Alien Movie
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Storyline
TAGLINES
Just one can kill seven.
In space no one can hear you scream.
It's Alien, the 8th passenger.
The scariest movie ever made... just got scarier. (UK 2003 re-release)
A word of warning...
In space no one can hear you scream... This Halloween in theatres, everyone will hear you scream (Re-Release)
While returning from a deep-space mission, the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo is awakened by a supposed SOS call from a system they are passing through. Descending to the planet's surface, they discover a strange derelict spaceship - the apparent source of the transmission - and one of the crew descends into the hold. What he finds are thousands of strange alien eggs. While examining one of the eggs, it hatches and the parasite inside attacks him. After returning to the Nostromo the crew takes off again to head for Earth. The alien parasite subsequently dies and all seems well again. But what no one knows is that another alien is quietly forming within its host - and when it emerges, the crew finds itself in serious trouble...
| Ian Holm | Ash |
| Sigourney Weaver | Ripley |
| John Hurt | Kane |
| Harry Dean Stanton | Brett |
| Veronica Cartwright | Lambert |
| Tom Skerritt | Dallas |
| Yaphet Kotto | Parker |
| Bolaji Badejo | Alien |
| Helen Horton | Mother |
| Ridley Scott |
8.40 out of 10 (73527 votes)
Visitor Reviews
The most sinister movie ever...
posted on 12 Aug 2009Ridley Scott's 1979 masterpiece 'Alien' is one of the finest movies ever made. It begins with a fairly lethargic pace and mood, but there is an initial darkness right from the beginning, even though nothing much is happening.It also has a very raw atmosphere, as everything looks realistic compared to the hocus-pocus of other science fiction such as 'Star Wars'. There are some very solid performences, especially from star-in-the-making Sigourney Weaver, the ever brilliant Ian Holm and one of the most admirable actors of the era, Harry Dean Stanton.One of the most credible things about the film is the lighting and sound.
Both have been engineered to add to the atmosphere and it is both of them that give it its fearsomeness. The sound is particularly frightening at times, and the moody lighting always captures the best image to make us sit on the edge of our seats. Throughout the film, we can sense something that is scary, which is down to the brilliant way that Scott and the rest of the crew have executed everything.Easily the most sinister movie ever.
(Dubbed) AAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!
posted on 09 Aug 2009Star Wars for grown ups? Oh no it's completely different! This is a chilling suspence thriller all the way!A bunch of astronauts on there way home to earth...they get a distress call...they don not ignore the call, and they embark on some visitors of the "Oh my God NOOOOOOOOO! Argggghhhh!" kind!Maybe Ridley Scotts finest 116 minutes!
I remain underwhelmed, I'm afraid
posted on 03 Aug 2009This film is quite popular, at least judging from it's rating(as I'm writing this, it's placed #50 on the top 250 list). I realize that this was probably a benchmark for special effects when it was made, but now the effects seem incredibly dated(which they don't, at the very least to the same extent, in pieces from the same period, best example being Star Wars), and many scenes seem clichéd today, even though I suppose they were fresh when it was made. I guess the main problem with the thing is that it doesn't age well, but I also think it lacks too much in both character development and humor... just a little comic relief would have made the nearly two hours go by so much easier(for me, this merely gets slower and less watchable with each repeated viewing). Attempts at making you laugh fall flat on their faces. There are far more unintentional laughs to be had, at various corny and odd things(why does this have so much weird stuff in it, and why do the people who love it just accept that?). More often than not, to me(and one person I know who *loves* these movies), this just ends up being too hard to take seriously. I'm willing to entertain the theory that Ridley Scott's stuff just isn't for me, I've yet to be amazed by him. For how much sheer, unsynthesized acting talent this has, the players have next to nothing to work with(they do turn in fine performances). Nonetheless, the film does manage to scare me and provide some shocks, even though I've seen this and the other films at least three times before. The film manages to establish a pretty nicely done, spooky atmosphere that lasts for most of the film, despite its shortcomings and the very formulaic ending. The plot isn't bad, and it takes off almost immediately, keeping you fairly interested. The characters are so-so, though there aren't any really startlingly poorly written ones. The creature effects are decent enough, and they do not fail to impress at least a little. The editing has moments that are just strange, the cinematography has reasonably little to offer. Props to whoever ensured that the realism was kept at such a high level. The sets, and in general the production design, is all well-done(some is