In space no one can hear your scream- or yawn. But mostly scream.

Rating: 8/10 (25 December 2014)

Review of the Director's Cut
In Ridley Scott's beloved science fiction horror, an alien gets aboard a spacecraft and goes on the rampage. It's a very simple and stripped down plot without a lot of stupidity, and it's pretty much Jaws in space. Alien is first and foremost a scare fest, but beneath the simplicity you can tell Alien is saying some deeper things. In my opinion, this is about the fear of different species and paranoia, and this is made more powerful by the fact that the film is set in space, as it explores these themes in the claustrophobic corridors of a beautifully designed spaceship. Alien is a good, solid effort for all involved. I don't love it as much as many do, but it's definitely a good movie. The slow pace can test the patience a little, as often parts such as the discovery of the egg and the face hugger segment seem longer for no reason, but the slow pace also signifies maturity. The brilliant visuals disguise a somewhat weak and overly simplistic script, which lacks real personality although at the same time it makes the films characters feel more like real people.
I wasn't a huge fan of the script, but it's got many fine qualities. I'll never understand why John Hurt was nominated for an Oscar when he barely has anything to do in this, but it's a well acted film. Ian Holm is wonderful as the android Ash, while Sigourney Weaver (Believe the hype) is superb as Ellen Ripley, and is one of the best female movie characters of all time. Ridley Scott has lost his way a bit recently, but his flawless direction which fills every frame to the brim with nerve shredding tension really would be spoiled by any modifications. The production design is mind blowing and the scares and very skillful, although the famous chest burster scene is blunted in impact by being such a poorly kept secret. Alien has its boring scenes, but don't let that put you off at all. I'm not the biggest horror fan out there, so I don't relate to it as much as some do. A tense intergalactic haunted house thrill ride with the best tagline in movie history.
7/10