Alien (1979)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Alien is a science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott. The story takes place in the distant future and follows the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo, who encounter a deadly extraterrestrial creature. The film is renowned for its atmospheric tension, groundbreaking special effects, and the iconic design of the alien creature by H.R. Giger.

The Nostromo’s Mission

The Nostromo, a commercial towing spaceship, is returning to Earth with a crew of seven. The ship’s computer, Mother, awakens the crew from stasis after detecting a distress signal from a nearby planetoid. The crew, following company orders, lands on the planetoid to investigate.

The Derelict Ship and the Facehugger

Captain Dallas (Tom Skerritt), Executive Officer Kane (John Hurt), and Navigator Lambert (Veronica Cartwright) explore a derelict alien spacecraft. Inside, they find the remains of a giant alien and a chamber filled with large eggs. When Kane approaches one of the eggs, a creature (later known as a facehugger) emerges and attaches itself to his face, rendering him unconscious.

The Alien Emerges

The crew returns to the Nostromo, where Science Officer Ash (Ian Holm) insists on bringing Kane aboard despite quarantine protocols, over the objections of Warrant Officer Ripley (Sigourney Weaver). The facehugger eventually detaches from Kane’s face, appearing to die. However, during a subsequent meal, an alien creature (later known as a chestburster) violently emerges from Kane’s chest, killing him. The creature quickly grows into a deadly, full-sized alien (designed by H.R. Giger).

The Hunt for the Alien

The crew attempts to track and kill the alien, but it picks them off one by one. Parker (Yaphet Kotto) and Brett (Harry Dean Stanton) are killed while searching for the creature. Captain Dallas encounters the alien in the ship’s ventilation shafts and is presumed dead. Meanwhile, Ripley discovers that Ash has been following a secret directive from the company to bring the alien back for study, regardless of the crew’s safety.

Ripley Takes Command

Ripley confronts Ash, who reveals himself to be an android. Ash attacks Ripley but is subdued and destroyed by Parker and Lambert. The remaining crew members decide to abandon the Nostromo and escape in the ship’s shuttle, but the alien kills Lambert and Parker.

The Final Confrontation

Ripley, now the sole survivor, initiates the ship’s self-destruct sequence and heads for the shuttle with the ship’s cat, Jones. She discovers the alien has stowed away on the shuttle. In a tense final battle, Ripley manages to jettison the alien into space, using the shuttle’s engines to propel it away.

The Conclusion

The film ends with Ripley entering stasis in the shuttle, hoping to be rescued as she drifts through space, with Jones by her side. Her final log entry indicates her relief at surviving the ordeal and her uncertainty about what lies ahead.

Movie Ending

The film concludes with Ripley successfully defeating the alien and setting herself up for survival as she drifts through space. This ending sets the stage for the sequel, Aliens (1986), where Ripley is rescued and once again faces the alien threat.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Alien.

Type of Movie

Alien is a science fiction horror film that combines elements of space exploration with intense psychological and physical horror.

Cast

• Sigourney Weaver as Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley
• Tom Skerritt as Captain Dallas
• John Hurt as Executive Officer Kane
• Veronica Cartwright as Navigator Lambert
• Harry Dean Stanton as Brett
• Ian Holm as Science Officer Ash
• Yaphet Kotto as Parker

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, whose music enhances the film’s eerie and suspenseful atmosphere.

Filming Locations

The film was primarily shot at Shepperton Studios in Surrey, England. The detailed sets for the Nostromo and the alien derelict were constructed to create a claustrophobic and immersive environment.

Awards and Nominations

Alien received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:

• Academy Awards: Won Best Visual Effects
• BAFTA Awards: Won Best Production Design and Best Sound, nominated for Best Direction and Best Editing
• Saturn Awards: Won Best Science Fiction Film, Best Direction, and Best Supporting Actor (Ian Holm)

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The design of the alien creature and the derelict ship were created by Swiss artist H.R. Giger, whose biomechanical aesthetic added a unique and unsettling visual element to the film.
• The chestburster scene was kept secret from the cast to elicit genuine reactions of shock and horror during filming.
• Sigourney Weaver’s role as Ripley was groundbreaking for its depiction of a strong female protagonist in a science fiction and horror film.

Inspirations and References

Alien draws inspiration from earlier science fiction and horror films, including The Thing from Another World (1951) and It! The Terror from Beyond Space (1958). The film’s atmosphere and pacing are heavily influenced by Hitchcockian suspense and the works of H.P. Lovecraft.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of Alien closely follows Ridley Scott’s vision. Some deleted scenes, such as an extended sequence involving the alien cocooning its victims, are available in special editions and provide additional context to the story.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film was adapted into a novel by Alan Dean Foster, which expands on the characters’ backgrounds and the lore of the alien species. The novel provides deeper insights into the characters’ thoughts and motivations, enhancing the story’s depth.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The facehugger attaching to Kane in the derelict ship.
• The chestburster emerging from Kane’s chest.
• Ripley discovering Ash’s true nature as an android.
• The final battle between Ripley and the alien on the shuttle.

Iconic Quotes

• “In space, no one can hear you scream.” – Tagline
• “I can’t lie to you about your chances, but you have my sympathies.” – Ash
• “This is Ripley, last survivor of the Nostromo, signing off.” – Ripley

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The alien’s life cycle, from facehugger to chestburster to full-grown creature, is carefully designed to create a sense of inevitable dread and horror.
• The set design of the Nostromo is filled with details that emphasize the industrial and worn-down nature of the ship, contributing to the film’s gritty realism.

Trivia

• Ellen Ripley in Alien (1979) is a classic “Final Girl” (the last woman standing in horror) defined by her intelligence and resilience.
• The film’s budget was around $11 million, and it grossed over $100 million worldwide.
• The role of Ripley was originally written for a male character, but was changed to a female lead, significantly influencing the portrayal of women in science fiction films.
• The alien creature was played by Nigerian actor Bolaji Badejo, who was cast for his tall, slender physique, which contributed to the creature’s unsettling appearance.

Why Watch?

Alien is a landmark film in the science fiction and horror genres, known for its masterful direction, innovative creature design, and tense, claustrophobic atmosphere. Its influence on subsequent films and its iconic status make it essential viewing for any fan of cinema.

Director’s Other Movies

Ridley Scott also directed:

• Blade Runner (1982)
• Gladiator (2000)
• Thelma & Louise (1991)
• Black Hawk Down (2001)
• The Martian (2015)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Aliens (1986)
• The Thing (1982)
• Blade Runner (1982)
• Event Horizon (1997)
• Prometheus (2012)