Alien

Scott’s direction is incredible in Alien, some of the best I’ve seen in horror. He forces the entire film to slow itself down, creating a tense atmosphere. No dialogue, just panned shots of locations which we become familiar with as the experience takes place. I use the word experience instead of narrative because Alien isn’t focused on it’s story. It’s much more a visceral experience where we’re shown characters and their actions that lead towards the chaos that ensues. It’s like mass that continues to expand with no sight of stopping. A key factor in enhancing the chaotic environment is by focusing on the environment that the characters find themselves in. The Nostromo is quietly introduced slowly, directed beautifully as it allows us to explore the space and find familiarity in the sets. You gain an understanding of the film’s surroundings and insight into the experience that the characters embark upon.