Is this in fact a Science Fiction Movie?

Rating: Null/10 (8 January 2001)

Don't get me wrong. I love this movie. The sheer beauty of the designs - the 'Nostromo', Giger's work on the Alien, the alien ship etc. all adds to the sheer enjoyment of this movie. I saw it with my father in 1980 on the big screen, and several times we almost fell of our seats. It is horrific! Great stuff.
The Point of my summary is this.. without the SF-trappings it would function fine as an excellent horror movie - which is exactly what it is! In my book, technology in SF movies should add something intrinsic to the action that is just not possible today - like in 'Bladerunner' with the replicants etc. In 'Alien' this is just not the case.
'Alien' could be a great Brothers Grimm's Tale if you replaced the bad guy with a dragon or some other such monster.
The fun part of this film-series is that the movies are so diverse ... a pure horror movie, an action thriller - and a somewhat philosophical thriller. Alas I haven't yet seen #IV, as I got a bit disappointed with #III.
Anyway - a great movie by any standard. Well done indeed Mr. Scott!!
9/10