Resident Alien (1990)
5 votes
At age 73, writer and melancholy master of the bon mot, Quentin Crisp (1908-1999), became an Englishman in New York. Nossiter's camera follows Crisp about the streets of Manhattan, where Crisp seems very much at home, wearing eye shadow, appearing on a makeshift stage, making and repeating wry observations, talking to John Hurt (who played Crisp in the autobiographical TV movie, "The Naked Civil Servant"), and dining with friends. Others who know Crisp comment on him, on his life as an openly gay man with an effeminate manner, and on his place in the history of gays' social struggle. The portrait that emerges is of one wit and of suffering.
Read the Resident Alien feature →Where to watch Resident Alien
All countries & options →
Showing US. Availability data by JustWatch.
Top billed cast
Full cast & crew →
Quentin CrispSelf
Peter WalkerThe BumGilbert StaffordMan on StreetGus RogersonStreet PerformerMichaela MurphyStreet Performer
John SexSelfFelicity MasonDinner Hostess / Writer
Fran LebowitzWriterGuy KettelhackWriter
John HurtActorRichard SeiburthProfessorHunter MadsonWriterKeywords
Movie DNA
More like this
More Documentary →
Viewing moment
Viewing moment
Viewing moment
Viewing moment
Viewing moment
Viewing moment
Viewing moment
Viewing moment
Viewing moment
Viewing moment
Viewing moment
Viewing momentFrequently asked questions about Resident Alien
What is Resident Alien about?
At age 73, writer and melancholy master of the bon mot, Quentin Crisp (1908-1999), became an Englishman in New York. Nossiter's camera follows Crisp about the streets of Manhattan, where Crisp seems very much at home, wearing eye shadow, appearing on a makeshift stage, making and repeating wry observations, talking to John Hurt (who played Crisp in the autobiographical TV movie, "The Naked Civil Servant"), and dining with friends. Others who know Crisp comment on him, on his life as an openly gay man with an effeminate manner, and on his place in the history of gays' social struggle. The portrait that emerges is of one wit and of suffering.
How long is Resident Alien?
Resident Alien has a runtime of 83 minutes.
Where can I watch Resident Alien?
Open the Vlovu watch guide for current streaming, rental, and purchase options.