What would you do if you ran into a man who claimed he was 14,000 years old? Would you walk away from him because you thought he was crazy? Or would you stay to hear his story? That’s the question this film ask. But, trust me, if you stay to hear the story, you will never be the same.
The film, The Man from Earth, tells the story of John Oldman (old man). He is a university professor who claims that he has somehow survive over 14,000 years. Oldman tells the tale of his life during his farewell party at his home. His friends can’t decide whether or not he is telling the truth. And when the movie ends, you won’t be sure whether or not he’s telling the truth either.
If this movie plot seems vaguely familiar, it is because it was written by Jerome Bixby. Bixby, who passed away in 1998, is the author of some of the best known science fiction stories. Bixby wrote the Twilight Zone episode, It’s a Good Life, featuring Bill Mumy as six-year-old Anthony – a monster of the worst kind. He also wrote two, of perhaps, the best Star Trek episodes ever: Mirror, Mirror and Requiem for Methuselah. And it is from Requiem for Methuselah that The Man from Earth draws many of its plot points.
There’s very little action in this story, but there’s a lot of story in this film. You essentially have eight actors, in one room, talking. For most films, that would be a recipe for disaster, but that formula works well in this film. The movie is currently streaming on Netflix and is well worth seeing. As for me, I believe John Oldman is who he says he is and I think you will too.
