The "original" terror in outer space is an absolute classic.

Rating: 10/10 (22 July 2011)

'Alien' is a prime example of what happens when many talented people from different walks of life combine ideas and collaborate on a simple, but innovative masterpiece. Its a technological, groundbreaking success on just about every level, playing on the audience's fear of the unknown and what could be waiting in the dark to get us, and it's use of the subconscious element of sexual-resemblance gets under our skin and probes the perverse corners of our imaginations.
Writer Dan O'Bannon concocted the screenplay shortly after being introduced to the genius of Swiss artist/sculptor, H.R. Giger (His horrific visions appear to him in nightmares.), who provided the details, not only for the excellent creature design, but the harsh landscapes, strange spacecrafts, and surreal interior sets. Along comes director, Ridley Scott, whose eye for eeriness and sheer ambiance proves worthy in every frame, and not to mention the tremendously effective score by John Williams supplying even more tension and mood. An experienced cast headed by newcomer at the time, Sigourney Weaver, who ultimately becomes an iconic female fighting force during an unforgettable climatic showdown with the creature is wonderful, and so is Ian Holm as 'Ash', the android who goes haywire. The most memorable scene (and the one that convinced the studios to invest) is the "chestbursting" scene, which shocks the viewer, providing the realization that from there on, this is a horror film. This has top-notch special effects that look so convincingly real that it revolutionized the way films are made. I refer to this as the "original" terror in outer space, Although gathering many of its ideas from classic films such as 'It, Terror From Beyond Space', this breakthrough in science fiction/horror was followed by more rip-offs and genre clones than any other film in history. Its a breathtaking and historic achievement that will be remembered for all cinematic eternity, and it launched a series of various sequels, making it the landmark introduction to one of the best sagas in the science fiction world. The 2003 Director's Cut Edition is the way to go, featuring the infamous Tom Skerritt cocoon scene.