Alien

Some rambling thoughts on Alien (1979) to come… 1. The set design is absolutely incredible, providing a gothic atmosphere that effectively sets the tone for the film. The interior of the Nostromo is dirty and industrial with a ‘lived-in’ look. This is blue-collar sci-fi, a stripped back vision of the future in which normal people go about their working lives in the vast reaches of outer space. There’s a case to be made that Alien serves as a critique of labour exploitation and a warning against the dangers of corporate greed, but others have written about it better than I can. 2. The matte paintings depicting the planetscapes are breathtaking. 3. Jerry Goldsmith’s score is atmospheric, sinister, and surprisingly beautiful. The music is used sparingly, appearing only when necessary to create an emotional impact, but its absence at times is just as significant. 4. Ridley Scott’s decision to film his own children in miniature spacesuits to emphasise the scale of features on the planet’s surface, such as the Nostromo’s landing gear, the alien derelict and the Pilot was genius! 5. They really don’t light films like this anymore. 6. The film takes its time revealing the true identity of our hero (or heroine). It’s isn’t until the second half of the film that the mood changes and Ripley emerges as the clear protagonist, elevating her from her earlier supporting role. 7. There are subtle details earlier in Ian Holm’s performance as the Science Officer Ash that betray his true identity, such as the way he jogs on the spot, seemingly for no reason, when going to his observation station; the knowing look he gives during the infamous dinner scene and his calm reaction when the crew realises Kane is in distress; and his chilling reference to the titular creature as “Kane’s son” when talking to Dallas about how to kill it. 8. Near the end of the film, there’s a shot of the alien moving slowly and deliberately across the frame, as if it’s in a dream, sensing its way through its environment. Some people have said it takes them out of the moment because it appears clumsy and awkward, but I think it looks elegant, even graceful, more like an expressive dancer than a wild animal. It’s such a timeless and terrifying design.