I'm pretty much so a big time devotee of the non star trek/ star wars variety sci fi, particularly twilight zone through, say, 70's drive in era (phase 4). This was one of those movies that I saw as a kid that stuck in my mind and i have always wanted to see it. Once I realized what it was I had to force myself to watch the 2 or 3 movies that had already been sent in my queue I was so excited. I have insatiable movies cravings occasionaly. Like, one time I just had to see a movie of a big extended european family eating a feast of some kind out in their fields, like at a marriage or something. I wandered around the video store till I actually found one!! I can't rememebr what it was called but it was pretty good. Another time I had to see Joey Wang flying in Chinese Ghost Story. That's all I wanted at of life at that moment.
The Illustrated man is not rememebered as a great film. The complaints against it are justified namely these aren't A list Bradbury stories. At the same time, there was a reason it stuck in my head all these years. Sure, the concept is weak but the directionion itself is superb as is Rod Steigers acting. I just liked the feel of it, kind of like a spaghetti western or a kung fu movie with two guys fighting in a field for like an hour. A hazy laid back vibe where you can feel the summer heat and then occasional bursts of dramatic action. At least for the first half it's pretty impressive till it sort of falls apart. touches of greatness here and there if not a classic