nothing short of breathtaking). I've read one suggestion that stories set where this is and similar are more straining on the audience, and they are more likely to be bored, in spite of the potential talent possessed by those who put it together... I'm inclined to agree. There is some language, and violence as well as gore is also featured herein. I have to admit, I see this as valuable more as an introduction to the world of the title creature, and find, for example, Cameron's expansion of, and further adventure within, it considerably more worthwhile. Don't expect a masterpiece, and prepare to test your patience, especially if you've seen many of these films. The "Director's Cut"(though he feels the original fits that bill better... hey, at least it's not as bad as the alternate name, "Extended Version", which is even a misnomer as it *shortens* the overall length) adds a few things, which you may find worth a look, if you like it(not that there are that many, I count five chapters with additions in the DVD's own breakdown). The commentary track is an OK enough listen, some of the stuff said is cool to hear. I recommend it to fans of alien-type science fiction, and fans of sci-fi horror films(as such, it's good enough) in general. I suggest any possible Alien-fans to-be to start with this film, rather than any of the other films. The series works best in correct order. 7/10
Brilliant for so many reasons...
posted on 31 Jul 2009I don't think people really remember how groundbreaking this film really was. As both a horror and a science fiction movie, it set an all new standard. While Star Wars really gets the credit for taking science fiction to the next level, let's be honest - it's a kid's movie and it feels like a kid's movie. The special effects were...hell, are...great. But it's still sterile. It's Saturday afternoon matinee. It's laser beams and guys in rubber suits. Alien took science fiction and made it feel like science fact. Everything about the movie screamed real...and that upset a lot of people.1. The premise - this wasn't space jockeys or princesses or even astronauts "exploring space". This was "space as resource" - humans taking advantage of other planets for mining ore. Boring, dirty, and a nice reality check for science fiction.2. The crew - one-dimmensional and unlikeable? You bet. No stereotypes here at all - no dashing captains, no tough guys, no blonde beauties. These were working class folks - blue collar truckers. Everything about the dialogue and behavior rings completely true. They don't really give a s*** about each other, they panic...they just want to go home, get some decent food, and collect their shares.3. The creature - holy s***, are you kidding me? Does anyone remember how much this movie freaked people out? People could not...and still can't...deal with it. It was just the most horrific thing anyone had ever seen. It took "shocking" to a whole new place. Everything about it was just so disgustingly real - from the grime and goop to the slime and blood - no one had ever seen anything like. It was your worst nightmare...only worse. The thing didn't attach itself to his arm or his back or his neck - the bulbous, spider-like, slimy, disgusting thing attached itself to HIS FACE. And then, after LAYING AN EGG INSIDE HIM, the new creature came EXPLODING OUT OF HIS CHEST. Take a step back for a minute. Time and other movies have dulled the experience a bit...but can you imagine seeing this for the first time when the only horror and sci-fi you'd ever seen was 2001 and Psycho? And it all rang true, like the Discover channel's version of "When Aliens Attack"...the kind of disgustingly messy and painful reproduction that only nature could come up with.4. The robot - C3-PO...puh-lease. This movie is messy and disgusting, just like real life. No wires and circuit boxes. You want an android that looks and acts human, then you're going to have to think out of the box. An android like that is gonna be messy and gross inside...it's gonna be filled with liquid and fuel and god knows what else. When this android flips it's wig, his head ain't gonna disconnect for Chewbacca to screw it back on. You're gonna need a flamethrower to clean the mess up. Again, reality creeps its way into science fiction in a way no one had ever even thought of before.5. The pace - sorry, no laser fights. This movie, like the best horror movies (the Shining and Halloween), builds slowly. It's about atmosphere...and this films has it in spades. You know something bad is going to happen, but you don't know what. Instead, you just watch the gorgeous sets and backdrops as the tension builds. And when it's time for dinner, the timer goes off and all hell breaks lose...in a way you never imagined.6. The dialogue - "Hey man, the food ain't that bad", Parker jokes as Kane begins choking. That sums up the dialogue - real. The characters may have been unlikable, but they were real. Almost too real. There are parts of the film, as the characters mumble and talk over one another, that almost have a documentary feel to it.Nearly 25 years later, this is one of the most brilliant, groundbreaking, and genuinely horrific and beautiful films ever made. A masterpiece.
