"Alien" is an excellent, smart and scary film. The dark and cold atmosphere created by director Ridley Scott sets up a sense of isolation and danger. One of the best scenes occurs when three of the crew members board a strange ship and find the fossilized remains of the craft's pilot, a giant, who is still frozen in time in his seat after being a host for the alien spawn. This scene alone demonstrates the wonders of great science fiction film making that is almost always forgotten or ignored in today's Sci-Fi.
After watching this for the first time in years, I realized that there is surprisingly little screen time for the alien itself. But it really doesn't matter because the director does a great job of building suspense and trusting that the viewer will use his imagination. This is really the coolest looking alien of any in the series other than the "Queen" alien of James Cameron's "Aliens" feature. The effects used to create the android Ash are amazing for the time, also. Especially in a scene where he is beaten by Parker. The way that Ash's head is dangling from his shoulders is truly demented fun.
This is a total "must see" for any science fiction or horror buff.
The Good:
The Bad:
I am not even going to try. This is pretty much a masterpiece and I cannot find any flaws with it.
Verdict:
The science fiction classic is an expertly crafted horror tale and a movie you just cannot skip!
Alien is a film that oozes with ambition and somehow in equal measure confidence. The world is so lived in, not just with the immaculate set of rust and practicality, but in its worldbuilding. The characters know this world, so they don't stop to dump exposition about it. We learn what we need to, and it allows us to focus on the things that matter. Like Ripley, revealing she was the hero all along because of how she balances her heart and her head. Weaver displays both wonderfully. There's Lambert's hidden heart of gold, with Kotto radiating charisma. There's Ash, masterfully portrayed in all his deceptive layers by Ian Holm.
And most of all, of course, is the alien and the fear it brings. A predator hunting prey, the costume looks fantastic, and all the better for how the lighting and angles obscure it until the right moments. The alien and Ash portray two opposite spectrums of horror. The alien being this primal natural animalistic thing that will use you for its circle of life without a thought or care because it’s an animal. And Ash is this highly unnatural construct that is just as unfeeling and will use you for its own means, but it’s not even survival or instinct, it’s greed and obedience. The chestburster scene is iconic for good reason, a surprise disruption of a casual scene thought to be safe. But I found Ash's reveal and his decapitation almost as unnerving, and his insides are portrayed as just inhuman as the alien's is. The parallel between these two scenes tie a bow over the movie, I think. The alien a fear of the unknown and primal. Ash, and Weyland-Yutani by extension, a fear of ourselves, of the learned and known greed in us overtaking us where we become just as alien and unfeeling as any other predator. It's the combination of the two that can tear us apart.
"Alien" is still remembered with merit not only of the film that started a billion-dollar franchise, but also as one of the most modern and tasteful examples of sci-fi horror. The plot is nothing revolutionary, and most of the characters are a little more than meat for the monster. It's the fortunate combination H.R. Giger's modern design and Ridley Scott's taut and precise direction that could elevate the Xenomorph to one of the most iconic monsters in history. Unlike its action-packed sequels, "Alien" focuses exclusively on slowly building up the tension with its dark and claustrophobic atmosphere, with endless silences and only measured appearances of the Xenomorph. Its appearances are sporadic and incredibly brief, but manage to create an increasing sense of anticipation and, at the same time, mask the limits of the special effects. A lot of the tensest moments actually happen when the Xenomorph is still off-screen. It's a Lovecraftian horror movie that plays on the psychological side, and that will not satisfy the ones looking for high-paced slasher carnages.
The innovative art direction was one of the first examples of "gothic" sci-fi in cinema, with gritty and slimy sets opposed to the colorful and monumental fantasy of films like "Star Wars" or "Planet of the Apes". The meticulous work on the special effects to recreate Giger's design stood the test of time incredibly well, the Xenomorph is a bit stiff but still, everything looks way more elegant and tasteful than any of the sequels. Cinematography and artwork are just on a whole different level.
How do you talk about a film that is basically flawless, I love Alien so much and in my opinion, it is Ridley Scotts best film as this film builds tension perfectly and the entire way through the film you can feel the fear of the characters. No matter how old this film is or how many times I have seen this film, I still find moments where I still feel really scared and I recommend watching the directors cut which actually does sharpen the story a bit.
