Review of Starman (1984) by Spencer S — 21 Aug 2014
This is one of John Carpenter's lesser known films, possibly because it's more of a love story than a monster mash. Jeff Bridges plays an alien, who becomes a reincarnated version of Karen Allen's dead husband as a way to manipulate her to help him after he crash lands on Earth.
The rest of the film concerns the alien's voyage to a meeting place with his people, with Allen's assistance, with the US government on his trail. The film is very unoriginal in its message: man is harming itself with violence, aliens are peaceful, and the military is violent and wants to hunt down the alien.
Besides the impossibly intense action, this film is special for its portrayal of the relationship between Allen and the alien. It's basically heartbreaking, because Allen is a widow who has to see her dead husband and knows immediately that it's not him, but also wants that second chance with him.
In that sphere it makes more sense for the alien to be peaceful as he gives her a beautiful gift for her troubles. Very light but not always devoid of action, this may be Carpenter's sweetest film yet.
This review of Starman (1984) was written by Spencer S on 21 Aug 2014.
Starman has generally received positive reviews.
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