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The Man from Earth
2007
Drama, Sci-fi
1h 27m
An impromptu goodbye party for Professor John Oldman becomes a mysterious interrogation, in this movie adapted from a story by acclaimed Sci-Fi writer Jerome Bixby, his last great work, finally completed on his deathbed in April of 1998.
Directed by:
Richard SchenkmanScreenwriter:
Jerome BixbyThe Man from Earth
2007
Drama, Sci-fi
1h 27m
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Avg Percentile 64.82% from 4494 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
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Rated 24 Nov 2007
84
81st
The acting ranges from good to spotty, the lighting is pretty bad at certain points and it's clearly shot on a shoe string budget. But I'll be damned if I wasn't completely captivated by the premise. The idea, the concept, is just flat out memorizing. Even if you don't like it you simply have to keep watching to find out more. If you've got an attention span that will allow you to simply watch people talk about a terribly interesting premise for two hours you owe it to yourself to see this.
Rated 24 Nov 2007
Rated 26 Jan 2017
35
8th
A very stupid film filled with undergradute level of information about the history of civilization. John's declaring himself Jesus was the final blow to the story. The so very unbelievable professors were quite funny. Overall, this is one of the most overrated films ever.
Rated 26 Jan 2017
Rated 20 Sep 2008
80
78th
Such a captivating story that at this point I don't really care if it's got any merits as a film. Some might find certain parts of it dull, and the ending is a bit on the boring side, but that doesn't take anything away from the intriguing story and the fascinating arguments.
Rated 20 Sep 2008
Rated 06 May 2008
88
90th
The amazing story keeps the movie going in a single room with just a handful of actors. Who said you need lots of money to make good scifi?
Rated 06 May 2008
Rated 05 Jun 2018
10
0th
I kept waiting for someone to say, "You're a towel."
Rated 05 Jun 2018
Rated 27 Aug 2008
86
81st
As you would expect with a low-budget film, there's no special effects and very little by way of sets. A film forced to keep the viewer interested using only its dialog-heavy script - and boy does it! An interesting concept explored in-depth with acting which, aside from a couple of hokey moments, is decent enough to make you forget you're watching a shoestring flick. It's cerebral, thought provoking and, at times, downright controversial; just like any good sci-fi should be.
Rated 27 Aug 2008
Rated 05 Aug 2008
79
72nd
Quite obviously a low-budget film, but one with incredible ideas and story behind it. The ideas alone carry it so much I didn't care about the spottiness of the acting and the lighting. These kinds of stories deserve more attention.
Rated 05 Aug 2008
Rated 19 May 2008
75
69th
I didn't like everything about this movie but the premise is very interesting. if it was made in the '60s , this film would have been a classic. It would also work better as a play I think.
Rated 19 May 2008
Rated 14 Mar 2008
30
15th
What an aggravating film! A for concept, but D for execution The acting is sub-par throughout (except for Tony Todd). The script feels unnatural, so that doesn't help. The 'professors' are peddling pseudo-intellectual claptrap. Most of them are unlikable and, fucking hell, outright stupid. And so, so many things make no sense. I wanted to like this. I really did, and on some level I like bits of it, tiny bits.
Rated 14 Mar 2008
Rated 30 Jan 2008
85
92nd
I completely forgot about the small budget and few of the worse acting performances cause the story was so compelling and interesting. Ending felt a bit rushed though.
Rated 30 Jan 2008
Rated 15 Dec 2007
80
79th
Some things about it bothered me a little, but overall this is the sort of minimalistic science fiction movie I'd like to see more of.
Rated 15 Dec 2007
Rated 02 Oct 2018
40
11th
Rated 04 Jun 2010
25
8th
Low budget is NO excuse for this overwrought and poorly acted kammerspiel (compare this to 'Primer'); the kind they love in theatres. A professor pimps his goodbye party by revealing that he's 14.000 years old. Excellent dental hygiene! His colleagues are shocked, angered and confused, apparently to the point where they are incapable of asking intelligent questions (how 'bout insisting on a picture..). The end is fumbled by Schenkman, whose earlier work includes playboy-videos. Stupid as hell.
