Synopsis

George Malley is an unassuming auto mechanic in a small California town whose life changes after he sees a mysterious light in the sky. He soon develops extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic abilities, but his transformation attracts unwanted attention from scientists, government officials, and suspicious neighbors. As George searches for answers, he must confront the human cost of becoming something nobody else can understand.

Factoids & Trivia

• The fictional town of Harmon was represented by Auburn, California. The production extensively altered the town's storefronts and facades to create the film's setting.

• Principal photography took place from October 9 through December 22, 1995. Other Northern California locations included Sonoma, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, San Francisco, and Bodega Bay.

• A major cornfield sequence was filmed with the help of digital effects because a suitable real crop was not available during the production's off-season.

• Thomas Newman composed the film's original score. The soundtrack also featured Eric Clapton's recording of "Change the World," produced by Babyface. The song won the 1997 Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

• Made for an estimated $32 million, the film earned approximately $152 million worldwide. It was released by Touchstone Pictures in July 1996 and later received a home-video release in 1997.