Starman Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
In 1977 Voyager II was launched into space, inviting all lifeforms in the universe to visit our planet. Get ready. Company's coming.
He has traveled from a galaxy far beyond our own. He is 100,000 years ahead of us. He has powers we cannot comprehend. And he is about to face the one force in the universe he has yet to conquer. Love.
An alien who has crash-landed in the United States takes on the the appearance of a woman's dead husband and enlists her help to escape from pursuing authorities and rendezvous with a spacecraft on the other side of the country. As he learns how to be more human the alien begins to take on more and more qualities of the woman's husband, drawing the woman closer.
| Jeff Bridges | Starman |
| Karen Allen | Jenny Hayden |
| Charles Martin Smith | Mark Shermin |
| Richard Jaeckel | George Fox |
| Robert Phalen | Major Bell |
| Tony Edwards | Sergeant Lemon |
| John Walter Davis | Brad Heinmuller |
| Ted White | Deer Hunter |
| Dirk Blocker | Cop #1 |
| M.C. Gainey | Cop #2 |
| Sean Stanek | Hot Rodder |
| George 'Buck' Flower | Cook |
| Russ Benning | Scientist |
| Ralph Cosham | Marine Lieutenant |
| David Wells | Fox's Assistant |
| John Carpenter |
6.80 out of 10 (10749 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Gee Whiz, Another Lovable Alien
posted on 26 May 2009I have go tired of the film world's cliché of (1) -having lovable aliens (2) - that are always light years ahead of us earthlings in knowledge and (3) we want to destroy them. Gosh, we are such bad people! No wonder Hollywood and other filmmakers around the world have such a hard time coming up with original material. This sort of sci-fi nonsense was (and still is) beaten to death by everyone from Steven Spielberg to John Carpenter (with this film) to Joe Dokes making his home video down the street.Actually, to be fair, even though we get the predictable alien-is-hero theme, this is more of a love story than anything else. It has decent humor, romance and sentimentality. People who know John Carpenter's films were expecting the normal and were disappointed this wasn't an action-packed "edgy" film. I applaud Carpenter for trying something different.The main fault is it's predictability. Look for a few other typical Liberal social slants - notice the ridiculous anti-deer hunting scene, for one. For a "nice" film, I didn't think the profanity was necessary, either. Karen Allen has a pretty face but seemed to prefer to play these tough, garbage-mouth women (i.e. Raiders Of The Lost Ark). That only turned me off and helped ruin what could have been a genuinely sweet film.
You're Not From Around Here, Are You ?
posted on 17 May 2009An alien being crash-lands on Earth, transforms into the likeness of a dead man, and forces Jenny Hayden, the man's widow, to drive him from Wisconsin to a rendezvous point in Arizona. Along the way, he experiences and learns Earthly cultures and habits and she slowly falls in love with him. Will they reach their destination ?Carpenter's films are often unremittingly bleak, but this is the exception - a lovely, touching, romantic fable. Bruce A. Evans and Raynold Gideon's script (they also wrote Stand By Me) seamlessly weaves together science-fiction, love story and road movie elements into a film bursting with intriguing themes; extra-terrestrial anthropology, a bereavement redeemed, the treachery and the kindness of strangers, and a messianic alien allegory. It's a complex story, but Carpenter's direction is dazzling in its simplicity - he cuts at once to the heart of the drama, the emotion of the piece, making his movie sad, funny, thoughtful, scary, touching and profound. It may be a movie where the hero is an alien, but it's really a movie about what it feels like to be an alien (isolation is Carpenter's ever-present theme), which allows it to focus on the romantic odyssey. We identify with both Starman and Jenny; him because we all understand what it means to feel like an outsider, and her because he brings meaning to a life that had lost all its meaning. Both Bridges and Allen are incredibly good in this film, and their performances truly bring the movie alive. He is a wonder to watch, growing into his new body, mimicking others and entranced by all around him, and she is astonishingly haunting in the depth of her sadness and bewilderment - the last, simple shot of her incredible blue eyes is one of the most moving final images of any movie. The support cast are good, especially Smith as the guy slowly realising he's sold his soul, and Carpenter regular Flower in a lovely scene as the garrulous cook Starman hitches a ride with. Technically, the film is just stunning - Bruce Nicholson's visual effects, Donald M. Morgan's subtle, unhurried photography, Daniel Lomino and Joe Alves' production design, and Jack Nitzsche's fine atonal score are all superb, and create a rich and resonant atmosphere. The movie is filled with astonishing moments (Starman's transformation, Jenny's face when she watches him revive the deer, the freight-train boxcar scene, the reveal shot of the crater) and wonderfully beguiling dialogue ("You are a strange species, not like any other, and you would be surprised how many there are. Intelligent, but savage."). Although it contains many of his usual themes (pursuit of freedom, mistrust of authority) this is easily the gentlest and most commercial of Carpenter's films, so even if you normally avoid his work, do not miss this charming picture. If nothing else, the gorgeous Midwest locations of Colorado, Iowa, Tennessee, Utah and the famed Barringer meteor-crater in Arizona are a sensational backdrop for this fantastic story. This is one of those precious few films which seems flawless, with exceptional performances, fabulous imagery, a wonderful and exciting story, and masterful direction. A joy.
