Movie Review: Alien
The 1979 horror movie “Alien,” directed by Ridley Scott, follows the crew of the Nostromo as they are hunted by an alien life form that has been brought aboard the ship. This movie is a brilliant and terrifying work of science fiction horror that holds up exceptionally well to modern viewings.
The acting in this movie is flawless. Sigourney Weaver’s performance as Ellen Ripley is phenomenal. She makes the audience feel Ripley’s terror without compromising the character’s bravery or strength. The rest of the actors do an excellent job at maintaining a sense of tension and fear of the unknown as the deadly situation slowly unfolds around their characters.
The alien itself is horrifying, utilizing practical effects that still look realistic over 40 years later. Ridley Scott did an excellent job using shots of the alien sparingly, never giving the audience a chance to become comfortable with the creature’s unsettling appearance. Even if the alien had received more screen time, it would likely never entirely lose its creepiness, as its combination of humanoid posture and inhuman features, such as a double jaw, is terrifying.
Speaking of creative decisions, the cinematography in “Alien” is incredible, especially during the unforgettable climax that is equal parts tense and thrilling. Handheld long shots increase the movie’s immersion, making the audience feel as though they are running through the Nostromo’s dimly lit corridors. The scene in the air ducts uses dark lighting and tight sets to create a feeling of claustrophobia as the audience anticipates the ever-approaching alien. The score is excellent as well, adding an ominous sense of dread and terror while remaining minimalistic and quiet enough that it does not kill the constant tension.
Alien is a classic of both the science fiction and the horror genres for good reason. This slow-burning movie is engrossing and terrifying, with a nearly constant sense of dread and danger as the crew fights for their safety on a ship where the alien could be lurking around any corner or hidden out of sight in any scene. Alien is one of the best movies I have seen, utilizing incredible practical effects, acting and camera work to make the sets of the Nostromo feel like a real location. I would highly recommend this movie to all fans of science fiction and horror.
