Landmark Sci/fi suspense

Rating: 7/10 (10 September 2007)

Ridley Scott's taught and visual direction makes this sci-fi/horror very suspenseful indeed. Simple plot tells the story of the commercial spaceship Nostromo, whose crew inadvertently allow an alien life form onto their craft, and then find themselves fighting for their lives. Certainly a well-scripted film, the performances from the seven-member cast add to this strength as they play their well-written characters spot on. Special effects and make-up are also very good.
It is the skillful cinematography and direction that makes the film. Scott uses long panning camera shots to draw out the tension. A real landmark science-fiction/suspense movie.
Friday, May 15, 1992 - Video
Ultimate suspense is the only way to describe Ridley Scott's sci-fi masterpiece. This film, which is also part horror and part excruciating thriller, is superbly crafted by Scott whose use of the camera is nothing short of genius.
Some eye-catching sets and nifty effects add to the 'doomed' feel. Sigourney Weaver is a knockout as the desperate yet practical Ripley, and the support does not let her down. Tom Skerritt is great as the ship's Captain Dallas, and Ian Holm is haunting as the cool science officer, Ashe. Harry Dean Stanton, Yaphet Kotto, John Hurt and Veronica Cartwright are all dramatically strong too. Jerry Goldsmith penned the perfect score.
Final word goes to original screenwriters Dan O'Bannen and Ronald Shusset, for creating the most original sci-fi tale ever. Nobody has ever done anything anywhere near as outrageous and bold as this before or since.
Saturday, January 30, 1999 - Video