Alien (1979)

 'ALIEN' was released in the summer of 1979 to an unsuspecting and ultimately shocked audience. No one had seen anything like this before. 'Star Wars' was the newest Sci-Fi epic and portrayed and epic adventure in space, but what 'ALIEN' brought us was a darker, grimier, and violent horror show in outer space, where there is NO escape. It will never be possible for someone my age to fully comprehend just how epic this film was to people back then and its something I will regret not being able to experience despite that futile mentality. All I can really talk about is my personal experience with the film and the 'ALIEN' franchise in general as we go through the series in anticipation of May 19th's 'Alien: Covenant'. The reviews will come as fast I can think of them before the release date of the newest film so stay tuned to Facebook for updates.

 I first stumbled upon 'ALIEN' when I was about 10 years old and my friend has gotten his hands on the VHS box set containing the first three films in the series. The box art and description fascinated me but ultimately, I was too cowardly to attempt to sneak them for fear of my parents catching me with them. My next experience would be during a trip to Walt Disney World in which we stepped on a ride called 'The Great Movie Ride' in which they took you through a visual history of films, with one area belonging to the Xenomorph himself as he attempted to attack the guests. I was scared beyond reason at this, but my interest once again peaked with this mysterious film.

Then I finally got my chance to see the movie in its entirety during its anniversary in which the 'Director's Cut' was released into select theaters. I watched it in that dark theater and forever loved this franchise. It was nothing like the more happy and brightly colored Science Fiction films I was used to. There were no laser guns, lightsabers, or cuddly creatures. This was a surprisingly grounded film with realistic technology and what you would imagine a spaceship would really be like when they finally got it all going. The film's style is definitely one of the aspects that helped it stand out and makes the film feel creepier. The dark hallways, the swinging chains and the dripping liquids and bright flashing alarm lights give this film an atmosphere like no other.

Being 10 years old at the time, you can probably guess that I wouldn't notice the highly sexual overtones that 'ALIEN' brought to the table, another aspect that must have been absolutely shocking back in 1979. Swiss artist H.R. Giger was a masterful artist and one that is sadly missed by his many loved ones and fans. He was truly like no other with his 'bio-mechanical' art that helped shaped the entire Xenomorph species and the worlds they inhabit. The behind the scenes work also are a story worth telling. This was only Ridley Scott's second movie and to think he could achieve so much with so little and more than seniors in his field that is some impressive work. This would also be Sigourney Weaver's first film and it would lead her to super stardom, landing roles in 'Ghostbusters', 'Working Girl', 'Avatar', and three 'Alien' sequels.

The rest of the cast does excellent work too and this is one of the best ensembles I've seen for any film, let alone a horror film most wanted to discard. John Hurt, Veronica Cartwright, Ian Holm, Tom Skerritt, Yaphet Kotto, and Harry Dean Stanton. How much better could that casting get? The cinematography is great too, with strong fog and steam mixed with a dark and moody atmosphere that sometimes places you in complete silence at times, ramping up the tension even in the non-horror movie moments. The film's opening is a perfect example with it taking its sweet time to introduce you to every aspect of the ship before you even see the crew. It sets up the film perfectly.

The score by Jerry Goldsmith is also noteworthy, although sadly you don't hear very much of it in the final product. This was due to studio interference and directorial differences, but what is there is still well worth mentioning. Also be sure to check out the full soundtrack, either as a special feature on the DVD and Blu-Ray or on CD by Intrada Records which is a nice 2 disc set. The film is likely better off with this entire score left out, as the more quiet moments are what helps make the film work, but I always hate to see music or deleted footage end up on the floor.

I would just like to mention the Director's Cut briefly, as it was the first edition of the film I saw. Re-watching it recently it holds up, but by far the original theatrical cut is the one to go with. While the additions do help with some character development and a infamous deleted scene was placed back in more likely for fans than for the director himself they are all rather uneccesary and add nothing overall. The deleted scene in question involves the creature turning a character into an Egg for further reproduction, however this theory has since become a dead one so you know what I mean. The other scenes are just dialogue or extra violence and I think overall they lower the film's tension and thrills. The original is still the best by far.

'ALIEN' is truly special. It's more than just a horror sci-fi film and it's more than a pop culture phenomenon. It was a revolution in filmmaking and had a huge impact more than 35 years ago that is still being felt today in multiple mediums. You've likely all seen 'ALIEN' many times before, but I'd thought I'd give you a reason to pop it back in and give it a fresh watch before the newest one graces our silver screen.

ALIEN: (A+)