/gt4EnUGbbGbNOX0q47YII3WxB48.jpg
Science FictionDrama

The Man from Earth

- From one of the acclaimed writers of Star Trek and The Twilight Zone comes a story that transcends both time and space...

A departing professor gathers his closest colleagues for an intimate farewell, but the night takes an unexpected turn when he shares a stunning secret about his past. As the conversation unfolds, skepticism and curiosity collide, challenging everything they thought they knew about history, science, and belief.

Release Date : 2007-06-10

Language :English

Adult : false

Status : Released

Production Company : Falling Sky Entertainment

Production Country : United States of America

Alternative Titles : Jerome Bixby's The Man from Earth

Cast

David Lee Smith

Character Name : John Oldman

Original Name : David Lee Smith

Gender : Male

Tony Todd

Character Name : Dan

Original Name : Tony Todd

Gender : Male

John Billingsley

Character Name : Harry

Original Name : John Billingsley

Gender : Male

Ellen Crawford

Character Name : Edith

Original Name : Ellen Crawford

Gender : Female

Annika Peterson

Character Name : Sandy

Original Name : Annika Peterson

Gender : Female

Alexis Thorpe

Character Name : Linda Murphy

Original Name : Alexis Thorpe

Gender : Female

William Katt

Character Name : Art

Original Name : William Katt

Gender : Male

Richard Riehle

Character Name : Dr. Will Gruber

Original Name : Richard Riehle

Gender : Male

Steven Littles

Character Name : Moving Man #1

Original Name : Steven Littles

Gender : Male

Chase Sprague

Character Name : Moving Man #2

Original Name : Chase Sprague

Gender : Male

Robbie Bryan

Character Name : Officer

Original Name : Robbie Bryan

Gender : Male

Reviews

A

Andres Gomez

@tanty

2021-06-23

A great idea for a movie developed in a witty script. Well done and with a decent cast. Perfect for being played also in the theaters or watched under the blanket at home.

F

furious_iz

@furious_iz

2021-06-23

DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE! Maybe that statement is a little facetious, but I feel it is true. I read **_AMAZING_** reviews for this film. I went in with high hopes, expecting a well acted, thoughtful, existential and quiet science fiction film. Instead I saw a film so poor I wondered what's the scam here? How could this film possibly have a score in the high 7s. The premise is solid at first glance, but as the film moves along it delves deeper and deeper in to melodrama, and then eventually patronising and insulting trash. I am agnostic, but I found the religion bashing heavy handed and unnecessary. Most of the actors were doing the best they could with the script, but everything comes across flat and lifeless. None of the characters rang true. None of the dialogue sounded like how real people actually talk. If you want to make a science fiction film that shies away from special effects, and instead relies on realism and storytelling, you had better make the dialogue realistic, and the storytelling compelling. Sadly neither are found here. The look of the film, I get that it is a low budget film made on a single location, but the quality of the film stock! It may seem petty, but I could not get over the thought that I have seen better looking lifetime films. Honestly I have seen better looking daytime soaps from the 80s. Basically I don't get why anyone would call this film good, let alone a masterpiece. I have read rave reviews, 10/10 reviews, gushing about how thought provoking and challenging this film was. My thoughts were ones of disdain. My challenge was to finish this abysmal film. Many of the reviews seem to fixate on the fact that the writer of this wrote for the original Star Trek series. That to me is not a good enough reason to rate this film highly. I honestly felt ripped off by this film. I've been told I didn't get it, but sadly I did. I understood every scene, I understood the implications, I understood the moral dilemmas and deeper meaning of what was being said. It's just that the deeper meaning was shallow and unconvincing. I've been told maybe I should have watched Transformers instead. Just for the record, I was looking forward to a slow, intelligent film minus explosions. Instead I got, this. 3/10, avoid unless you have already drunk the kool-aid and are pre-conditioned to love the film because the writer worked on Star Trek.

H

Hossein

@niyumard

2021-06-23

I'd like to invite you to **believe the hype**. This movie is very well written and simply great. Keeps you at the edge of your seat and doesn't fail to amaze you till its very last second.

R

RalphRahal

@RalphRahal

2024-12-17

The Man From Earth is a rare gem in indie filmmaking, a movie that relies solely on its thought-provoking writing and concept rather than flashy visuals or high-budget effects. Directed by Richard Schenkman and written by Jerome Bixby, the film unfolds entirely through dialogue, as a college professor reveals an extraordinary secret to his friends during an intimate gathering. The story is the heart of the movie, blending history, philosophy, and science fiction into a compelling narrative. It challenges viewers to think deeply about humanity, mortality, and the nature of belief. Despite its minimalist approach, the script is captivating, offering twists and intellectual depth that keep the audience engaged. However, the performances are uneven. While Richard Riehle stands out with a grounded and heartfelt portrayal, David Lee Smith as John—the enigmatic central character—falls flat. His portrayal lacks the emotional depth needed to make such a profound character relatable or compelling. Given John's fascinating background, this detachment feels like a missed opportunity to connect with the audience on a deeper level. The rest of the cast, including John Billingsley, deliver serviceable performances, but none leave a lasting impression. What makes The Man From Earth truly unique is its appeal to open-minded viewers. It thrives on its ability to explore big ideas and timeless debates, inviting its audience to ponder questions about history, religion, and the limits of human understanding. While the lack of cinematic flair and some stiff performances may detract slightly from the experience, the strength of its writing and concept make it a must-watch for fans of intellectual storytelling. This is a film that may not resonate with everyone, but for those willing to engage with its ideas, it’s a deeply rewarding journey.