Alien (1979)

About Alien

Directed by Ridley Scott, "Alien" is a science-fiction/horror film that was released in 1979. The story revolves around a spaceship called Nostromo, whose crew members are under attack by a deadly, unknown extraterrestrial creature after they respond to an SOS call from a nearby planet.

Making / Production

Ridley Scott directed the film, and it was produced by Gordon Carroll, David Giler, and Walter Hill. The screenplay was by Dan O'Bannon, and the story was written by Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusett. The film featured heavy use of practical effects and innovative set design to create its distinct, atmospheric horror.

Actors

• Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley: Weaver's strong and dynamic performance established Ripley as an iconic heroine of cinema.
• Tom Skerritt as Dallas: As Captain of the Nostromo, Skerritt portrayed Dallas with an effective blend of decisiveness and uncertainty.
• John Hurt as Kane: Hurt memorably portrayed the ill-fated Kane, who becomes the Alien's first victim.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The infamous 'chestburster' scene was filmed in a single take with four cameras.
• Ridley Scott cites three films as his inspirations for Alien: Star Wars (1977), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974).
• "Alien" was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2002.

Awards

"Alien" won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 1980, among others.

Quotes

• "You still don't understand what you're dealing with, do you? The perfect organism. Its structural perfection is matched only by its hostility." - Ash
• "I can't lie to you about your chances, but... you have my sympathies." - Ash
• "We'll move in pairs. We'll go step by step and cut off every bulkhead and every vent until we have it cornered. And then we'll blow it the fuck out into space!" - Dallas

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's haunting and atmospheric score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith and is often recognized as one of his best works.
• The soundtrack contains synthesisers layered with traditional orchestral music.
• The introduction and main title set the suspenseful tone for the entire movie.