Thomas Jerome Newton is the protagonist of the novel "The Man Who Fell to Earth" by Walter Tevis, and he is portrayed by David Bowie in the 1976 film adaptation directed by Nicolas Roeg. Thomas Jerome Newton is an alien from the planet Anthea, which is suffering from severe drought. He comes to Earth with the mission to save his people by finding a way to transport water back to his home planet. Newton adopts a human disguise, appearing as a tall, thin man with strikingly unique features, including pale skin and unnaturally colored eyes.
On Earth, Newton uses his advanced knowledge and technology to amass wealth by founding a company called World Enterprises Corporation, which produces innovative products. His ultimate goal is to build a spaceship to return to Anthea with the necessary resources.
Newton is highly intelligent, possessing advanced knowledge far beyond that of human beings. His technological innovations quickly make him a wealthy and influential figure on Earth. Despite his success, Newton feels profoundly alienated and lonely. His inability to fully integrate into human society and his longing for his home planet contribute to his isolation. Newton's physical and emotional fragility become apparent as he struggles with the sensory overload of Earth and the temptations of human vices, such as alcohol. His vulnerability is further exploited by those around him, particularly in the government and corporate sectors, leading to his eventual downfall.
As Newton becomes more entangled with human society, he succumbs to the pressures and temptations of Earth. His heavy drinking leads to his physical deterioration, and his plans to save his planet are thwarted by human interference. He is ultimately captured by the government, subjected to experiments, and kept under surveillance, preventing him from completing his mission.
Newton's tragic story highlights themes of isolation, the corrupting influence of power and wealth, and the clash between idealism and reality. His character is a poignant exploration of the human condition from an outsider's perspective, and his legacy remains a powerful commentary on the challenges of maintaining one's integrity in the face of overwhelming adversity.