A VERITABLE SCI-FI HORROR CLASSIC!
posted on 31 Jul 2009The brilliance of "Alien" is that it staged itself for a good sequel, "Aliens". I admire this film for many reasons. The macabre is realistic and never seems heavy handed. The acting is excellent across the board. The variety of personalities amongst the crew members works well with the growth and tension in the plot. This film is an example of why Sci-Fi films need to have more "science" and less "fiction". "Alien" blends both ideas beautifully. In many ways this film was ahead of its time. Purists will argue whether this film is science fiction or pure Gothic horror. SPOILER: Best Scenes: When "Dallas" (Tom Skerrit) crawls through the air tunnels to search for the villain. The claustrophobic atmosphere ensues and deepens when he orders "Ripley" (Sigourney Weaver) to close all the hatches behind him. He seems very brave and sure that he can handle the task. However this feeling subsides quickly as they inform him over the radio that the radar shows the creature approaching him closer and closer. Dallas suddenly loses his conviction as he looks around frantically to see where it is. The shot scenes of Ripleys face and him back and forth are cinematic genius and very effective. Dallas loses hope and says, "Tell me exactly where it is, I want to get the hell outta here"!.....Very Suspenseful, Very scary. Dallas was the main guy in charge and we didn't expect him to die this soon. The four remaining survivors seem feeble without "Parker" (Yaphet Kotto).When they discover Ash (Ian Holm) is an android sent by the government after Parker smashes him over the head with a Fire extinguisher. When they reconnect Ashes tubes from all the milk and muck it looks very realistic. To make his voice at this point sound phonated and artificial was a brilliant move on Ridley Scott.Ripley's final escape to abort the Spacehub (Nostromo) was a chiller and very riveting. As she diligently processes all the buttons and detonating devices we are on a huge adrenalin rush. The suspense never lags. Mother's heartless words are exclaimed over the intercom: T-Minus 10 minutes, Ship will self destruct in T-Minus 5 minutes. It's a real heart thumper!The choice for her and the cat to have a happy ending is only evident of their successful escape. I had heard rumors of an ending where they were going to have the cat suddenly spew alien tentacles as they were flying back home. But Ridley Scott reconsidered because he felt that would have been too dark of an ending.
You Don't Want to Go There
posted on 31 Jul 2009This is the ultimate fright fest. From the planet these junk dealers come to, to the appearance of the monster and subsequent events, this is one wild ride. First of all, there is a bleakness and an eeriness. These people are on a salvage mission, trying to bring things back to sell. They have been victimized by their own bosses. When they go down to the planet, they have not been told what lies there. There is a darkness to everything. It isn't the romantic explorer thing of a Star Trek or the use of a sophisticated starship. This is a big space barge. When the man is brought back from the surface with that thing on his face, we know that there is something coming. The scene following is one of the most startling and disgusting I've ever seen (in a positive way). The alien is a true threat, dripping corrosive venom and poison blood, terrorizing the ship, leaving one person to combat it. If there is a more claustrophobic, terrifying movie than this, I'd like to know what it is. The other Alien movies don't quite make the grade because they draw on way too much of the same thing and it seems forced.
Scary!
posted on 28 Jul 2009This is a very well done movie. I am a huge fan of Ridley Scott's movies and I have to say this is one of his best(next to Bladerunner). It has some of the best scary moments ever. Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) Has to survive against the beast from hell after the whole crew gets killed. Great Plot, Great Cast, and Great scary Moments.As soon as i see the sequels I'll see if they live up to its first movie. So what are you waiting for go see it!
