A sci-fi fan's science fiction movie.

Rating: 9/10 (11 June 2012)

I'm stingy with my ratings. I seldom give out anything above an 8, even to the most impressive films.
I'm giving Prometheus a 9.
There is no weak link in this movie; there is nothing to point at as useless filler. Every inch of it is filled with meaningful things: Things which have a purpose to exist.
In offering these things, we're treated to a master-work in the art of creating atmosphere on the big screen. The most apathetic and stoic of us will find it difficult to remain completely unaffected by the intensity of suspense encountered here. It moves in grand strides: The serene, human dominated world - one of technological sterility and human born power is created. The narrative introduces a twist ... nature. Nature reduces mans illusions to tatters. It's a powerful arc when done properly.
To truly enjoy Prometheus (a film which I would most aptly describe as a mixture between Alien and 2001: A Space Odyssey) you must have gone further: You must have totally absorbed the environment, characters,realities, weaknesses, the entire essence of this world - its archetypes, and their predecessors.
And make no mistake, this is a profoundly symbolic film.
On watching the movie once as of writing this, I clearly appreciated the fluidity and genuineness with which the director was able to summon the archetypes, plots, dynamics and human drama of cinematic past (or future, in the films case). I would imagine I could only appreciate the vast landscape of symbolism even more on repeated viewing.
There are a plethora of lyrical, visual and sensual payoffs to keen observers. This is a movie which demands and rewards attention.
Ridley Scott has crafted something difficult and done it with a perceived ability of ease and flawlessness which is inspiring. Various sci-fi masterpieces meld together in this epic; the genre being represented in almost every way shape and form.
In the end, though, what we have is a philosophical film. It's up to every individual to take what they can/want/will from the symbolism and drama portrayed here: And there is a great deal of it. Death, life, mortality, the contrast between the sterility of technology and the vividness of organic life ...
Herman Melville wrote about man's epic duel with nature ... one he is destined to lose. Prometheus continues this great philosophical legend with masterful visual effects, effective and unwasted dialogue, and an unwavering focus by the director on the core of its message.
And as if this all wasn't enough, as an afterthought we're presented with the most convincing female lead since - well ... Alien.
Man ... Materialism ... Vanity ... Nature ... Destruction ... it's all in this one.