Also, Sigourney Weaver (Ripley) is just so perfect in this film and she is absolutely iconic now because of these films. Funny thing is, the effects in this film hold up a little better than in Aliens (another classic) and I think that is because of how beautiful the sets are in this film and something modern film making is missing is that passion to actually build something beautiful which I feel like Ridley Scott needs to go back to this type of film making.
Another thing which people don't highlight enough is Bolaji Badejo (Alien), his performance as the Alien with his movements in that costume just makes this movie come together in my opinion, as the costume and his performance are just so menacing.
This is an essential film for anyone who loves films to watch.
Going to see Alien: Covenant right after this, I will have a review up hopefully soon.
I love the atmosphere in this movie. I'm a really huge fan of slow-burn silent kind-of creepy horror films that really souly on building suspense and building the world, rather than resorting to action or jumpscares. I think this is why I prefer Alien to Aliens, and The Terminator to Terminator 2. True horror movies, to me based on what I find scary, is relatable or likable characters being put in genuinely terrifying or claustrophobic situations.
What makes Alien effective is the location. Imagine yourself in Ellen Ripley's situation. Alone on an abandoned ship about to blow up, in very narrow corridors with no one else around, while an unstoppable killing machine is out to get you. That idea alone makes the movie, but the way Ridley Scott executes it, through the sound effects, lack of music, and pacing makes it one of the most tension-filled finales I've seen in a horror movie.
The rest of the movie is great too. There isn't much that happens in terms of story, but you grow attached to these characters as they get picked off one by one. You're constantly on the edge of you're seat anticipating what's going to come next. It's a constant up-hill battle as these group of characters try to figure out how they're going to defeat the alien life-form that's now loose on the ship. Sigourney Weaver, John Hurt, and Tom Skerritt are my favorites out of the cast of exceptional actors. They all do a good job with the material given to them, especially considering how dialogue-heavy the movie ends up being.
There isn't much else I can say, other than it's one of the best horror movies in history, with it's wonderful atmosphere and great setting, which many of follow-up movies tried to copy, but most end up failing to capture.
A fantastic time-capsule from the late '70s, the era of patient filmmaking, practical effects and potent new ideas. In borrowing from and expanding upon themes first incubated in Kubrick's 2001, director Ridley Scott delivers a vivid, tangible, chilling take on humanity's star-faring future.
The basic concept is devilishly simple: a hapless freighter crew lands on an uncharted planet, picks up a murderous uninvited guest, then spends the rest of the picture trying (and failing) to outlast it in a claustrophobic environment. But there's so very much more to it than that. Expert character development rewards us with an intensely human, accessible crew. It really hurts each time one of them succumbs to a howling, terrified death. The film represents a master class in tension-building, investing long spans of film in thick, dramatic pauses that pay dividends. It works as a social allegory, too: even generations from now, with our destiny amidst the stars, the working class draws the short straw and risks everything for a meager paycheck. And, perhaps most impressive of all, it's a jaw-dropping visual powerhouse. The style in this film is unmatched, from the fuzzy monitors and tangled wires aboard the flight deck to H.R. Geiger's legendary grotesque monster and environment designs. We enjoy a constant sense of wonder, awed by what we're seeing but grounded by the perceived physical reality of it all.
All this, and I haven't even mentioned the acting, direction or effects work. A sci-fi legend through and through, this is one of the best-realized (and finest-aging) genre torchbearers ever.