Rated 04 Jun 2010
Rated 12 Apr 2010
81
86th
Very entertaining low budget sci-fi. The performances are solid enough, with some familar faces who are so often bit-part players in other movies doing very well, & the concept is fun & intriguing. Most of all however this film manages to remain interesting, thought provoking & sporadically controversial in its nature. The script does occasionally fluctuate from the simply brilliant to the slightly clumsy, but no matter, this remains a rare piece of satisfying charactor based sci-fi.
Rated 12 Apr 2010
Rated 08 Jan 2010
89
89th
While the directing is lacking (the zero budget shows), the brilliance of this movie is in the writing. The reactions of the characters to John's story felt so real. Just the right amount of skepticism is presented to keep the viewer connected to the premise. All the logical questions are asked and many interesting concepts are discussed. I felt like I was in the room with these people hearing John's unbelievable story. One of the most engaging and thought provoking movies I've ever seen.
Rated 08 Jan 2010
Rated 16 Feb 2023
10
3rd
Almost everything in this movie is subpar - acting, direction, set, screenplay, rushed and lame ending. Story itself might have been decent for a movie, but it's hard to say given what came out of Schenkman's hands. Feels heavily overrated.
Rated 16 Feb 2023
Rated 18 Jun 2018
75
59th
An interesting thought experiment shown via a stagey low budget film. Acting is spotty but the idea is interesting enough to overlook most of the lesser points.
Rated 18 Jun 2018
Rated 26 Sep 2016
40
14th
Am I smoking crack or something? How did almost everyone like this? It's like a sane (and therefore boring) Neil Breen movie. It's a single-room film with annoying characters and a story that takes its premise down the most obvious road possible. I'm baffled.
Rated 26 Sep 2016
Rated 30 Jun 2015
59
27th
What I would consider all the indie trappings both in script and acting. An interesting concept that keeps getting lost in the aforementioned. A simple ending to satisfy people who might be too dim to get a clever one.
Rated 30 Jun 2015
Rated 07 Jan 2013
50
49th
A cerebral movie with people sitting around discussing the long life of a man who claims to be 14,000 years old. The story is compelling, but the listeners reactions did not feel genuine. Also, the mock violence was stupid as were the reactions of some of the characters.
Rated 07 Jan 2013
Rated 03 Apr 2010
79
58th
Saw this movie cold. A cerebral Sci-Fi, all dialouge. Liked it, with reservations. 1) Casting: The concept would have been better served with a different cast. Not necessarily a-listers, but better actors. 2) The ending is contrived. If you remove the last 10 minutes to leave the audiance guessing, I'll add 10 points. 3) Quit lumping religious people together as ignorant. The one religious character is unsympathetically played by Crawford. (evilchaser is SPOT-ON! would make a better play!)
Rated 03 Apr 2010
Rated 16 Jun 2009
3
45th
Proof that a compelling concept and interesting characters trump shoddy craftsmanship. Yes, the acting is spotty and the camerawork and lighting are mediocre. Its budget is apparent, but because of the general simplicity these faults aren't very distracting. It's not very cinematic, but the ideas presented through a single conversation provide the movie with more than enough kinetic energy. Truly fascinating and thoughtful.
Rated 16 Jun 2009
Rated 10 Jun 2009
84
95th
One of my favorite movies. Everything happens in the living room of a cabin where they disguss wether or not the protagonist is who he says he is. Just fantastic.
Rated 10 Jun 2009
Rated 10 Jan 2020
40
7th
A college professor is stepping down and his friends give him a farewell party. He reveals that he isn't who they think he is. I hate this movie. It's nothing but people sitting in a room and talking. This is fine if they are talking about something, but they are not. This feels like a movie that thinks it's about deep concepts. It's about a guy explaining how he's the caveman Forrest Gump.
Rated 10 Jan 2020
Rated 18 Dec 2019
30
2nd
Not good at all. Corny and boring as a movie. Not even interesting as a thought experiment. I was excited to watch it too.
