David Bowie reportedly viewed walking away from the 1976 film *The Man Who Fell to Earth* as a major missed opportunity. Although he was proud of the music and the film’s influence on his artistic direction, he later admitted that he abandoned the project for an “irrational” and “juvenile” reason after becoming angry about his contract.

The experience still shaped *Low*, with tracks such as “Subterraneans” originating as potential soundtrack material. The article argues that the film and its music reflected Bowie’s transition away from the dangerous Thin White Duke persona, helping pave the way for his experimental Berlin period and later success.