So here it is folks the last in my reviews of some of the movies from the BFI Sci-Fi Fear & Wonder festival that was on at the Scala Cinema and Arts Centre in Prestatyn, today’s movie is one that terrified me when I first saw it, Alien!
Back when the movies first came out in 1979, we were all perhaps getting used to the wonders of space with the like of Star Wars showing us how amazing the space travel was and the adventures that space opened up to us and the fantastic new worlds and creatures that may be out there for us to enjoy, but then Alien came along, showing us a whole new other side to the vast void of space, the side that would shock audiences in to submission!
The power of Alien was not only shown in the critical acclaim that it received on its release back in 1979, but also the box office success that the movie had, audiences had heard about certain scenes and shocks and wanted to see it for themselves and they were loving every moment of it.
Alien not only received an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, but also a Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film, Best Direction for Scott, and Best Supporting Actress for Cartwright and a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, along with many other award nominations.
The film has even been inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 2002 for historical preservation as a film which is “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant“. – Tweet This
Even now Alien holds its own when it comes to people watching the movie, be it at home on their own or in the case of our showing in a cinema with a collection of Sci-Fi fans, old and young, some that would have seen the film in cinemas the first time round, those that may have only seen it on video and the generations that are now in the Digital Download era.
But this was a rather special showing as part of the BFI Sci-Fi festival, this was the Director’s Cut of Alien, which was a delight to see on the huge screen and the Scala and the overall unnerving presence of the movie on the big screen is something really has to be seen to be appreciated.
Now although the Director’s Cut is shorter than the original theatrical cut even though it has altered and added scenes, this cut has to be my favourite with several moments that really stand out from the theatrical cut to those that have seen it and may be know it off by heart, I have this version on Blu-Ray, but nothing gives it that true feeling of horror and suspense than the big screen, the sheer effect of the sets and the sound around a theatre is amazing and add to that the enjoyment of watching it with fellow Sci-Fi fans just adds to the experience.
Alien: In Space No One Can Hear You Scream!
OK, not as many people may have leapt out of their seats at the, now famous, scene with John Hurt as we first get to see the “Chest Buster”, but it still has you going back to those days when you first saw the scene and they had to pry you from the ceiling.
Alien is a modern-day classic, a film that not only puts the fear of the unknown in your mind, but also the horror that may be, just may be, something is lurking in the coldness of space that isn’t friendly like ET and just wants to use you for survival. Also let’s not forget that this was a key moment in Sigourney Weaver’s career that brought her to the cinema goers minds.
With such a small cast of characters, Alien keeps you gripped, even after seeing it so many times, it’s still enjoyable to watch today and in a time of over used CGI, Alien shows that films were made great without computers completely taking over sets, characters and more!
Let’s also not forget H. R. Giger who designed and worked on the amazing look that Alien has, without him the film wouldn’t have had that unnerving look and it carried on throughout the series of sequels, then there is the Alien itself, played by Bolaji Badejo, the 26-year-old student, who brought his 6ft 10inch prowess to the creature, bringing it to life on-screen and scarring the pants off the audiences.
Just remember folks, in space no one can hear you scream!!!
The Ultimate Alien Movie!
Movie title: Alien
Movie description: During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is birthed.
Date published: November 13, 2014
Director(s): Ridley Scott
Actor(s): Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Yaphet Kotto
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
Summary
Ridley Scott’s Alien is the ultimate Alien movie, Sigourney Weaver fights to the very end against one of the most menacing and terrifying creatures in the universe.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