One of the best movies ever made!
posted on 28 Jul 2009I give it a 10/10 without doubt. I am not giving it a 10/10 out of compassion but because of the creative and cinematographic (relative)perfection. Please mind that even though it has a new directors cut re-release, this movie is actually a full 25 years old!!! Even when you watch it now it stands it own and that is the magnificence of the art-director and of Ridley Scott, the film director.Ah then you get to see one of the best (or simply the best) female action heroes ever created on screen. Sigourney Weaver is just so memorable. Please don't forget that the brilliance of this movie launched a whole quadrology. That itself is a testament to this first one: Alien. The second one Aliens directed by James Cameroon is an epic in itself but much of the foundation was (perhaps inadvertently) laid by Ridley Scott in this movie. Please note another side effect was that female heroes were used by Hollywood after this movie in very big productions.Each shot, each scene and sequences build up the film in a fantastic manner that is old school but still so difficult to achieve. It is like Da Vinchi's painting. It is old school style. But still difficult to do. Story is about the crew of a mining ship who end up with an alien while answering an SOS call. Alien: not as in an illegal immigrant (er.. this is not a political movie about borders and immigration...) Alien as in the most scary creature ever devised. Truly alien. In every way it is so brilliant. I had a great experience when I watched it again. Definitely one of the all time greatest movies.
Everyone heard me scream!!! S p O i L e R s
posted on 22 Jun 2009Well here is where it all started back in 1979 with the Alien series, which some people have always found to be a bit hit and miss, many citing the third film as the weakest and the fourth film to be little more than a joke, but i find all the films to be quite simply stunning.This is my favourite of the four films, introducing Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley as the main character, althoug she is not shown in the film as the main character until near the end, as all the cast have fairly large parts to play.The plot been a space ship floating through space receives a distress call from a nearby planet, upon getting to the planet a few of the crew go and investigate it, one of them being Kane (John Hurt) who upon wandering this very dark place, finds an area that he stumbles into alone that has eggs in it. While examining the eggs one of the eggs opens and as Kane peers into the egg, a creature (what became known as a face hugger)leaps from the egg attaching itself to Kanes face. Other members of the crew find him and drag him back to the ship, whereupon Ripley refuses to let them in, due to quarantine restrictions after discovering the creature attached to Kanes face. The very odd medical/science officer Ash (Ian Holm) opens the doors for them to come in, they attempt to remove the creature but cant, which later falls off by itself and Kane seems fine.The film moves sometimes at a snails pace but it builds the tension, as a few scenes later they are all sat at a table eating, when Kane suddenly starts a violent coughing fit, which suddenly appears to be very serious indeed, laid out on the table the others try and restrain him and try and make sure he can breathe, at this point major credit must go to John Hurt for his remarkable performance during this scene of presenting a suffocating expression with one of immense pain, while writhing about in agony on the table, at which point a small creature bursts straight through his chest, while it looks around with everyone stunned it runs off away and hides. Thus the first sighting of the actual Alien.This is where the film suddenly kicks into action as the creature which had by now grown to gargantuan proportions stalks the crew eliminating them one by one, in the final altercation with the only survivor being Ripley who manages to escape on board an escape vessel after blowing up the main ship, the alien follows her on board and after a tense encounter is finally blown out of an airlock by Ripley.This film i first saw when i was extremely young, and i would say it was the scariest film i've ever seen (perhaps The Shining more so now), the whole alien chest burst scene, the shocking revelation of what Ash actually is, the whole hunting down of the crew, ultra creepy film, which still looks good today.
