The Man from Earth (2007)

Director:

Richard Schenkman

Writer:

Jerome Bixby (written by)

Release Date:

13 November 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | History | Sci-Fi

Plot:

An impromptu goodbye party for Professor John Oldman becomes a mysterious interrogation after the retiring...

Plot Keywords:

Professor | Reference To Voltaire | Caveman | Farewell Party | Reference To Jesus

Awards:

2 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

David Lee Smith	...	John Oldman
Tony Todd	...	Dan
John Billingsley	...	Harry
Ellen Crawford	...	Edith
Annika Peterson	...	Sandy
William Katt	...	Art
Alexis Thorpe	...	Linda Murphy
Richard Riehle	...	Dr. Will Gruber
Steven Littles	...	Moving Man #1
Chase Sprague	...	Moving Man #2
Robbie Bryan	...	Officer

Also Known As:

Jerome Bixby's The Man from Earth (USA) (complete title)

Runtime:

87 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Singapore:NC-16 | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Agua Dulce Movie Ranch - 34855 Petersen Road, Agua Dulce, California, USA

Company:

Falling Sky Entertainment

Trivia:

The last work from screenwriter Jerome Bixby before his death.

Goofs:

Continuity: When John invites his friends into the house, he tells them the electricity is on and the gas is off. Later, the fireplace can be clearly seen to be a gas fire (the flame is coming from the bottom of the fireplace, not from the logs).

Quotes:

Dr. Will Gruber: I still don't believe you, of course. You need help.
John Oldman: Everybody needs help.

Movie Connections:

References "Star Trek" (1966)

Soundtrack:

Forever

The epitome of good science fiction

Jerome Bixby's "The Man from Earth" stands proudly among the best science fiction films ever made. However, unlike "2001", "CE3K" and "Blade Runner," this little movie relies not on outstanding set design and mind-blowing visual effects, but rather on ideas; the very foundation of science fiction.

I've been a fan of Mr. Bixby's ever since "Star Trek", and I must say this equals if not surpasses "Mirror, "Mirror". I agree that some of the acting was stilted, and the music partially drowned out dialogue in one scene, but my family and I were mesmerized throughout. As to my personal beliefs regarding God and faith; "Man from Earth" in no way offended me, but rather challenged me. Challenged me with historical facts (several of which I've since checked online, and thus far, all of which appear 100% accurate.) This is a chess game of a film, forcing the viewer not only to listen and to think, but to understand.

I highly recommend "Man from Earth" to any and all who love intelligent science fiction. A friend downloaded the film, illegally no doubt. I've watched it three times thus far, and I'll be the first in line to buy the DVD (legally =) this coming Tuesday.