Susan Compo on David Bowie and The Man Who Fell to Earth
In this interview, I speak with Susan Compo, author of Earthbound: David Bowie and The Man Who Fell to Earth, about Bowie’s starring role in Nicolas Roeg’s 1976 film and the broader story behind its creation and legacy. Rather than focusing only on the finished movie, we discuss the film’s origins in Walter Tevis’s novel, the process of adapting it for the screen, and the circumstances that led to Bowie being cast as Thomas Jerome Newton. Susan explains how she approached writing Earthbound as a history of the film’s entire life cycle, from its literary roots and production to its reception and enduring influence. We also discuss the experiences of the cast and crew during filming, the contributions of director Nicolas Roeg, and the performances that helped define the film. Throughout the conversation, Susan shares research from the book and discusses how The Man Who Fell to Earth fits within Bowie’s career while also standing as a significant work of cinema in its own right. Watch the movie's trailer: • The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976) Trailer |... For daily Bowie content visit the blog: https://maggioreonbowie.com/

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