Alien (1979)
Raiting: 
8,5 /10
Genre: Horror
Director: Ridley Scott
Stars: Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver and Veronica Cartwright
Country: United Kingdom / United States
Release date: 25 May 1979
Length: 116 minutes / 116 minutes (director's cut)
"Alien," directed by Ridley Scott and released in 1979, is a science fiction horror film that set new standards for the genre. The film follows the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo, who are on their return trip to Earth when they are awakened from stasis by the ship's computer to investigate a distress signal from a nearby planetoid.
Upon landing on the planetoid, the crew discovers a derelict alien ship. Inside, they encounter a chamber containing numerous egg-like objects. When one of these eggs releases a creature that attaches itself to the face of crew member Kane, the team makes a critical decision to break quarantine protocol and bring him back aboard the Nostromo.
After a period of uncertainty, the creature detaches on its own and dies, leaving Kane seemingly unharmed. However, during a meal before re-entering stasis, a small alien creature bursts from Kane's chest, killing him and escaping into the ship. The crew is then left in a desperate situation, as they attempt to locate and kill the rapidly growing alien creature.
As the alien picks off the crew members one by one, the tension and terror escalate. The ship's warrant officer, Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver in a career-making performance, emerges as the resourceful and determined survivor who takes command in the face of chaos. Ripley soon uncovers a disturbing revelation about the company's intentions for the alien and the expendability of the crew.
The film culminates in a harrowing cat-and-mouse game between Ripley and the alien aboard the increasingly claustrophobic Nostromo. With a final confrontation that is both thrilling and terrifying, Ripley must use her wits and courage to outsmart the creature and ensure her survival.
"Alien" is renowned for its atmospheric tension, groundbreaking visual effects, and the introduction of one of cinema's most iconic monsters. Its blend of science fiction and horror elements creates a chilling experience that has influenced countless films in the decades since its release. The film's legacy is carried on by its strong female protagonist, a rarity at the time, and its impact on the portrayal of women in action and horror genres.
Top cast - Alien (1979)
Trailer - Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott's "Alien," released in 1979, is a masterclass in suspense and atmospheric tension that has become a defining film in the science fiction and horror genres. With its claustrophobic setting, a strong ensemble cast, and the introduction of one of the most iconic creatures in film history, "Alien" delivers an experience that is as terrifying as it is mesmerizing.
The film's plot is deceptively simple: the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo investigates a distress signal from a desolate planetoid, leading to an encounter with a mysterious and lethal alien life form. The genius of "Alien" lies not in the complexity of its story, but in its execution. Scott's direction creates a slow-burning tension that builds to a series of shocking and intense encounters with the titular alien. The use of shadows, tight corridors, and a haunting score by Jerry Goldsmith all contribute to the film's oppressive atmosphere.
Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ellen Ripley is a standout, marking the arrival of one of cinema's greatest heroines. Ripley's transformation from a by-the-books warrant officer to a resourceful and determined survivor is both compelling and inspiring. The supporting cast, including Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, and Yaphet Kotto, all deliver solid performances that add depth to the film's sense of realism and impending doom.
The design of the alien itself, conceived by artist H.R. Giger, is a triumph of creature design, blending elements of the biomechanical and the grotesque to create a truly nightmarish antagonist. The alien's life cycle, from the face-hugger to the chest-burster to the full-grown xenomorph, is both fascinating and horrifying, adding to the film's sense of otherworldly terror.
While "Alien" is sometimes criticized for its slower pace compared to action-oriented sequels like "Aliens," this deliberate pacing allows for a build-up of suspense that makes the encounters with the creature all the more effective. The film's influence can be seen in the countless sci-fi and horror films that have followed, many of which have attempted to replicate its perfect blend of science fiction world-building and horror thrills.
In conclusion, "Alien" stands as a landmark film that is both a technical marvel and a narrative achievement. Its legacy is well-deserved, with its impact still felt in contemporary cinema. Ridley Scott's visionary direction, combined with an unforgettable monster and a groundbreaking heroine, ensures that "Alien" remains a timeless classic, as chilling and enthralling today as it was over four decades ago.