Brother from Another Planet (1984)

Brother from Another Planet (1984)

Written and directed by John Sayles

This odd ball movie centers around a mute alien who crash lands on Earth and struggles with the everyday occurrences of violence, drugs and corruption. Joe Morton who is usually a bit player, is the lead as the alien, and his performance is like that of a mime. He doesn’t speak, no E.T. sentimental moments here, the flick is like most underground New York films in the same era, but the dialogue is really cool and people have an authentic feeling.

Even though he is quiet, he finds a place to live and odd jobs fixing electronics, by only touching them. He encounters a lot of depravity; one scene finds him standing over a dead boy whose o.d. on heroin. Meanwhile, as he’s just making a life for himself, two bounty hunters are looking for him, they are played by David Straithan and director John Sayles, their scenes are a little Three Stooges comical, and usually end with them emitting and ear piercing screech. Their prerogative to capture the alien are unknown, but that doesn’t stop this movie from being one of the most original.

Before this Sayles worked as a writer for Roger Corman on Battle Beyond the Stars, which also had James Cameron as art designer.

Brother from Another Planet is required viewing for the strange and also a thought provoking first film. Don’t forget budget doesn’t mean anything without good characterization.

This would make a perfect double bill with John Carpenter’s Dark Star.

Seek it out!