Best Movie I've seen all year: Man from Earth

Best Movie I've seen all year: Man from Earth

by Liv | Published on August 5th, 2008, 10:00 pm | Arts

If one movie of 2008 has shocked me it's Jerome Bixby's Man from Earth.

In fact it was just a few days ago I was wondering whatever happened to the actor who played the Greatest American hero, William Katt. I kid you not, I was planning on writing a piece, and then this movie fell in my lap. As Sanjuro so eloquently stated with "Pan's Labrynth"- 'Run don't walk' to see Man from Earth. Better yet just login to Netflix and watch.

What really get's me is the simplicity of the movie. There's not a moment where the writing, acting, or directing is wrong. Some huge well-known actors appear in the movie, and I can pretty much guarantee you'll be crying by the end. Now it's at this point I should tell you what the movie is about, but I won't. Why? Because it might turn you off. The idea behind the movie seems so unbelievable, your first reaction would be "Cheesy"... and I know this because that's what I thought... but it isn't. It's a flawless, enjoyable 90 minute sci-fi ride the likes of which is a throwback to classics of days gone by. You as the movie watcher share the skepticism of the other characters, played by Tony Todd & Richard Riehle, but come full circle in believing the unbelievable by the end of the movie.

The plot which has many historical, and religious references is a joy for the rational mind.

The Man from Earth trailer is here though I highly suggest skipping it and going straight to NetFlix and watching it.

William Katt eh? I'll definitely give it a rent. Oh, and an interesting bit of trivia, he actually went for the role of Luke Skywalker.. I think he would have made a better one.

Yes, this is one of the best movies I've seen in awhile. Don't expect any explosions, CGI, phucking superheros or monsters. Do expect: intelligent dialog, an excellent story, questioning of religious and scientific dogma.

Nfidel wrote:Yes, this is one of the best movies I've seen in awhile. Don't expect any explosions, CGI, phucking superheros or monsters. Do expect: intelligent dialog, an excellent story, questioning of religious and scientific dogma.

Like 12 angry men? Cool. I just Netflixed it, should get it by the weekend.

I definitely think it's a movie that would be fun to watch with others and have an atmosphere to talk about it afterwords. It's really thought provoking....

Sanjuro wrote: Like 12 angry men? Yes. August 6th, 2008, 8:37 am

Sanjuro wrote:
Like 12 angry men?

Yes.

Oh William Katt has been up to much more than that! The Return of the Greatest American Hero...

William Katt has let out a comic book, with Chris Folino, called Sparks.
In August Mythology Wars (Another Katt comic)will be out. AND the best part he will be releasing the
Greatest American Hero comic book in Nov, followed by G A Hero animated shorts!
Here is the link for all the info.
Tell them Marci Sent you.
http://catastrophiccomics.com/

Greetings one and all! My name is Eric D. Wilkinson and I am the Producer of "Jerome Bixby's The Man From Earth". I found your website and I just wanted to say the I really appreciate all of your kind words and support. This film was a "true" independent movie. Emerson Bixby (son of the late sci-fi writer, Jerome Bixby and Executive Producer of our film) trusted us with the last screenplay that his father has ever written. We had an extremely limited budget, however, I felt that a great script can overcome any obstacle (like no $$$).

If any of you live anywhere near Atlanticv City, NJ, "Jerome Bixby's The Man From Earth" will be making its final US festival appearance at the Down Beach Film Festival in Margate, NJ and William Katt (The Greatest American Hero, Carrie, House) will be joining me for the event. For more information you can go to http://www.downbeachfilmfestival.org.

In the meantime, if you really want to help. Please go to our IMDb page at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0756683/ and post a review on the user comments and on the message boards.

Thanks again for your kind words and support

Eric D. Wilkinson
Producer
Jerome Bixby's The Man From Earth

Wow, I'm stunned again by our reach... Thanks. I won't be capable of making it to NJ, but definitely will continue to recommend the movie... Loved it. It's the most amazing low-budget script I've ever seen.

Liv wrote:Wow, I'm stunned again by our reach... Thanks. I won't be capable of making it to NJ, but definitely will continue to recommend the movie... Loved it. It's the most amazing low-budget script I've ever seen.

I'll say, Filmmakers all over the place on here huh?!

If we can just get some money, we could open a studio....

Liv wrote:If we can just get some money, we could open a studio....

I need to ask Eric D Wilkinson about who secured their North American DVD release. I'm all set internationally but could use an "in" domestically. Maybe he'll pop back on.

Liv wrote:If we can just get some money, we could open a studio....

I think it's been tried. Far as I know, the one in H-P is kaput.

The Rain King wrote:
Liv wrote:If we can just get some money, we could open a studio....

I think it's been tried. Far as I know, the one in H-P is kaput.

Actually there are quit a few studios, most fly under the radar doing indie films like this one and commercials.

What's filming out in Wilmington now a days... is that place shut down, or is it still running?

Oh man that was a great movie!!! Spot-on, Liv! I recommend this to everyone. It was VERY 12 angry men'ish, and like that classic film (and thanks to the direction and cinematography), you never got the sense of staleness.

Lots of actors and actresses you might recognize. It had only one flaw that I saw, but don't want to go into details as it ties in the a big spoiler at the end. Fantastic work by all on this one!

Sanjuro wrote:
The Rain King wrote:
Liv wrote:If we can just get some money, we could open a studio....

I think it's been tried. Far as I know, the one in H-P is kaput.

Actually there are quit a few studios, most fly under the radar doing indie films like this one and commercials.

I stand corrected and yield to your superior knowledge in this area. But WTF are they? The one in H-P was all over the news when it initially opened, but disappeared with barely a whimper. How small are these outfits you're describing?

Completely enjoyed this film. It was a nice change of pace from a lot of other movies I've watched this year, but I don't think I'd go as far as saying it's the best I've seen all year. But it does rank up there. :wink:

I'm not going to say much so that anyone who hasn't seen it has a mostly clean slate.

All the characters reminded me of people I know. It made it very real to me. One character in particular had me pseudo-coughing the word "typical" with regard to her reactions and responses about ______. If you've seen it, I'm betting you can accurately guess what I'm referring to.

I also liked the use of the 2nd movement from Beethoven's 7th Symphony. That's one of my faves... it worked nicely with the conversation during that scene.

If you haven't seen it yet, it's worth watching.

One reason I spoke so highly of "Man from Earth" is the nostalgia aspect of the film... I'm not sure I can really pinpoint what I'm actually talking about, but it's something about certain films, something unexpected that draws you in... Although not a child's movie, it had the same effect as watching Never Ending Story as as kid. Movies today are judged by alternative criteria... like how great the CGI is, etc... Not, how much it engages one's imagination.... and this movie does just that... It's something I've yet to see in many years, let alone this one...

That's truly something special.

It really makes you want to go gaze at a mountain range and meditate. I like how it broadens your horizons and gives you a sense of perspective. So few films do that. Certainly allows you to use your imagination. Really a fantastic piece of work.

Did anyone catch the "Heroes" premier last night? Performing in a brilliant little cameo was none other than everyone's favorite "Hero" William Katt. He did a great job playing a reporter in a couple of scenes...I only wish they had kept him around longer. :evil:

No I missed it. I've still got a 45rpm record of the theme song somewhere.