Rated 18 Dec 2019
Rated 13 Jul 2019
80
63rd
A fascinating, well-considered premise is developed in interesting ways; it's to Schenkman and his cast's credit that this single room gabfest remains compelling and involving for its entire duration. If the ultimate resolution feels a little shaggy Bobby Ewing-ish, the thought experiment that forms its basis still provides considerable food for thought. Largely unknown cast are all fine, with veteran Riehle's "doubting Thomas" standing out.
Rated 13 Jul 2019
Rated 18 Nov 2018
82
81st
A thought-provoking movie that engages you very well from the start till the end. It's a sci-fi themed courtroom drama movie that has nothing to do with a courtroom. There are only a couple of flaws in the script, and ignoring them, I would have rated it even higher.
Rated 18 Nov 2018
Rated 18 Jul 2015
39
4th
As dumb as I imagine the Left Behind movies must be. Schenkman's prior work was soft-porn, and he went on to direct Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies.
Rated 18 Jul 2015
Rated 17 Mar 2015
70
16th
Some 8.0 rated films on IMDB: Rocky, Jaws, The Graduate. So who the f*k snuck this one up there. At first it's a tasteful and fun little intellectual exercise, then it begins to second guess itself before jumping the shark at precisely the halfway point. Consistency points though, for being technically low budget terrible throughout. It must be cool to like Jerome Bixby or something.
Rated 17 Mar 2015
Rated 04 Aug 2014
80
44th
You don't get many sci-fi chamber pieces, much less films that seem like a dramatic take on Brooks and Reiner's Two Thousand Year Old Man.
Rated 04 Aug 2014
Rated 03 Jun 2012
73
76th
This is direct, plain filmmaking, but a marvelous and incredibly poignant piece of sci-fi teleplay. I could literally spent 140 centuries listening to Jesus, John, whoever this guy is, was and will be.
Rated 03 Jun 2012
Rated 28 Oct 2011
70
72nd
I like the way it feels absolutely sci-fi not only without any special effect, but without anything 'touchable' outside their conversation. It's too theatrical (I think in fact, watching this in live action on stage must be great), so there's nothing we can expect technically (nothing!), this movie belongs to screenwriter and actors. I didn't found it so original as some did and it has some flaws, but it's self-concious, catching and absolutely deserves the try (and some think after watching).
Rated 28 Oct 2011
Rated 01 May 2011
85
92nd
Flawed in places, especially acting-wise, but the concept is irresistible, thought provoking and mind boggling; exactly what Sci-Fi needs to be.
Rated 01 May 2011
Rated 28 Apr 2011
70
85th
The budget was just enough to rent a building and a couple of decent C-list actors. However it manages to rise above its production value to the level of excellent film-making, just through the magnitude of its ideas and the twists in the conversation. Almost all the credit goes to Bixby's story, which has stuck around in my mind longer than I expected.
Rated 28 Apr 2011
Rated 02 Apr 2011
91
86th
"I'm going to go home and I'm going to watch Star Trek for a dose of sanity." A great example of thought provoking, low budget sci-fi.
Rated 02 Apr 2011
Rated 04 Mar 2010
91
96th
I heard people talking about how poor the acting was, that the film doesn't offer anything but talking in one single room, but does it always have to be more than that? This film is proof that you can make a (in my opinion) wonderful film without millions of dollars. Great story that didn't let me go, and this from second 1. The dialogues are of such level that you get sucked into it, only to be released when the film finishes in a (maybe not superb but) decent ending.
Rated 04 Mar 2010
Rated 23 Jan 2010
70
57th
Poorly made movie in many ways, but a pretty interesting idea that makes you think about a few things.
Rated 23 Jan 2010
Rated 26 Aug 2009
100
99th
The best ever script for a sci-fi (not only) movie. Who cares if the acting is mediocre, if the production is poor and if the whole movie is shooted in a room?! If the script is clever, flawless and scientific correct nothing else matters. An oasis between the script trash.
Rated 26 Aug 2009
Rated 01 Feb 2009
25
14th
While the beginning is quite promising, it gets gradually more and more silly until it culminates in an explosion of sheer stupidity which you probably expect since a certain moment, but hope that the movie can't be that predicable.