A Classic
posted on 19 Jun 2009Synopsis:
The commercial starship Nostromo is on its' lengthy voyage back to Earth. The seven crew members in stasis. A radio message is picked up by the ships computer, but is it a greeting or an SOS. Things take a turn for the worse when the crew investigates the signal and its; horrifying cause.Acting:
The acting is all top notch. All the actors make the characters there own with little nuances mannerisms. True some of the minor characters are a bit underwritten but they hardly suffer. Direction / Writing:
The direction and writing is spot on with a slant towards early filmmaking: slow build up to kinetic end. Some other threads have said that the film has no scares but I say that an atmosphere is created in the film with punctuation by the occasional boo. Photography / Editing:
Vanlint give the film a very claustrophobic feel at times that helps things along. The production designers created one hell of a detailed ship that is amazing in it's' detail. The editing is wonderful. It really shows off the detail of the ship. Sex / Nudity:
We are treated to a very sleek and sexy, totally bald @ssed creature, but other than that don't get your hopes up. Sleaze:
Here we got nothing either. Ripley in a t-shirt and panties is all you get unless you count the sleazy science officer. Overall / Parting Remarks:
I consider this SciFi / Horror hybrid to be a classic. A lot of good stuff was put into this production to ensure its continued success. The film shows its' age just a little with its' computer screens and ending explosion though. Now for the new director's cut. I found it nice to see these added scenes in the film. While not really necessary it does offer more for the fans. Most of the scenes go seamlessly back into the film and neither adds nor subtract anything major. The inclusion of the Dallas scene at the end does kind of slow up the finale a bit but nothing major.
One of Ridley Scott's greatest achievements
posted on 01 Jun 2009I liked many things about this film that make it unique from the others, and contribute to the tension in the atmosphere. Firstly, the miniscule cast. It consisted of nine people, including the alien and the cat (not really a person), whom we really get to know and relate to. The characters are well developed, the acting fine. Next, the claustrophobic and tense atmosphere. Everything that goes on is in the same ship, making for (almost) no escape, hence the claustrophobic effect. When some of the crew check out the alien ship, the atmosphere is very tense as we don't know what will happen next. Next, the way it didn't feel staged in any way. It felt REAL, which was the whole point. The conversations weren't just one person talking at a time, rather several at once. This contributes to the realistic ambience making it generally more terrifying. It has to be said, the alien has to be one of the most intimidating ever designed, with it's double mouth etc. I'd be scared out of my wits if I came into contact with something such as that! The excellent camerawork was a brilliant contribution to the chaotic feeling surrounding the events, it that it was very rough and raw, making us feel like we're there and that this is no simple studio production (it almost feels documentary-esque). One final thing would be to mention Jerry Goldsmith's amazing score for the film. It was a completely new genre of score, unorthodox in every sense, dark, haunting, chilling, you think of it it draws it out from you. Definitely not an action score. The imagination in this film is overwhelming, for example, the android, the alien (obviously), the conspiracy (is that a spoiler?), the ship, the hypersleep, EVERYTHING!!. That's what makes this film so great. It is the pioneer of its genre, and as such is is unparalleled by anything else. As a butter advert on the TV once said: "Often copied, but never equalled"
A horror classic that has stood the test of time! Still by far the best movie in the series.
posted on 29 May 2009'Alien' while technically science fiction is also one of the greatest horror/suspense movies ever made. Ridley Scott is now one of the most well known and successful directors in Hollywood, but I don't think anything he's made in the last ten years is a patch on this perfect film, which is a near masterpiece in my opinion. In fact, on reflection there are only three Scott movies I genuinely like, those being his first three. The last of these 'Blade Runner' was released twenty years ago now, so to me Scott is long past his use by date. Whatever, 'Alien' itself is a brilliant piece of work, and is almost flawless. Scott's direction is superb and everything else about it is outstanding - a strong script from Dan O'Bannon et al, an evocative score from Jerry Goldsmith, brilliant design and special effects, including the amazing contributions from H.R.Giger, all add up to an amazing movie experience. I also really liked how the cast were character actors and not "stars" so there was plenty of suspense generated as to who will live and who will die. This is something very few subsequent movies have done, 'Pitch Black' being one of the exceptions. Sigourney Weaver may be an icon as Ripley now, but when the movie was first released she was virtually unknown, having had a small cameo in Woody Allen's 'Annie Hall' and not much else. The rest of the cast are equally as good. I especially enjoyed Yaphet Kotto ('Blue Collar') and the legendary Harry Dean Stanton ('Wise Blood') as the wise cracking "below deck" crew. Many people seem to prefer James Cameron's sequel 'Aliens' over this, but as I much prefer horror and suspense movies to action ones I think this is definitely the better movie, and still the strongest and most effective in the series. 'Alien' is a horror classic and an absolutely unforgettable movie that I can't recommend highly enough. If you haven't seen it before watch it immediately!
