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November 14, 2008
Alien (1977)
Should I see it?
Yes.

Alien Movie Review

The first movie in a series is almost always the best and that’s the case here. A classic of both suspense and science-fiction, this film is a must-see. Ridley Scott genius is in full effect in this dark, haunting scarefest. Scott relies on the interplay of characters to build upon the tension set up by the mysterious alien creature set loose on a spaceship. With inspired casting (a young Sigourney Weaver in the lead, supported by Ian Holm, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt and Veronica Cartwright) and a thoughtful script. Scott masterfully built a film for the ages.

In true horror tradition, the monster (the alien) is highly symbolic. In this case it is rather sexual as well. Ninety percent of you just said “huh?” Do you think that the jutting second mouth is just a jutting second mouth? Listen, there is a reason why it is that Lambert (Veronica Cartwright) is raped at the end of the film. Don't remember that? Watch it again, you’ll see.

Beyond the sex stuff, the alien also a result of capitalism. I’m a capitalist, so this irks me some but it is true. Who is the real bad guy here? The corporate suits that are giving the orders from back home. The alien is to be saved for the military-industrial complex back on Earth. The intrusion of capitalist greed is the alien in an otherwise tranquil universe…or something like that. Who cares, they built a billion dollar franchise off a metaphor complaining about big business. Ain’t that rich?

The film itself is a remarkable feat and is worth seeing at least once. Note that some may be disturbed by the frightening, and somewhat demonic, images. If you're sensitive to horror you may have to skip this one.

Related Reviews:
Sci-fi movies
Sunshine (2007)
The Thing (1982)


Other Critic's Reviews:
A.V. Club
In Film Australia


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posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 4:00 PM




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