Thapson
How was watching “Alien” again after 40 years? I first watched this Ridley Scott 1979 blockbuster over 40 years ago. An interesting mix of suspense, horror, and science fiction. I was scared, horrified, and fascinated in the process. “Alien” introduced new narrative into sci-fi entertainment, and raised the bar for this genre of movie production. It also introduced us to a frightening new character, and spawned the “Alien” movie franchise in the process.
I was much younger then, not a movie buff, and oblivious of how influential this movie would become. And I watched it again recently. So, how did watching “Alien” then differ from watching it again?
Alien (1979) – For the Few Who’ve Not See It
Well into the future, “The Nostromo,” a cargo ship transporting 20 million tons of precious minerals is heading back to Earth. The seven-member crew is woken from hibernation as their ship hums to life triggered by a mysterious new development. They need to investigate a signal from a planet nearby. Understandably disappointed, as this is outside their schedule, they are reminded of their contractual obligation to follow this command. It also stipulates that if they should encounter any new alien entity, they are to transport it back to Earth.
A team is dispatched to trace the signal. At the source of the signal, everything takes a horrific turn, as they make contact with something, the likes of which no one has encountered before. This is only the beginning, as rushing back to the Nostromo only creates more nightmares. Soon they are killed off one by one. Is there any hope for them, and do they manage to escape the horror that is unleashed aboard the ship? You would need to watch “Alien” to see the drama unfold to its shocking climax.
Watching it in 1979
As a fan of the sci-fi genre, and having read the reviews, I was quite enthusiastic about watching “Alien.”
I expected scary stuff, but as soon as the credits rolled, I knew “Alien” was different. Beginning with the suspenseful intro, the dark lumbering spaceship, and the unscheduled creepy mission, “Alien” had me in its grip – and didn’t let go. Director Ridley Scott’s near-realistic portrayal of space travel of the future, the eclectic crew, the indestructible alien, and jump scares put the movie among my favorites. The movie is also in keeping with the new 70s trend of the female protagonist in Ripely, remarkably played by Sigourney Weaver. Sigourney would reprise her role in subsequent sequels.
Watching Alien in 2022
It wasn’t until 2022, when I watched “Alien” again. It had made a vivid impression on me and became a personal favorite. Strangely though, I never really watch it again in one sitting. Despite the fact that I often praised it as a fine example of great sci-fi horror. I had caught glimpses of it on TV occasionally only to quickly change the channel. I didn’t want to spoil the experience by only watching a random bit of it.
Finally, on one of its recent airings on cable, I decided to PVR “Alien.” I was curious to see how I experience it after so many years. While I enjoyed it again, there were definitely some interesting differences. Technology and culture have evolved considerably since 1979 – in terms of movie production, and as portrayed in sci-fi. So how did it go?
My Observations on Rewatching “Alien”
The opening credits still feel as ominous, and foreboding as they were. Apparently inspired by “Forbidden Planet” (1956) which I was unfamiliar with in 1979.
In 1979, I missed the corporate angle, and how it hints on corporate greed manipulating the crew into the unknown through contractual obligations.
Some aspects felt borrowed from Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Again, a movie I had not seen in 1979.
The all too casual smoking on board was shocking and amusing, considering how far we’ve come regarding that habit.
“Alien” commits the mistake of showing glowing stars, when it is actually pitch dark, for the most part, in space.
Some of the technology has dated. Clacking keyboards with no sign of touch screens/controls. Kubrick/Clarke did a better job in that department.
Many scientific facts that affect spaceship design and space travel, which we take more seriously in current movies, were ignored. One being on-board gravity.
The jump scares weren’t as effective this time – blame it on the re-watch despite my trying to treat it otherwise.
In 1979, Ripley undressing, before putting on the space suit seemed contrived. Strangely enough, not this time as this time it looked natural.
The eggs, and baby alien are still scary. The adult alien, while menacing, feels strangely less so this time. Maybe because of all the parodies done since. Justifying the technique of “less is more” when showing the alien Scott used.
Learning the truth about Nash gave me nightmares last time. That such a character is likely in future is bothersome.
Seeing the actors 43 years younger is interesting, and poignant, as some of them have sadly passed away.
I still feel the story is as gripping now as it was in its first viewing, despite pointedly less-scary for me personally.
Cast of Alien
Here’s the cast, in alphabetical order, for those who may not already have seen “Alien.”
Bolaji Badejo as the Alien
Playing the Alien on this movie was Nigerian-born Bolaji Badejo’s only acting role. He was specially chosen as Ridley Scott wanted an abnormally tall un-human like character for the frightening alien. Bolaji had just the right frame and height (6’ 10”) to fit the bill. Despite having no prior acting experience, Bolaji pulled off his part so well, the original alien became one of the biggest icons of the sci-fi genre.
We lost Bolaji, all too young at 39, in 1992 due to health issues.
Harry Dean Stanton
The late Harry Dean Stanton was already a veteran when he played one of the crew on the Nostromo. He delivers convincingly, in his customary manner, as the rough edged, blue collar character of Brett.
Helen Horton the Computer Voice
We need to credit the late veteran actress Helen Horton for providing the female voice for the Nostromo’s computer. While unseen, her voice plays a significant part in the movie in its own way.
Ian Holm
Respected English actor Ian Holm plays a significant role on Alien. There are already hints of his peculiar character that you only realize later as the movie progresses.
John Hurt
The late John Hurt has a role that would become one of the greatest jump scares in sci-fi/horror movie history. I’ll just leave it at that.
Sigourney Weaver
A strikingly young Sigourney Weaver plays one of the greatest pivotal roles of her career in Alien. A strong female protagonist that is legendary among the movies.
Tom Skerrit
Tom Skerrit looking relatively young as the Nostromo’s captain.
Veronica Cartwright
Having often played characters in frightening situations, Veronica’s role seems tailor made for Alien.
Yaphet Kotto
The ease with which the Alien kills tough guy, Yaphet Kotto, gives one a sense of dread of the former’s strength, and capabilities. Another great actor who we lost recently.
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Final Words
All in all, “Alien” is still a great movie to watch. It gives us a dire warning of the dangers we may yet face in space travel. Despite some minor flaws, “Alien” still manages to entertain, and frighten us. Despite being 43 years old, it hasn’t really dated much. Definitely a sci-fi classic for the ages.
After avoiding the sequel, “Aliens,” I also watched that one and felt it was among the coolest sequels I had seen at the time.
We’ll check out another movie or TV review soon.
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