Nicolas Roeg directs David Bowie, Candy Clark and Rip Torn in this tale of an alien visitor who becomes a reclusive capitalist, a captive of the state and alcoholic lover while all age around him. 

A unique yet frustrating mixture of esoteric connections, dull longuers and visually exciting bonking and commerce, this represents the very best and worst of Roeg’s distinct style. For example he gets a fine performance from the normally wooden yet hammy Bowie – he can milk gold top cream from a pop star like few can. And taken as a quirky sex film (there be a lot more craftily edited fucking than rocketships or rayguns) then the writhing shots of the enigmatic protagonist and a lovely Candy Clark have a winning charm and energy. Alienating but intentionally so, if you are in the right mood there’s enough to explore but trad sci-fi fans take heed, Star Wars this ain’t.

7