The perfect definition of a new genre

Rating: 9/10 (28 November 2013)

Perhaps the most memorable Sci-Fi horror film of all time, Ridley Scott's 1979 film ALIEN helped to define this new genre in several different ways.
This film is all about giving the viewer suspense, and it accomplishes just that by starting out slow and building up anticipation for the second and third acts. Suspense is delivered through several "jump" scenes. However, it's also delivered by using the "less is more" technique. (Used in Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" in 1975) Throughout the film, the actual Alien does not get a lot of screen time, but this is a good technique to use because seeing a creature too much in this kind of movie can have a negative impact in that it leaves almost nothing to the viewer's imagination.
Another important element that makes this a great film is the realistic special effects, especially for 1979. A lot of work went into the making of the creatures and the results are astounding. I won't give anything away, but one scene in particular uses real (pig's) blood. Since this scene was filmed in one take and the actors didn't know exactly how the scene would be done, the reactions by the actors are completely genuine and the result is extremely positive.
In the area of the story for this film, the plot is fantastic. Astronauts in the spaceship "Nostromo" set out to investigate a distress call they pick up on the planet LV-426. They later discover this signal was a warning rather than an SOS call. After they leave the planet, they discover that extraterrestrial creature has sneaked on board. The setting for this film is perfect because, being on a spaceship, the crew is "trapped" in a way with the creature on board hunting them down. There's also strong character development in each of the main characters, particularly Ellen Ripley. It should also be noted that Sigourney Weaver gives a terrific performance in this film, as she does in the subsequent films in the "Alien" saga.
In conclusion, "Alien" is easily one of the best films ever released, and probably the best ever sci- fi horror film, though it may be tied with the sequel "Aliens." If you enjoy sic-fi horror, it would be a crime to miss seeing this classic film.