September and a 2LP and Deluxe 2CD/ 2LP Box Set from 28th October. David Bowie was originally due to record the soundtrack but Nicolas Roeg decided the direction he was going in didn’t fit the film and, so, hired The Mamas & The Papas’ John Phillips instead.
A 2CD set from 9th September and a 2LP and Deluxe 2CD/ 2LP Box Set from 28th October. David Bowie was originally due to record the soundtrack but Nicolas Roeg decided the direction he was going in didn’t fit the film and, so, hired The Mamas & The Papas’ John Phillips instead.
Video Essay: The Sonic Landscapes of The Man Who Fell to Earth
Video Essay: The Man Who Fell to Earth from Film Comment on Vimeo.
Rumour has it that the tracks Bowie wrote for the film formed the basis of his albums STATION TO STATION and LOW, both recorded in the years after the film’s release and featuring stills from The Man Who Fell to Earth as their covers.
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| The Man Who Fell To Earth Original Soundtrack [enlarge] |
The Man Who Fell To Earth Original Soundtrack CD 1
Poker Dice by Stomu Yamash’ta
Blueberry Hill (Single Version) by Gordon Jenkins Orchestra And Choir and Louis Armstrong
Jazz II by John Phillips
The Planets, Op. 32 Venus, The Bringer Of Peace by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and George Hurst
Boys From The South by John Phillips
33 1/3 by Stomu Yamash’ta
Rhumba Boogie by John Phillips
Try To Remember by The The Kingston Trio
Mandala by Stomu Yamash’ta
America by John Phillips
Wind Words by Stomu Yamash’ta
Jazz by John Phillips
The Man Who Fell To Earth Original Soundtrack CD 2
One Way by Stomu Yamash’ta
Space Capsule by John Phillips
Bluegrass Breakdown by John Phillips
Desert Shack by John Phillips
Memory Of Hiroshima by Stomu Yamash’ta
Window by John Phillips
Alberto by John Phillips
The Planets, Op. 32 Mars, The Bringer Of War (Excerpt) by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and George Hurst
Liar, Liar by John Phillips
Hello Mary Lou by John Phillips
Silent Night by Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra & Robert Farnon
Love Is Coming Back by Genevieve Waite and John Phillips
The Man Who Fell To Earth (Demo) by John Phillips
The vinyl version contains the Stomu Yamash’ta and John Phillips tracks only.
Poker Dice by Stomu Yamash’ta
Blueberry Hill (Single Version) by Gordon Jenkins Orchestra And Choir and Louis Armstrong
Jazz II by John Phillips
The Planets, Op. 32 Venus, The Bringer Of Peace by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and George Hurst
Boys From The South by John Phillips
33 1/3 by Stomu Yamash’ta
Rhumba Boogie by John Phillips
Try To Remember by The The Kingston Trio
Mandala by Stomu Yamash’ta
America by John Phillips
Wind Words by Stomu Yamash’ta
Jazz by John Phillips
The Man Who Fell To Earth Original Soundtrack CD 2
One Way by Stomu Yamash’ta
Space Capsule by John Phillips
Bluegrass Breakdown by John Phillips
Desert Shack by John Phillips
Memory Of Hiroshima by Stomu Yamash’ta
Window by John Phillips
Alberto by John Phillips
The Planets, Op. 32 Mars, The Bringer Of War (Excerpt) by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and George Hurst
Liar, Liar by John Phillips
Hello Mary Lou by John Phillips
Silent Night by Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra & Robert Farnon
Love Is Coming Back by Genevieve Waite and John Phillips
The Man Who Fell To Earth (Demo) by John Phillips
The vinyl version contains the Stomu Yamash’ta and John Phillips tracks only.
24 October: The Man Who Fell To Earth Home Release is launched!
The Man Who Fell To Earth will be available to Download, DVD, Blu-Ray and as a Collector’s Edition from 24th October by STUDIOCANAL, complete with brand new bonus material and special packaging, as part of their Vintage Classics range.
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| The Man Who Fell To Earth Book Home Release [enlarge] |
The Collector's Edition, Blu-Ray & DVD Extras will include:
- New interview with costume designer May Routh featuring original costume sketches
- New interview with stills photographer David James featuring behind the scenes stills
- New interview with fan Sam Taylor-Johnson
- New interview with producer Michael Deeley
- New “The Lost Soundtracks” featurette including interviews with Paul Buckmaster and author Chris Campion
- French TV Interview with David Bowie in 1977
- Interview with Candy Clark
- Interview with cinematographer Tony Richmond
- Interview with Nic Roeg
- "Watching the Alien" featurette
- Trailers / TV spots
Exclusive to the Collector’s Edition will be a bonus John Phillips CD, a booklet with essays on the film and the soundtrack, 4 stunning, collectable art-cards, the press book and an A4 poster of the brand new theatrical artwork.
- New interview with costume designer May Routh featuring original costume sketches
- New interview with stills photographer David James featuring behind the scenes stills
- New interview with fan Sam Taylor-Johnson
- New interview with producer Michael Deeley
- New “The Lost Soundtracks” featurette including interviews with Paul Buckmaster and author Chris Campion
- French TV Interview with David Bowie in 1977
- Interview with Candy Clark
- Interview with cinematographer Tony Richmond
- Interview with Nic Roeg
- "Watching the Alien" featurette
- Trailers / TV spots
Exclusive to the Collector’s Edition will be a bonus John Phillips CD, a booklet with essays on the film and the soundtrack, 4 stunning, collectable art-cards, the press book and an A4 poster of the brand new theatrical artwork.
25 October: David Bowie's The Man Who Fell To Earth play - Lazarus starring Michael C. Hall lands in London!
This October will also see the musical Lazarus arrive in London. Inspired by Walter Tevis’ book, The Man Who Fell To Earth, Lazarus was written by David Bowie and Enda Walsh, and is directed by Ivo van Hove.
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| David Bowie's Lazarus Play The Man Who Fell To Earth with Michael C Hall [enlarge] |
Michael C Hall, Michael Esper and Sophia Anne Caruso will reprise their roles from the original New York Theatre Workshop.
Video: Michael C Hall pays homage to David Bowie and performs Lazarus at the 2016 Hyundai Mercury Prize ceremony
Lazarus will play at the Kings Cross Theatre, London, from 25 October 2016 to 22 January 2017. 0333 320 1663 / lazarusmusical.com
Okay boys! Let's shoot a dozen”
- Nic Roeg
The Establishing Shot: IT'S ABOUT TIME! THE SCOOP ON ALL THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS FOR THE RESTORED RE RELEASE OF NICOLAS ROEG'S THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH IN LONDON (WALKING TOURS, SPECIAL SCREENINGS, BOOKS & MUSIC RELEASES) - UPCOMING EVENTS
 | Craig is a retired superhero, an obsessive hobbyist, comics fan, gadget lover & flâneur who knows an unhealthy amount about Ian Fleming's James Bond. When not watching or making films he takes pictures, eats, drinks, dives, mentally storyboards the greatest film ever made & sometimes utilises owl-themed gadgets to fight crime. A list of his 133 favourite films can be found here! If you would still like to contact Craig please use any of the buttons below:      |
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