A Must See
posted on 26 May 2009I always think that you can tell a little about a person's taste in films if you ask them to tell you which they prefer, Alien, or it's sequel Aliens. Both are excellent movies, but Alien is deeper, darker and scarier. The atmosphere of this movie is electric and without going into too much detail, one particular scene around the dinner table still scares me after repeated watchings. I watched it again last night and found myself unconsciously clenching my teeth and grimacing - a rarity now that so many films attempt to shock.If you like your Science Fiction to have brains over brawn - Alien fits the bill. It's riveting from start to finish and amongst the shocks, there's some interesting ideas. The special effects are set design are first class, the acting excellent and it's shot beautifully.See all the Alien movies (yes - even Alien3 is worth a watch) but this one is the best. If you're not normally a fan of the genre but you like intelligent thrillers, try this and you may be converted.
The best of the "Alien" series.* * * * *
posted on 17 May 2009"Alien" is a dark tour of suspense and terror which grabs ahold of the viewer,wrapping that viewer with elements of simplifying atmosphere of sci-fi terror.It's a film that has elements of darkness,making us feel vulnerable at times.The highpoint of this film is that it still stands towering above it's three sequels and it's imitators.I enjoyed all four "Alien" films. What makes this film such a classic is the way director Ridley Scott puts characters into certain situations that makes us feel vulnerable.The trailer for the film,the narrator says,"In space,no one can hear you scream".Ridley Scott reminds us that we are really in space and that in space there is no escape from terror."Alien" is the kind of sci-fi,horror film that set the standard for films today like"Event Horizon",although that was a supernatural film,it was still set on a spaceship.This film is a truly a classic for it's kind and the visual effects are tremendously spectacular."Alien" is the real classic of sci-fi horror films.
Horrific Good Time....
posted on 14 May 2009When this first came out in '79, the TV ads themselves scared the living beans out of me. Never mind that I was only 14 at the time; they would have done the trick if I were 54! Little did I know just how frightening the actual movie would be!"Alien"'s story-line has more to do with the old sci-fi film "It! The Terror from Beyond Space", about an alien who sneaks aboard a spaceship and terrorizes its passengers. Of course, there's light-years difference between Ray "Crash" Corrigan and this beast. The plot remains the same, save for more modern tweaks and advances in technique. And the actors herein are all in peak form. Starting with the ever-radiant Weaver and continuing with Skeritt, Kotto, Stanton, Hurt, Holm and Cartwright, everyone does a fantastic job under the carefully-wrought direction of Scott, modulating terror and amazement at once as the alien gets aboard ship, terrorizing, attacking and destroying all in its path. It would be unfair to divulge more than that, as this is less a film than an experience; one best left to be witnessed in a pitch-black room with a pillow clutched tightly in your arms. If you are a serious fan of sci-fi and/or horror, this is the film for your collection. There are so many great scenes, classic moments and downright wonderment with outer space along with the terror of the situation that "Alien" is rightly considered a landmark in the realms of sci-fi and, as other reviewers have noted, stands the test of time. As for myself, I'll take this film over any of its latter-day rip-offs any day.Ten stars and a bronzed Face-Hugger for "Alien", a classic example of just what a bad alien can do, especially in the last twenty minutes of this film.Talk about a bonus situation.
Two things I always wondered ...
posted on 08 May 2009I haven't read all the comments here but apparently noone asked the obvious question: How can the alien grow so fast? The film is almost in real time, and in a couple of hours the little squeeker has turned into an 8 foot behemoth.And then it stops. None of the aliens (except for the queens) ever gets taller than that. And most of them in "Aliens" were probably much older than the one in "Alien". Now every medical man would agree: popping up in height like that would give you serious joint and coordination problems.Ridley Scott calls it "exotic biomechanoid". Oh, NOW I get it.One other thing: I can see why activating the self construction program for the ship is such an elaborate procedure. But turning it off again? There should be a simple Esc key in case you change your mind or forgot your wallet. Man, this space ship engineer obviously has never been chased by an alien AND had to rescue a cat at the same time."Alien" is a milestone in suspense cinema. It blew me away 20 years ago and never stopped amazing me since. But if you want to maintain it's fright factor full force, don't watch the "Making of".
