Back in the 70s, people thought David Bowie had come from another planet. So it was an inspired move for Don't Look Now director Nicolas Roeg to cast the singer as an alien in his ambitious adaptation of Walter Tevis's sci-fi novel. But what's particularly pleasing, given the normally abysmal acting skills of musicians, is just how brilliant his performance turned out to be. Critics may mock the movies he's done since, though even they couldn't deny it was Bowie who was the vital component in this 1976 cult favourite.

From his ethereal pallor and androgynous physique to his shock of bright red hair and considered delivery, Bowie is Thomas Jerome Newton made flesh - the ageless humanoid on a mission to get water for his dying planet. Using his superior intelligence, Newton becomes rich from his intergalactic inventions, only to be corrupted and ultimately trapped by earthbound vices, including television, booze and sex. It's a tragic and deeply poignant fall from grace, highlighted by Newton's surreal and dreamily shot reminiscences of a home and family he'll never see again.

Sexy Bowie aside, the beauty of this demanding picture lies in its multi-layered narrative and startling, fragmented visuals. Part condemnation of the modern world, part fairy tale allegory, the film reaches beyond the pulp roots of Tevis's work, yet still titillates when necessary. Candy Clark's literally pant-wetting terror when she witnesses her extraterrestrial lover's true appearance is unforgettable, as is the sensational Roeg trademark of intercutting sex scenes with entirely incongruous material. Like Newton himself, the feature was ahead of its time and remains a classic of contemporary cinema. Which is fortunate since, except for its documentary, this DVD's extras are poor, with the new, exclusive Roeg interview especially dreadful.