The Brother From Another Planet (1984)

John Sayles wrote and directed this eccentric drama-sci-fi-comedy, which follows the adventures of a mute, good-natured humanoid slave from another planet (Joe Morton) who looks like any other black man on the mean streets of Harlem as he's being chased by otherworldly bounty hunters (played by David Strathairn and director Sayles himself). The people of the neighborhood, impressed by his powers of telekinesis, adopt him as their "brother" and protect him from the bounty hunters. A strikingly insightful and heartfelt look at the concepts of race and belonging.

This film could be compared to STARMAN. Joe Morton ("Terminator 2") is amazing, in a mostly non-verbal role, as the alien. Director Sayles has an amusing cameo as an alien cop looking for Morton. The New York City photography is imaginative. A scene of Morton communicating with a pretty nightclub singer is a film highlight.

The cast includes: Joe Morton, Darryl Edwards, Steve James, Leonard Jackson, Bill Cobbs, and Fisher Stevens.

Directed by John Sayles.

The Brother From Another Planet Review