Rated 01 Feb 2009
Rated 31 Jan 2009
82
76th
This explores some really great ideas, and the story is really well presented and interesting, but I believe they should have explored the Buddhism in greater detail. I personally would have changed John to be more at ease with himself, a sort of inner peace and joy as seen in many Buddhists or other important religious figures. The script and ideas are fascinating, but you can't help but imagine that the idea might be best portrayed through a book.
Rated 31 Jan 2009
Rated 22 Oct 2008
73
85th
I have a passionate grudge against whom or whatever prevented Jerome Bixby from writing more.
Rated 22 Oct 2008
Rated 07 Jun 2008
85
35th
As evilchaser says, if it was made in the '60, it would would have been a classic. Although it made me think about lots of things, I don't think I'll bear this movie in mind for long.
Rated 07 Jun 2008
Rated 02 Jun 2008
85
89th
this movie is one of the least sci-fi movies ever, there is actually no sci-fi in it, except for the the main character's claims. aside from that this movie takes its plot and story to the best possible, and succeeds with flying colors.
Rated 02 Jun 2008
Rated 01 Mar 2008
66
57th
Great idea, bad execution. The acting and direction are horrible, but a good idea keeps it interesting.
Rated 01 Mar 2008
Rated 05 Jan 2008
42
18th
A great concept horribly executed. The acting is forced, and the direction is so mis-paced it's very understandable why some might turn it off halway through. Nothing whatsoever of note happens in the first 45 minutes and then all the interesting stuff is rushed through at the end with no exploration of the implications. This film will leave you very unsatisfied and with the feeling that it could have been so much more that it was a horrible waste.
Rated 05 Jan 2008
Rated 10 Jun 2024
75
61st
It's a neat film, christians gonna mald I guess. If you can't suspend your disbelief you may not enjoy it, in which case I recommend reading the dictionary.
Rated 10 Jun 2024
Rated 10 Jun 2024
5
90th
It's not utterly deep or particularly well-acted, but it's cozy and thoughtful and makes me want to look into what all these academic fields actually have to say while making me reflect on what I already know and wonder about human history and our future.
Rated 10 Jun 2024
Rated 01 May 2024
81
56th
I liked the style of the movie, just a single setup and people having intellectual conversation about an absurd, almost unbelievable scenario.
Rated 01 May 2024
Rated 23 Apr 2024
90
97th
very thought creating. great low budget films which leaves you intelectually presssed during and after
Rated 23 Apr 2024
Rated 30 Jul 2023
72
60th
Acting - 18/25 Pace - 18/25 Direction - 13/25 Plot - 23/25
Rated 30 Jul 2023
Rated 08 Jul 2022
100
80th
Simple story-telling prevails in the this one room film. Learn the mystery of John Oldman as his friends inquire into his mysterious background in his rapidly emptying living room.
Rated 08 Jul 2022
Rated 24 May 2022
4
2nd
No, the concept is not good: A 14,000 year old man is a bland, boring history professor with less wisdom and insight than Forrest Gump. The movie amounts to nothing more than some elementary school history with silly coincidences added; in a giant world, he just so happened to be at exactly the right time and place to meet historical figures like Buddha? And he was the inspiration for Jesus? If that wasn't stupid enough, the twist ending is the extra sappy, sentimental cherry on top of the pie.
Rated 24 May 2022
Rated 21 Nov 2021
80
46th
Interesting little discussion between smart people. Feels like the ending could have done better.
Rated 21 Nov 2021
Rated 06 Nov 2020
60
41st
Concept >>> Execution. Overall it’s surprisingly captivating, although the acting, direction, writing and even minor things like bad lip syncing do keep it from being a classic. Could definitely use a remake in the hands of a more talented crew.
Rated 06 Nov 2020
Rated 11 Sep 2020
55
62nd
Ultra low budget, single location, with a simple, yet incredible concept. The acting holds the movie back, and the inherent simplicity is endearing, but keeps it from hitting greatness. It is uncinematic, but a fascinating experiment.