A romantic Carpenter flick
posted on 12 Mar 2009After establishing himself as a top notch horror/suspense director, John Carpenter maybe wanted to prove he could also be a solid director for hire when he tackled this unlikely sci-fi love story. 1982's The Thing along with Christine both flopped at the box office so a change of pace was something he required. The end result is simply outstanding as Carpenter shows he can effortlessly handle romantic films as well as his trademark horror outings.Starman manages to be edge of your seat suspense entertainment along with the romantic angle, which takes first place. Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen have chemistry to burn and work extremely well off each other. The story is well written, the music score is memorable, special effects quite good, all in all this is a darn good film that shows just how flexible a director Carpenter really is.
A departure for Mr. Carpenter, and a great one at that
posted on 17 Jan 2009Known for doing horror and action films, John Carpenter did something totally different in 1984. He was one of the directors approached to direct a script about an extra terrestrial who came to Earth in the form of a widow's husband and the two drive cross country to get him home. Carpenter got the job and proved he is much more than just a master of suspense. He can also touch our hearts.Pros: Great performances, especially from the two leads who have wonderful chemistry. Some of the effects have held up well. A good score with a beautiful main theme. Some great touches of humor. Many very touching moments. Well-paced. Some gorgeous shots of different parts of the U.S. Director Carpenter and writers Bruce A. Evans and Raynold Gideon do a good job of keeping things unpredictable. A tearjerker of an ending.Cons: Some dated effects. Not a totally original concept.Final thoughts: When a director who's known for working in one genre it is a bit scary when they try to tackle another. John Carpenter is one of a few directors to succeed in this. Starman is one of the sweetest, most thoroughly enjoyable science fiction films of the last few decades. Maybe it's cliché, but picture E.T. for adults.My rating: 4.5/5
An E.T. for adults
posted on 08 Jan 2009Lots of insightful comments on this movie. This is an almost perfect film that operates on a bunch of different levels - religious, sci-fi film tradition, but most importantly, at the emotional level. The two stars are perfect and complementary, Allen as the vulnerable earthy widow and Bridges as the calculating yet emotionally guileless alien. Sure, it rips off the main image of "ET" (glowing hand instead of glowing finger) and some of the plot of "The Day the Earth Stood Still". But the premise of someone actually responding to the Voyager's invitation to visit Earth is terrific. And the rest of the story is great for all the reasons in the other posts (I think the religious angle is the most intriguing). Carpenter's direction is impeccable in what I think is one of his best films (and that says a lot). Plus the movie never fails to make me cry in a number of spots. I mean, that deer scene....My only problem was: Why waste a ball on a lousy roadmap??!!
Another one from the heart...
posted on 28 Oct 2008Directors, like actors, tend to get typecast and a director with myopia is more often than not doomed. S/he may go on to make a living at making movies, but there will be little to distinguish one movie from another and, in all likelihood, there will be a very noticeable downward drift over the years. Directors of this ilk are legion. Directors who constantly manage to rise above genre and surprise at all (much less, time after time) can be numbered on the fingers of a single hand. John Carpenter stands alone at the top of the heap. Name just four other directors who can lay claim to as many memorable movies in as many different genres. STARMAN is a beautiful love story, beautifully told. The breathtakingly beautiful music reminds me of the theme for Carl Sagan's COSMOS, and Jeff Bridges was never better (which is saying a lot). Throughout his career, Carpenter has managed to tug at the heartstrings, whether telling the tale of a bunch of astronauts driven mad by loneliness (DARK STAR) or the loneliness of the King of Rock and Roll (ELVIS) or almost anything else he's done. He never, ever forgets that it's The Human Heart that matters most- whether in the darkest depths of Outer Space or right here at Home.
