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'''''The Man from Earth''''' is a 2007 science fiction indie film, written by Jerome Bixby from 1960-1998 (this was his final work). Known for many of his other projects, this movie was dedicated to his son Michael Bixby as well.

'''''The Man from Earth''''' is a 2007 science fiction indie film, written by Jerome Bixby from 1960-1998 (this was his final work). Known for many of his other projects, this movie was dedicated to his son Michael Bixby as well.

This film stars actor David Lee Smith as John Oldman, the protagonist character and focus of the movie's plot. John Oldman is a professor who, at the moving party thrown by his friends, admits that he is a [[Cro-Magnon]], a Magdalenian to be specific, who has survived (through "perfect cellular regeneration") for the last 14,000 years! The movie is reminescent of a play; it takes place only as a discussion between Dr. Oldman and his fellow faculty members/friends, in one room of his house.

This film stars actor David Lee Smith as John Oldman, the protagonist character and focus of the movie's plot. John Oldman is a professor who, at the moving party thrown by his friends, admits that he is a [[Cro-Magnon]], a Magdalenian to be specific, who has survived (through "perfect cellular regeneration") for the last 14,000 years! The movie is reminiscent of a play; it takes place only as a discussion between Dr. Oldman and his fellow faculty members/friends, in one room of his house.

Through many internet websites and BitTorrent, this cheaply made movie has gained recognition as one of the many masterpieces of Bixby's work.

Through many internet websites and BitTorrent, this cheaply made movie has gained recognition as one of the many masterpieces of Bixby's work.

Unfortunately, the conversation turns for the worse as his inquisitive friends ask him the ever controversial question, "Does he have any religious beliefs?" After thousands and thousands of years of hearing creation stories, gods after gods, he believes in none, only feigning such during times when it was necessary. Even worse, it comes to the question: "Was he a figure in religious history?" Really reluctant to respond, and tries to sum up the New Testament in 100 words. Edith, being religious and greatly offended, tries to leave; Harry convinces her to stay.

Unfortunately, the conversation turns for the worse as his inquisitive friends ask him the ever controversial question, "Does he have any religious beliefs?" After thousands and thousands of years of hearing creation stories, gods after gods, he believes in none, only feigning such during times when it was necessary. Even worse, it comes to the question: "Was he a figure in religious history?" Really reluctant to respond, and tries to sum up the New Testament in 100 words. Edith, being religious and greatly offended, tries to leave; Harry convinces her to stay.

It comes to a shocking revelation: John was in fact Joshua of Nazareth. Unlike the "mythical overlays", John had come to Israel to preach the Buddha's teachings (he had studied under the Buddha), to disasterous consequences. Although he was crucified (he cannot scar, and they used ropes, not nails, but it makes better religious imagery), he comes to life by equalizing his body functions, something he learned under the Buddha. This even more disturbs Edith, who is so shocked at his apparent blasphemy.

It comes to a shocking revelation: John was in fact Joshua of Nazareth. Unlike the "mythical overlays", John had come to Israel to preach the Buddha's teachings (he had studied under the Buddha), to disastrous consequences. Although he was crucified (he cannot scar, and they used ropes, not nails, but it makes better religious imagery), he comes to life by equalizing his body functions, something he learned under the Buddha. This even more disturbs Edith, who is so shocked at his apparent blasphemy.

After heated debate, Dr. Gruber returns, still concerned but not suicidal. He implores John to end his charade, and, at the expense of his credibility, convinces his friends that this was nothing but a story, and all of his friends were players. This infuriates most of them, and after Dan calls him an explicative, they calm down. Edith, like "a good Christian", forgives him, and all his friends except Sandy wish him goodbye.

After heated debate, Dr. Gruber returns, still concerned but not suicidal. He implores John to end his charade, and, at the expense of his credibility, convinces his friends that this was nothing but a story, and all of his friends were players. This infuriates most of them, and after Dan calls him an explicative, they calm down. Edith, like "a good Christian", forgives him, and all his friends except Sandy wish him goodbye.

==Reviews==

==Reviews==

The reviews for The Man from Earth are overwelmingly positive:

The reviews for The Man from Earth are overwhelmingly positive:

* "A considerable achievement... a picture which deserves wide exposure... The Man From Earth gradually and stimulatingly builds to a pitch of near hypnotic intensity." – Neil Young, The Hollywood Reporter<ref>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?rid=11061 The Man From Earth - The Hollywood Reporter], Film review</ref>

* "A considerable achievement... a picture which deserves wide exposure... The Man From Earth gradually and stimulatingly builds to a pitch of near hypnotic intensity." – Neil Young, The Hollywood Reporter<ref>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?rid=11061 The Man From Earth - The Hollywood Reporter], Film review</ref>

* "Based on a really wonderful final work by Jerome Bixby... If you’re a fan of Bixby's – it's a must own." – Harry Knowles, Ain’t It Cool News<ref>[http://www.aintitcool.com/node/34759 Harry's DVD PICKS AND PEEKS for 2nd Week of November - Ain't It Cool News], Film review</ref>

* "Based on a really wonderful final work by Jerome Bixby... If you’re a fan of Bixby's – it's a must own." – Harry Knowles, Ain’t It Cool News<ref>[http://www.aintitcool.com/node/34759 Harry's DVD PICKS AND PEEKS for 2nd Week of November - Ain't It Cool News], Film review</ref>