Rated 11 Sep 2020
Rated 22 Aug 2020
75
45th
An absolutely great premise and a few drafts away from a stellar screenplay. The Man From Earth himself is actually a pretty decent actor, but outside of that the acting is pretty lackluster and the production value here is heartbreakingly low. The conversation is really on fire whenever it teases the intellect but it's never that emotionally incisive. This is my contender for the movie best suited for a remake. Imagining this being remade by someone like Richard Linklater!!
Rated 22 Aug 2020
Rated 25 May 2020
4
90th
The story is amazing, but the acting is quite bad.
Rated 25 May 2020
Rated 13 Mar 2020
93
78th
A-
Rated 13 Mar 2020
Rated 17 Dec 2019
85
84th
Most movies with far superior performances and cinematography can only hope to provide the existential awareness that this does after its over.
Rated 17 Dec 2019
Rated 13 Jun 2019
86
80th
Top 100 no:97
Rated 13 Jun 2019
Rated 15 Jan 2019
15
12th
Interesting premise, but that's about it. The acting is bad. What's worse is the script and dialogue of the supposed college professors: nothing but dumb, pseudo-intellectual babbling. It's quite aggravating to watch. Could be quite good if re-done by an intelligent writer and some decent actors.
Rated 15 Jan 2019
Rated 30 Aug 2018
62
18th
Had a "Hallmark"-like cable feel to it. Doesn't stand out. It's a shame because I usually like stories that take place in a room, dialogue only. The execution felt weak and contrived. The story, a fun idea at first, feels like a cliche as they went overboard.
Rated 30 Aug 2018
Rated 16 Jan 2018
90
86th
The idea behind this
Rated 16 Jan 2018
Rated 01 Nov 2017
92
92nd
This is actually more rating of a story than film. But the movie is worth watching and has a good capture of the characters.
Rated 01 Nov 2017
Rated 25 Sep 2017
13
28th
6/7
Rated 25 Sep 2017
Rated 26 Jun 2017
82
80th
The plot/storyline and the way it makes you think - that is really the USP of the movie. The entire movie is basically a group of people having a conversation in a room and yet it enthrals you. The way fact and fiction are mixed in the movie is masterful.
Rated 26 Jun 2017
Rated 09 Jan 2017
80
79th
A low budget can justify many things but not a terrible cinematography, which is only slightly better than 90s adult movies.
Rated 09 Jan 2017
Rated 08 Aug 2016
90
99th
ger; [the man from earth]; bei einer abschiedsfeier theoretisiert eine gruppe über die fantastische geschichte über einen prähistorischen menschen der immer noch lebt, und jeder der anwesenden freunde reagiert anders als sich der gastgeber als dieser eine mensch ausgiebt.; (spannende gruppendynamik, gute musik);
Rated 08 Aug 2016
Rated 04 May 2016
89
87th
This is about as simple as movies can get. There is just one set. About 7 characters stand around and talk, and that's it. This is a case of a movie putting all of its effort into the premise and the dialogue. It delivers in spades. It might have been even better as a live play than as a movie though.
Rated 04 May 2016
Rated 20 Mar 2016
65
23rd
20 Març 2016 - la història és curiosa, permet imaginar-la, entrar-hi. Poc cinematogràfica. Poc creïbles unes quantes coses, però entreté.
Rated 20 Mar 2016
Rated 04 Jan 2016
75
49th
With a better cast, this would be very good
Rated 04 Jan 2016
Rated 21 Sep 2015
81
75th
It's a solid idea served no frills in the vein of Sartre's plays. That said, it does feel like the script is not quite appropriate for a movie screen, with many aspects of film left underutilized. This would make for phenomenal theater however.
Rated 21 Sep 2015
Rated 16 Jun 2015
78
61st
Interesting story. Very well put into a movie.
Rated 16 Jun 2015
Rated 30 May 2015
87
89th
Low budgt, thought-provoking film. Not a huge fan of the whole religion thing, but it sure gives you a lot to think about. The writing is pretty good, but the acting is mostly weak. Would love to see similar concepts in films.