Enjoyable - another "let's whack the alien" theme
posted on 13 Sep 2008If my memory hasn't failed me, it seems that most of the science fiction movies I've seen -- going back to "The Day the Earth Stood Still," and some even older, and including this one -- one common situation usually occurs.Some earthlings are intent upon whacking the good-intentioned alien (who always possesses knowledge light-years beyond ours), instead of receiving him and making him welcome and learning a few things.Also, there is usually some guy in-charge (Richard Jaeckel here), a mid-level or minor functionary, or an army bird colonel (perhaps lower). Oh, sometimes a lower-level general may appear, and sometimes other films have shown some high-level bureaucrats wringing their hands in Washington. But one always wonders. Where are the network anchors in the older films, and where are the additional reporters/anchors from cable channels in the later flicks? Where is the President, the Vice President, the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs???? Never to be seen or found anywhere.We know if anything like this, even remotely, occurred in "real life," all of these would be in the forefront. Despite this, the story and performances here are engaging, the two main characters thoroughly likable, and I do realize the presentattion would have to have been different if the "Starman" weren't being pursued by those intent upon offing him.Jeff Bridges has always been a particular favorite of mine, so when he appears in a truly outstanding flick, it's doubly enjoyable for me.
religious overtones
posted on 22 Apr 2008It seems to me that most reviewers have missed the not-so-subtle religious or biblical overtones of this movie - including a "virgin" birth, raising the dead, persecution by state officials, and an "ascent" into the heavens, etc., or I am I overstating the case? In any event, as a not so religious kind of guy, I really enjoy watching this movie and its gentle hero.
Charming
posted on 26 Mar 2008A likeable, romantic, low-key, low budget road movie about a handsome alien trying to find his way back to the mother ship with the help of an earth lady he has abducted. With minimal special effects, Jeff Bridges convincingly conveys a sense of his complete alienness and lack of ease in his cloned human host body. One suspects that his bird-like head movements and impaired neuro-motor skills have provided the inspiration for subsequent portrayals of extraterrestrials trying to pass themselves off as earthlings.A sweet, funny film.
When you wish upon a Starman
posted on 20 Mar 2008Jeff Bridges is one of my favorite actors and it's a shame that he has not yet won an Oscar. He has been acting for thirty-five years and only been nominated four times. Starman (1984) gave him his third nomination and while he had tough competition that year, F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce in Amadeus, his performance is brilliant and every bit as good. The way that Bridges takes the character and the little glitches in his movement and speech are fascinating. It is a complete transformation and it's flawless. I was reminded of how Dustin Hoffman played his character in Rain Man with all his little stutters and twitching, but Hoffman studied the disease and had something to work with. Bridges pulls this performance off from scratch and hits a bullseye. Karen Allen and Charles Martin Smith are both good as well and the score is wonderful. The story may be a bit derivative and there are some story lulls, but who cares. This is a must-see movie simply for Bridges performance.*** out of ****
Great Allegory
posted on 13 Feb 2008Reading all the comments on this film, I had to add my own. Unusual thing about the comments is that none were heavily negative. Good film in my opinion too. But only one viewer comment mentioned something that jumped out as I watched, and that is the heavy, but very heavy religious overtones in the film. A creature from the heavens comes to earth, assumes human form, has nothing but good intentions toward those who would capture him, has the power of life and death in his hands (the resurrection of the deer and Karen Allen), has to ascend to the heavens in 3 days, gives a boy baby to Jenny (who can't have a child) in a cattle car (manger) who will "be a teacher and know all that I know". They even point out a star in the heavens that is the home of Starman. The allegory is strong and delightful to watch. Of course the ending is a perfect set-up for a sequel when Starman leaves the one remaining "power ball" in Jenny's hand saying that the boy would know what to do with it. With one exception, no movie I have ever seen with a Roman numeral after it was worth a bag of beans, and that was Godfather II. Starman does not need a sequel. You can write one, in your own mind, in your own way.And then there is Dutch apple pie...........
Carpenter's Best Film
posted on 26 Jan 2008I have watched this film over and over and it just gets better. The lead performances--Karen Allen and Jeff Bridges--are brilliant, but what really makes it work for me is all the characters these two meet as they drive across America. These people are utterly real, and make this one of the best road movies ever made.
E.T. for adults
posted on 23 Jan 2008I'm amazed more people didn't point out the similarities in plot to E.T. when this adult version of basically the same tale came out. Maybe it was because Jeff Bridges performance is absolutely mesmerising, that you're much more interested in the characters than the plot, so you don't notice.Basically, a perfect little movie. Beautifully and simply set up, the characters develop naturally in such a way that keeps you hooked right through to the end of the film. The strength of the central relationship distracts you from little infelicities, such as the fact that "Jennyhayden" seems remarkably incurious about her alien visitor - even after she gets to know him, it's not until he's about to leave that she asks him what his world is like! The film nicely points out the irony of our having extended welcoming greetings to the Universe, while our own mutual distrust causes us to shoot down every unexpected flying visitor. Having established that, however, Richard Jaekel's character seems to be pursuing the violent solution for its own sake without really exploring any motivation. When Charles Martin Smith points out that our behaviour does appear a little rude, Jaekel doesn't even have an answer for him - he's just going to try to kill the alien because that's his role in the movie I guess! "Do you know what I find most beautiful about you? You are at your best when things are at their worst."Well, it has been 19 years - I guess that the "boy baby" has grown up. Time for the sequel, methinks!!