Ridley Scott's Alien, the first entry in the franchise, is a cinematic masterpiece. Scott's approach to filmmaking, with a focus on realism and a "less is more" attitude, has helped the film retain its impact even as technology has advanced. The Xenomorph, the film's iconic alien creature, is only present for four minutes, but its presence is felt throughout the film through its use of shadows and off-screen scares. The film began as a graduate student's project, but quickly gained traction and a larger budget after the success of George Lucas' Star Wars. The story follows the seven-member crew of the commercial spacecraft Nostromo as they investigate a transmission from a nearby moon. The film explores themes of commercialism and the value of human life. The performances from the cast, particularly Sigourney Weaver and John Hurt, are noteworthy and the film's iconic "chestbuster" scene remains a staple in the horror genre. The film's setting and atmosphere, from the claustrophobic interior of the Nostromo to the vast scale of the alien ship and moon, are expertly crafted and heighten the tension throughout the film. It's a blend of science fiction, horror and thriller, and a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Alien de Ridley Scott, la primera entrega de la franquicia, es una obra maestra cinematográfica. El enfoque de Scott para hacer cine, con un enfoque en el realismo y una actitud de "menos es más", ha ayudado a que la película mantenga su impacto incluso cuando la tecnología ha avanzado. El Xenomorfo, la criatura alienígena icónica de la película, solo está presente durante cuatro minutos, pero su presencia se siente a lo largo de la película a través del uso de sombras y sustos fuera de la pantalla. La película comenzó como un proyecto de estudiante de posgrado, pero rápidamente ganó fuerza y un mayor presupuesto después del éxito de Star Wars de George Lucas. La historia sigue a la tripulación de siete miembros de la nave espacial comercial Nostromo mientras investigan una transmisión de una luna cercana. La película explora temas de comercialismo y el valor de la vida humana. Las actuaciones del elenco, en particular de Sigourney Weaver y John Hurt, son dignas de mención y la icónica escena de "romper el pecho" de la película sigue siendo un elemento básico en el género de terror. El escenario y la atmósfera de la película, desde el claustrofóbico interior del Nostromo hasta la vasta escala de la nave alienígena y la luna, están diseñados por expertos y aumentan la tensión a lo largo de la película. Es una mezcla de ciencia ficción, terror y suspenso, y una visita obligada para los fanáticos del género.
Review by freinharVIP 10BlockedParent2019-04-25T00:32:08Z
Three major observations from someone who has re-watched both Alien and Aliens quite a few times (and has seen the sequels once each... let's not talk about those haha).
First: given these movies are 30-40 years old, it is insane how well they have held up, effects included. The practical effects work on both these movies is stunning.
Second: these two movies work so well together in tandem, and make perfect sense from a plot perspective with the 50 year gap since the Alien ship was first discovered in between. With Alien, Ridley Scott gave us a really tight, terrifying, what the fuck is going style sci-fi horror movie that still works a treat to this day. With Aliens, James Cameron expanded the narrative scope of the universe in a really interesting way, and made an action thriller that in many ways is just as tense and terrifying as the first movie - turns out that whether you're an unarmed crew or a squad of marines, the aliens are going to go through you like butter regardless.
Third: even when judged just by on its own, individual merits, Alien is an excellent movie. It's just seen it's 40th anniversary, and is still without equal in some areas. Set design that recognises cargo freighters are just as likely to be shit holes in space as they are on Earth. The alien chest bursting sequence - no matter how many times I've seen it, it still haunts me. The reveal of the Science Officer being an Android, the creepy way he stares and does nothing as the alien bursts from another crew member's chest, the gruesome and incredible practical effects when the surviving crew beat him to pieces while he continues to partly function...
And I haven't even started on the alien itself yet. Not only is the creature design spectacular, truly terrifying, and amazingly executed, but the way we get to see so little of it (only glimpses of certain parts at a time while it kills its way through the crew) until the whole creature is revealed to Ripley in the final sequence creates so much tension you probably shouldn't watch this movie if you have a heart condition.
There's nothing that hasn't already been said about Sigourney Weaver already, but her performance as Ripley is awesome. It starts off so low key, the frustration of constantly being overruled by male crew members even though she's the only one thinking clearly enough to look beyond the next 10 minutes, culminating in the fact that she is ultimately the only one strong, crafty, and determined enough to kill the alien and survive.
Whether you look at it as a thriller, a sci-fi movie, a horror film (or all of the above), it's a fantastic work when evaluated as part of any of these genres.
Concluding aside: Fox released a 40th anniversary version of the movie, remastered on 4K UHD Blu-ray. It looks spectacular and is easily worth the purchase if you have the right equipment.