Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Alien (1979)
In space no one can hear you scream.Have you ever heard the phrase, "In space no one can hear you scream"?
Chances are, you have. Have you ever watched the movie "Alien"? If not, you definitely should.
"Alien" was a groundbreaking film when it was released. Much of what made it compelling has since permeated popular culture, yet it continues to be a thrilling and engaging movie.
Be warned, spoilers lie ahead.
In today's cinematic world, we are no strangers to movies featuring strong women leading the charge and kicking some serious butt. However, back in 1979, this was far from the norm. There were practically no big-budget action or thriller movies where a female held the reins.
Brace yourself for some serious spoilers!!!
Films such as Psycho, The Thing from Another World, and Night of the Living Dead all showcased characters being gradually eliminated, one by one. But what was truly revolutionary about Alien, apart from the enthralling premise of an alien hunting down spacemen, was the twist that all the male characters ended up dead, leaving only a woman to fight the beast.
The movie would still be a cinematic masterpiece even without this unexpected twist. But in the context of the 70s, a time when the concept of a woman possessing the strength to accomplish what men could not had not been thoroughly explored, it was truly a game-changer.
Today, Sigourney Weaver is a household name. But back then, she was a complete unknown. She wasn't even billed as the lead. Imagine the shock of expecting the lead actor to be the hero, only for him to die towards the end of the film. In fact, all the men are either dead or incapacitated. All that's left is this unknown actress and an alien that seems virtually invincible. This bold and unexpected narrative choice is what sets Alien apart, and why it still resonates with audiences today.
- You are below the age of 17, as the movie is rated R.
- You have a weak stomach or are sensitive to gory scenes.
- You can't handle suspense or thriller movies.
- You dislike science fiction or horror genres.
- You fear dark, claustrophobic environments.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Alien" (1979)? I mean, let's talk about the alien itself. Not exactly, E.T.-phone home, huh? This thing bursts out of a guy's chest, for crying out loud! It's like the worst case of indigestion ever. You thought your last bout of heartburn was bad? Try having an alien make its grand entrance via your rib cage.
And how about those face-huggers? Talk about invasive! They’re like the universe’s worst party guests. They show up uninvited, stick around way too long, and wont get out of your face!
And then there's Ripley. Sigourney Weaver playing the only person who seems to keep their wits about them. But she's constantly ignored! It's like if you were on a sinking ship and the only person who knew how to use the lifeboats was being constantly overruled. I mean, a little more listening, a little less alien infestation, people!
In the end, it's a story about a crew who really should have stopped the mansplaining and started with the man listening. Remember, in space, no one can hear you scream...or hear you say "I told you so."
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
"Alien" (1979) and "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) are masterpieces of their respective genres, science fiction and psychological thriller, that share a common thread of suspense, fear, and strong female protagonists. They are both atmospheric and character-driven, utilizing the horror of the unknown and unseen to create tension and dread. Furthermore, they both delve into the psyche of their antagonists (the alien creature and Hannibal Lecter) who are terrifying yet intriguing, contributing to the overall thrilling and unsettling tone of the films. Thus, fans of the suspenseful and chilling storytelling in "Alien" will likely appreciate "The Silence of the Lambs" as well.
Jaws (1975)"Alien" and "Jaws" are iconic films that masterfully blend elements of horror and suspense. They share a similar plot structure where a group of individuals, in confined spaces (a spaceship in Alien and a small island town in Jaws), are forced to confront an unseen, malevolent creature. The fear is amplified through the brilliant use of suspense and atmospheric tension, with the directors, Ridley Scott and Steven Spielberg respectively, withholding full views of the creatures until key moments. This tactic heightens the sense of dread and unpredictability. Both films also boast stellar performances, memorable scores, and have left a lasting impact on the thriller and horror genres.
Blade Runner (1982)If you loved "Alien," you will definitely enjoy Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner." It's not a genre clone by any means, but it shares the director's stunning visual style, moody atmosphere, and exploration of uniquely human fears. "Blade Runner" is considered to be one of the finest examples of the neo-noir genre and has been praised for its philosophical narrative and rich symbolism.
The Terminator (1984)"Alien" (1979) and "The Terminator" (1984) are seminal films in the science fiction genre that blend elements of horror and suspense into their narratives. Both films showcase a strong, resourceful protagonist facing off against a relentless, non-human threat in a fight for survival. They also share a dark, atmospheric aesthetic, and both are known for their groundbreaking special effects and action sequences. Moreover, James Cameron, the director of "The Terminator", also directed the "Alien" sequel, "Aliens", maintaining a stylistic consistency between the franchises.
Rope (1948)Despite the stark difference in genre, "Alien" (1979) and "Rope" (1948) both deliver an intense, suspenseful cinematic experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Both movies focus on a confined space, whether it's a spaceship or an apartment, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere intensified by the imminent threat lurking within these boundaries. The tight, suspenseful storytelling, dramatic tension, and masterful direction, in science fiction for Alien and psychological thriller for Rope, would be appealing to fans of either movie.
Poltergeist (1982)Aficionados of "Alien" (1979) will likely enjoy "Poltergeist" (1982) due to both movies' successful blend of horror and science fiction. Much like "Alien", "Poltergeist" employs suspenseful storytelling, unexpected scares, and a sense of otherworldly terror to engage the audience. Both films also excel in creating tense, claustrophobic atmospheres and feature strong female characters battling against supernatural forces. Although the settings differ - one in space and the other in a suburban home - the similar themes of survival and the unknown will likely resonate with fans of "Alien".
Aliens (1986)Those who love "Alien" (1979) will also love "Aliens" (1986) because it elevates the suspenseful horror and extraterrestrial dread of the original by further exploring the xenomorph’s life cycle introduced in the first film, and intensifying the action. Director James Cameron manages to maintain the original's claustrophobic atmosphere while expanding on the universe's lore and the character of Ellen Ripley, brilliantly reprised by Sigourney Weaver. With its blend of sci-fi horror and action, more alien creatures, and a deeper look into the protagonist's psyche, "Aliens" offers a thrilling continuation of the storyline that fans of the original are bound to appreciate.
Event Horizon (1997):"Event Horizon" is among the darkest entries in science fiction horror demonstrating a similar air of dread to "Alien." This film centers around a rescue crew investigating a spaceship that disappeared into a black hole and has now returned... with something lurking inside. Its use of tense atmosphere, body horror and cosmic terror has been compared favorably to "Alien".
Prometheus (2012):While "Prometheus" is technically part of the "Alien" franchise, it still stands as its own film. Directed again by Ridley Scott, it explores the origins of humanity and the Engineers, the alien race first seen in the original "Alien." Its focus on existential questions and mystery offers a different twist on the franchise whilst preserving its thrilling and eerie atmosphere.
The Thing (1982):"The Thing" directed by John Carpenter is a masterclass of suspense and paranoia. Much like "Alien," this film revolves around an isolated crew confronting an alien organism. Though set on Earth, "The Thing" maintains the isolated tension and horror, with a famously ambiguous ending that should excite fans of "Alien."
Solaris (1972):"Solaris" directed by Andrei Tarkovsky is a cerebral science fiction film that explores deep themes of identity and human consciousness similar to "Alien." Even though its pace is much slower than "Alien," it similarly uses the sci-fi backdrop to delve into philosophical and existential questions, making it a worthwhile watch for any sci-fi fan.
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