Rated 30 May 2015
Rated 26 Mar 2015
62
45th
Fascinating setup that suffers less from the non-existent budget than from giving the story just one turn too many. The hamfisted direction (dear gods, the music cues) doesn't help. But points for an original idea and for mostly pulling off a movie about people talking for 90 minutes.
Rated 26 Mar 2015
Rated 06 Dec 2014
5
41st
An interesting enough movie that feels a bit more like a play than a film. Not really great, but entertaining. A couple really bad characters and cheesy lines made it worse than it could have been, but it's still some good old school sci-fi.
Rated 06 Dec 2014
Rated 29 Sep 2014
15
0th
Tries to be deep and meaningful and really fails at it. If making a movie focused entirely on dialogue, maybe try and get some believable actors.
Rated 29 Sep 2014
Rated 08 Aug 2014
77
67th
Very interesting basic story with some nice discussions and ideas.
Rated 08 Aug 2014
Rated 26 May 2014
70
77th
Solid acting in a low budget film, and the ideas carry it well. Not so much because they are incredible, but because of how sensible they are. Aside from the main premise of the story, everything else feels so reasonable and real.
Rated 26 May 2014
Rated 16 May 2014
80
57th
It's not as awesome as many other films I can name but rarely can I say that a film is perfect in what it was meant to be, and this movie is perfect in that sence. Perfect not in the sence that it's theoretically completely unimprovable (I'm sure some geniusses could improve the script), no instead rather the same as what one calls.... a perfect moment, in the same way... it was a perfect film for that subtype of film. Just watch it if your taste of intellectual films corresponds to mine so far.
Rated 16 May 2014
Rated 15 May 2014
65
34th
Unfortunately, actings are not as good as story.
Rated 15 May 2014
Rated 07 Apr 2014
55
27th
Great concept, bad execution. The acting was rather poor, but holy SHIT was the music bad. Worst soundtrack I've heard in a movie bar none, it was sub daytime soap opera shit.
Rated 07 Apr 2014
Rated 12 Jan 2014
91
90th
Just like 12 angry men, there are guys in room. You're becoming one of them. Dont need high-cost scene technics to make a good movie. If the story excellent, the movie is watched itself.
Rated 12 Jan 2014
Rated 27 Oct 2013
65
37th
This kind of story needs a different format. It seemed to me like a perfectly wasted idea for an intriguing, multiple-season series. Here, without a proper fleshing-out and lacking any true depth, for me it all comes through as nothing more than a rather cheap attack on Christianity.
Rated 27 Oct 2013
Rated 26 Aug 2013
73
57th
Quite the original movie. Such a clever script that it enables the director to make a good movie with a a half decent cast. Dont get me wrong, the performances were all excellent ( mostly the main dude, because of him the movie worked so well) but the story was so convincing it almost makes the watcher believe. Original movies with a small budget that makes you think or leaves a mark are always a must see in my book, so if you haven't seen this one. go NOW
Rated 26 Aug 2013
Rated 26 Aug 2013
70
54th
I love movies that have such a simple setting! Also, I really enjoyed the discussion and actually got into a similar heated discussion with one of my mates while watching the movie :D. Not a big fan of the acting and the romance part of the story... also, I think the change of emotion of some of the characters was a little stupid ..
Rated 26 Aug 2013
Rated 20 Aug 2013
80
80th
The script was brilliant, well-paced, and thought provoking. There were a couple of unexplored issues and the visuals weren't terribly interesting, but the script shone through nonetheless.
Rated 20 Aug 2013
Rated 12 Aug 2013
40
12th
This is basically a 90-minute-long episode of The Twilight Zone. It's been done before, and done better. Most of the dialogue made me think this was written by a novelist attempting to write a screenplay for the first time, since people use such flowery language to such an unnatural effect. I was wrong, but that's still how it plays. It's not a bad idea for a movie, but so much of it is executed so incompetently that it's hard to enjoy.
Rated 12 Aug 2013
Cast & Info
Directed by:
Richard SchenkmanScreenwriter:
Jerome BixbyCollections
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