A long time staple of the sci-fi and cult genre, 1976’s The Man Who Fell to Earth launched singer David Bowie into the world of acting. Part Stranger in a Strange Land, part Ziggy Stardust, this was more than just a star vehicle for Bowie but also a powerful visual ode to the genre by Nicolas Roeg (Don’t Look Now).
A film of tremendous cultural significance, it has inspired film makers, musicians and writers ever since its release. Bowie used his performance as a basis to establish his Thin White Duke persona. Even celebrated author Philip K Dick (who’s novels became Blade Runner, Total Recall, Minority Report, A Scanner Darkly etc..) was inspired by it while writing his critically acclaimed VALIS.
As part of Fringe World, three screenings of a this remastered classic are taking place at the Backlot, thanks to the Revelation Perth International Film Festival. Opening on the 5th of February, this will also see a performance by the Menagerie Choir of a medley of Bowie hits, as well as an exhibition of Bowie images. If you miss that, then there will be screenings on the following weekend (11th and 12th), although you may miss the choir.
For details and tickets, check the Fringe World website.