One of my 3 favorite movies
posted on 30 Dec 2007Clearly, this movie covers alot of ground... sci-fi.... romance.... philosophy. While I was surprised and rather disappointed reading the negative comments, it's clear, with one exception, that these are reviews shared by folks who expected a "John Carpenter" sci-fi flick, and it did not deliver as such. Perhaps if it could be reconsidered simply as a story called "Starman", without the other expectations, it might be perceived as being less "Sucky".....I have given this film as a gift many times.
Bridges Brings "Starman" To Life
posted on 30 Dec 2007In a joint venture by the governments of the world, a space probe is launched into the farthest reaches of the Galaxy bearing a message from the United Nations, as well as `Greetings' in fifty-four languages; it's purpose is to attempt to contact any extraterrestrial life and proffer an invitation to visit us here on Earth. In `Starman,' directed by John Carpenter, Jeff Bridges stars as the alien who responds, only to be met with a less than cordial greeting once he arrives. Encountering hosts with a militaristic, if-you-can't-identify-it-shoot-it-down attitude, Starman is forced to take refuge and elude the very ones he has traveled so far to see. The burning question of course is, why? And, unfortunately, nobody seems to know. For his striking portrayal of Starman, Bridges deservedly received a Best Actor nomination from the Academy, and it proves to be the highlight of the film. From the outset, even as he is transformed into the vessel he must occupy during his stay with us ( a terrific sequence), his presence on the screen is captivating. He truly creates a unique character, distinct in form and substance, from the physical gestures that define him, to the subtle emotional depth he so aptly demonstrates and uses so well to convey to us who this being really is. It is through him that we are drawn in to this story of the travails with which he is beset during his sojourn upon our world, and with him we can only try to understand the motivation of powerful men who seem to live their lives in fear of the unknown or diverse. As Jenny Hayden, the young woman who through circumstances beyond her control becomes involved with Starman, Karen Allen adds just the right touch of sympathy to underscore the emotional situation in which Jenny finds herself ensconced. And there's just enough chemistry between her and Bridges to make this special relationship between their characters work effectively. Ultimately, how they relate to one another, and the tenderness with which they pursue their objective, becomes the real thrust and focal point of the story. Carpenter, in fact, would have been well advised to have stayed more within the parameters of that relationship and explored the workings thereof, rather than divesting the story into other, less fruitful areas and surrounding the main characters with a plethora of stringent stereotypes. While an entertaining film, `Starman' is surprisingly lacking in originality and imagination, both in story and direction; not to say this isn't a worthwhile endeavor, because it is, and it's definitely worth seeing. But it just seems that Carpenter could have mined the emotional depths a little more, developed the connection between Starman and Jenny more fully. Had he taken that path, this could have been a truly exceptional movie. As it is, it's a good film, better than the average sci-fi offering (especially for it's time, 1984), but given that Bridges brought so much to this with his creation of such a memorable character, the movie as a whole could have been so much more. The supporting cast includes Charles Martin Smith (Mark), Richard Jaeckel (Fox), Robert Phalen (Major Bell), Dirk Blocker (Cop #1) and M.C. Gainey (Cop #2). Although it is not what you would call a `great' or `classic' movie, `Starman' does succeed in making us take pause to reconsider some of our possibly preconceived notions of the way things are or should be; in the end, it's a call for understanding and love between all people everywhere, and a proposition put forth for universal peace. And with a theme like that, combined with the terrific performance by Bridges, you could do a lot worse for an evenings entertainment. I rate this one 7/10.
A very moving film
posted on 21 Nov 2007This film is probably one of the better Carpenter movies, alongside Halloween and The thing. I know some horror buffs would cringe to think so, but I like to compare them because of the directing of it. Carpenter gets the best out of Jeff Bridges, who was rightfully nominated for best actor in this movie. His character is so cold and compassionate at the same time!!! Jack Nitzche's musical score is an emotional tour de force that leaves you spellbound with its two-note cadence. What I really love about it is how it manages to imitate Carpenter's musical Minimalism with a pseudo-orchestral feel to it. A synthetizer has never sounded so emotionally draining as this.
