The Illustrated Man

Don't dare stare at the illustrated man.

1969 • 103 min • Science Fiction · Drama · Horror

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Synopsis

A man who has a body almost completely covered in tattoos is searching for the woman who cursed him with the "skin illustrations". Each tattoo reveals a bizarre story, which is experienced by staring at the scene depicted. When the illustrated man meets a fellow tramp on the road a strange voyage begins.

Our family guide

Best from age 12

Movie Knight Score

73 reviews

56 Audience · 73 · 100%

An outcast covered in prophetic tattoos wanders the countryside, his skin depicting unsettling tales of possible futures. He shares these visions with a companion, revealing stories of space exploration, survival, and a looming end. The film explores themes of destiny and human nature through these bizarre vignettes.

Violence & peril: 4/10
Language: 2/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 3/10
Romance & sensuality: 3/10
Scary moments: 5/10

Heads up

Some brief, non-graphic nudity
Themes of loneliness and despair
Characters face various perils

What it models well

The nature of storytelling
Acceptance of differences
Consequences of actions

Talk about it after

How might people react to someone who looks very different?
What are the pros and cons of knowing the future?
How do different characters cope with difficult situations?

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for The Illustrated Man. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.