. Directed by Ridley Scott and now permeated throughout pop culture.){kind=link}
Title: Alien
Director: Ridley Scott
Writer: Dan O’Bannon
Release Date: May 25, 1979
Cast: Sigourney Weaver; Tom Skerritt; Yaphet Kotto; Ian Holm
Alien Cliff’s Notes
A team of space truckers heading back to Earth are ordered to stop and investigate a transmission of unknown origin. Before they know it, a high powered alien parasite is along for the ride. Then all hell breaks loose.
Lecture
Alien is one of those “have to” flicks. You just have to see it. It’s the grandfather of the mix of Sci-fi and horror and is the high water mark that all others will be compared to. Early on, the flick grabs you with a fantastic blend of Sci-Fi and blue collar, something that had really only been hinted at before, and then winds up for punch after punch of horror goodness. Special mention goes to the Chestburster scene. Partially improvised and not fully explained to the actors ahead of time, the dinner scene is the stuff right out of nightmares. And that’s followed by one pissed off beasty that isn’t taking no for an answer.
The claustrophobia drips all over this flick and every ounce of it is awesome. By the time the second act kicks into gear, there’s not much we can do but grab on and enjoy the ride. While the films inspired by, and following, Alien will go into all kinds of depth trying to explain the why, Alien is focused on the right then and there. Sometimes, that kind of a choice can be super alienating, but here, it works wonders. There’s a beasty heading right for you, why is just going to get in the way.
Non of that would work without grade A actors, and Alien sports them in spades. Even if things are a little flat on paper, the actors at hand elevate the shenanigans at hand to a masterful level. Add to that a genre changing design and you’ve got one heck of a groovy flick that looks like a million bucks and stands head and shoulder above the competition. What’s more, Alien really hits the metaphors hard and serves as a comment on sexuality, gender roles, and even the world of business. Part of what really brings Alien to the higher level is how it embraces multiple levels of engagement and for those who are willing, Alien delivers. 
Acting
We’ve got a hell of a talented cast with this one. Sure, they may not be the most likable folks, but the blue collar characters are fully realized, making the flick hit that much harder. Weaver handles her part like a champ, going from rules-focused boss lady to action hero in 117 minutes flat. Skerritt and Kotto both handle their parts well and Ian Holm still gives me the willies. Grade A!
Directing
Scott manages to hit all the right notes here. Whether it’s the alien landscape of LV-426 or the claustrophobic inner workings of the Nostromo, Scott’s visual style pulls him through in spades. Ridley Scott also manages to show off his incredibly impressive scenic design, using those slow pans to linger on all of that beautiful work. Likewise, there’s no lack of tension for this ride, the scares are hardcore, the pace effortless, and the little touches of humor were very appreciated.
Script
O’Bannon’s script hits most of the right notes. The events seem fluid, except for Ripley heading off to save that damn cat but more on that later, and each of the characters is realistic enough to keep the viewer engaged.
Effects
The entire design of this flick, from the cycle of the Alien to the set, to the awesome LV-426, is top notch. There’s a reason this puppy won an Oscar and was nominated for another.
Highlights
The Chestburster scene. Sure, it’s been copied and referenced hundreds of times, but that’s because it is one of the most shocking, horrific events on film.
Lowlights
Ripley heading off to save the cat. Really, folks? We nearly made it through the entire film without some iffy, unmotivated character action and then that piece of cheese hits. Sure, maybe I’m being a little nit-picky, and this really is the only thing that I have to complain about, but come on! Couldn’t find way to get her out there?
Final Thoughts
It’s a great one! This is one of the true horror classics and should be required viewing for any self-respecting horror fan.
Grade: A- (Damn cat is in the way.)