Not from around here.
posted on 27 Jul 2007It's a shame about John Carpenter. He's always had such a love of film, but it seems that his later efforts continually fall flat. But let's go back to 1984, when a brilliant film in the vein of "ET" was released. Although not quite as emotional or as ambitious, "Starman" is great cinema, helped tremendously by Jeff Bridges' superb performance.One of the first things that you'll notice about the movie, is the amazing special effects. Most still hold up today, and the entire sequence of the Starman's arrive is still breathtaking (you have to see it for yourself). Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen work very well together, which is great, considering that the film relies almost completely on this."Starman" has aged, and more so than "ET", but it's still a great watch.7.5 out of 10
If you love sci-fi and aren't a kid, you'll appreciate this movie
posted on 21 Jul 2007Okay, I'll admit it. My wife and myself are above 45. That seems to be a turning point in being able to fully enjoy this touching, sensitive, intelligent and yes... mushy science fiction movie.Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen do an excellent job. The direction is very high quality and the music score will tear at your emotions. With that said, there aren't very many smash-em-up special effects here. It's left up to the viewer to reach into their bag of life experiences to fully understand the subtle underlying currents at work.Don't get me wrong, because I love smash-'em-up alien crushing action. On the other hand, Starman is an effective mix of life's tragedies, human nature and intergalactic culture clash.Not to sound like a longevity snob, but younger folk seem to need a feeding of FX with a funnel to appreciate much of anything in science fiction. And that's not what it's always about.
Loving Starman (both movie & TV)
posted on 12 Jun 2007Starman the movie is a very heartfelt story about two beings (one human and another alien but having had to take human form) who slowly develop a relationship from being strangers in a quest to stay alive (Starman because he will die after 3 days & Jenny who is afraid of him because who he is Ind he has the gun from the cabin) to being friends and then lovers. She had earlier told Starman that she couldn't have children. In a sign of his love for her, he gave her "a boy baby". After telling her this, he does give her then option to "stop it". She answers him by asking what is his star "so I can tell him where his father came from". In the end, when the mothers hip comes to pick the Starman up, it is apparent that Jenny is not lying when she says "Take me with you." The only reason that she feels she can continue is knowing that a part of him is still with her, growing in her belly. Having read the reviews here and as a fan of both incarnations, many questions were raised. Many of them are answered in the novelization of the movie. It goes into much greater detail about the original form of the Starman, and how come our military was able to shoot it down. If you can find the novel, buy it (mine is so tattered by now!) Personally, I do not think that it is 'religious' material at all. It really isn't a 'virgin birth' as some have said (see below)MAJOR SPOILER HERE - the TV series: About the baby that Starman left with her, Yes the government DID find out about it. George Fox (same character from the movie) did find out that she had a baby (Scott Hayden (Jr))exactally 9 months after Starman left. From the movie (& novel), Starman says that the only genes are Jenny's & Scott's, but in our DNA there are "Blank Spaces" and it is there that he wrote information that will make it his too. Jenny and baby Scott were on the run, but she put him up for adoption when he was 3. When he was 14, his foster parents died in a car crash but he unknowingly used his sphere to save himself from it (just like Starman did to save himself & Jenny in the car crash with the gas tanker truck). Unfortunately, a report got to George Fox about the crash, and he started investigating. Scott was placed in an orphanage and was having nightmares of the crash. One night, he went to sleep with his sphere in his hand (all he knew what it was that it was a "Gift from your father") and due to these strong emotions, his mind activated it and 'called' his father(Starman). He came back and found a recently dead man and cloned a new body. The Starman & Scott went looking for Jenny who had been hiding from the government, using aliases all this time.Starman's star is (our name for it) is Algibia - in the Sickle of Leo (from TV series episode Starscapes part 1.)Now, sit back and eat your Dutch Apple Pie (with whipped cream) and enjoy (Just remember to use your fork!)
Decent sci-fi by John Carpenter
posted on 06 Aug 2009I don't know why I bought Starman. Then I watched it and confirmed what my fuzzy memory was telling me. This is a sci-fi movie with heart. Now saying a sci-fi movie has heart is like saying that John Carpenter still makes good movies. Bear with me though, because Starman is a emotional story. Jeff Bridges' performance, however minimalist, works well with his character. His character manages to blank out Karen Allen's performance where, try as she might, doesn't do a good job. Ms. Allen just isn't a very good actress. Don't fault her though, she has a nice smile. The movie lags in some scenes but overall provides some good entertainment. There is no action or incredible special effects but this still decent sci-fi. Bottom Line: This is another good movie by John Carpenter. Stock up on his early hits because he just ain't makin' no more.