It has been a dream of mine to cover this film in depth. I didn’t know how to approach it, until I started doing the Siblings on the Spectrum podcast with my brother, Key. You can view the fruits of our labours below!

Here is some more information …

In episode 2, brothers Key and Cameron take a deep dive into the 1976 cult science fiction film “The Man Who Fell to Earth”. Please join us as we discuss what we feel is a fair and accurate portrayal of autism, despite the film and original source material not mentioning autism at all. We also discuss the late, great director Nicholas Roeg and – of course – the much missed genius of David Bowie.

Summary of “Siblings on the Spectrum: The Man Who Fell to Earth”

In this episode of “Siblings on the Spectrum,” hosts Cameron and Key discuss the film The Man Who Fell to Earth directed by Nicolas Roeg, featuring David Bowie. Cameron expresses his admiration for the movie, highlighting its unique portrayal of autism, which he believes may be one of the best in cinema. Key shares his inspiration for his1970s-inspired attire, reflecting the film’s aesthetic.

The siblings note the film’s contemplative nature, contrasting it with the flashy sci-fi films of its time, like Star Wars. They appreciate Roeg’s meticulous craftsmanship as a director and cinematographer, referencing his background in television and editing. Key mentions the film’s editing style, which includes innovative crosscutting techniques that manipulate time and narrative.

Cameron shares his experience watching the film multiple times, while Key reveals this is his first viewing. They discuss themes of stimulation and sensory overload, particularly relating to the character’s journey from being overwhelmed by noise and chaos to ultimately becoming desensitized. Key points out the remarkable sound design, which transitions from natural sounds to industrial noises as the character’s situation evolves.

The hosts pose a critical question: Is this film the best portrayal of autism? They reflect on how cultural representations often struggle with authenticity, noting that characters labeled as autistic frequently fall into clichés. They argue that nuanced portrayals, where autism is not explicitly stated but inferred through behavior and relationships, tend to resonate more deeply.

Both Cameron and Key relate to the film’s depiction of sensory sensitivities, sharing personal experiences that mirror the struggles of the main character. They highlight a pivotal scene demonstrating an autistic meltdown, where the character’s overwhelming stimuli culminate in a powerful emotional outburst. This scene resonates with their experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding and representing autism authentically in media.

The discussion also touches on the broader context of autism representation in film and television, critiquing portrayals that focus solely on labels rather than the complexities of individual experiences. They express hope for future reviews of Roeg’s work, wishing to explore more of his films that tackle similar themes.

Overall, the episode combines a thoughtful analysis of the film with personal reflections, creating a rich dialogue about autism, representation, and the power of cinema to capture diverse human experiences.