In space stories can run out of steam
posted on 08 May 2009"Alien" is Ridley Scott's acclaimed horror science-fiction film about a killer alien on a spaceship. It features excellent special effects and scenes and a clever use of lighting techniques. Sigourney Weaver is strong as the film's lead and Ian Holm is memorable as the ship's science officer. John Hurt is also in the film as the ship's executive officer, but is underutilized in the role.Where "Alien" suffers is in its story or more appropriately its lack of. Characterization in the film is limited and there is only one interesting twist in the plot, which was enjoyable, but represented only a small part in the film. The story is quite run-of-the-mill and barely developed beyond the fact that there is an alien bent on indiscriminately killing members of the ship's crew. The lack of story development made "Alien" seem long and mostly tedious.
Uniquely frightening scenes!
posted on 02 May 2009For the first time a "space" commander was a woman. The special effects were well done and the characters well developed.Special effects were in their infancy and when the Alien erupted from a human stomach the entire audience reacted.Even today the Alien is scaring people at Disney World!
NOT overrated
posted on 23 Apr 2009Alien is a movie that some may claim is overrated, but it is not overrated, it is forgotten. People don't realize what a massive shock this film was and still will be for future generations not desensitized by hype that unfortunately makes certain people approach it with an arrogant "give me your best shot" attitude. This is a patient horror film, that will never be touched. Anyone who says it is overrated is in my opinion an ignorant snob trying to start fights for no reason. There is no way this film is overrated, there is nothing else like it and it will never be duplicated even though everything after it has tried. How can this movie be overrated when it set the standard for Sci/Fi horror? Name one movie that came after ALIEN that either took place in space or involved creatures from outer space that didn't in some way rip it off? I pity the poor bastard who forgets history and has spit on classic and original films just to make a name for themselves. Alien is not overrated, and anyone says so will only end up exposing themselves as an ignorant fraud who knows nothing of greatness. It is easy to arrogantly claim that this film is overrated, and there will be many more cynical bitter fools to follow, but none of them will ever in their entire lives be anything more than an ignorant snob pissing on greatness just to be heard. I believe those who say Alien is overrated will find that is it their self image, intelligence and tastes that are overrated, not this immortal film.
The Power of Atmosphere Triumphs
posted on 30 Aug 2009I recently read a review here on IMDb and was astounded to hear that the reviewer thought this a mediocre film and I'm sorry to say that the people who do not find this a sci-fi horror classic are stupid and/or have no vision of what makes a good film. As I see it a good film is comprised of a few static elements.First of all a good film is based on a good story and Alien has a very gripping albeit slow paced story that ultimately is as gripping as stories where the story is faster paced (e.g. Starwars). The story by Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusset is innovative and as previously stated gripping and this combined with a brilliant flow makes the two hours the film lasts seem like much less. The story also contains one of the most memorable scenes in modern film history: the chest burster scene and the little twist with Ian Holm at the end of the movie is pure genius.The second thing a good film needs is good acting and the acting in Alien is still top notch. Even though I'm not a big fan of Sigourney Weaver I admit that she does very well in this film and judging from her acting in this film its certainly understandable why she went on to become an icon in the movie business. Secondly we have Tom Skerrit also not one of my favorite actors but his sequence in the ventilation system truly shows the depth of his talent. He actually seems genuinely scared. The secondary characters played by Harry Dean Stanton, Veronica Cartwright John Hurt and Yaphet Kotto also do very well. Of these especially John Hurt does very well. The best actor in the film and also one of the best actors ever is of course Ian Holm. The way he plays a android or robot is brilliant. His coolness throughout the film has actually been a clever sign of his robotic nature.The directing is the third and final component of making a very good film. Ridley Scott really shows his talent in this early film and it is obvious to see why he has gone on to become such a prominent figure in the film world. The only film he has made that has bested this breathtaking experience is Blade Runner The way he directed the film gave it a look which the following Alien films tried to replicate but failed. He also succeeds in giving the film atmosphere through elaborate sets and decent effects both sound and visual.Put all this in a mix together and you've got a master piece 9/10