Director Ridley Scott’s "Alien" celebrates its 40th anniversary release with a special, Halloween spree, thanks to Fathom Events.
Written by Dan O'Bannon and Ron Shusett, "Alien" was an affectionate homage to such classic, space-monster movies as Edward Cahn's "It! The Terror From Beyond Space"; Curtis Harrington's "Queen of Blood" (aka "Planet of Blood") and Mario Bava's "Planet of the Vampires" (aka "Demon Planet").
Through its streamlined simplicity, the film reflects endurance and survival aboard the starfreighter Nostromo, assisted by a legendary cast that features John Hurt, Tom Skerritt, Yaphet Kotto, Harry Dean Stanton, Ian Holm, Veronica Carlson and Sigourney Weaver in her breakthrough role as Lt. Ellen Ripley.
The movie is also respected for its atmospheric "hardware", courtesy of such artists as Ron Cobb, Moebius and H.R. Giger, who designed much of the story’s eerie segments, including the facehugger, chestburster, full-fledged Xenomorph and ominous space jockey/engineer. (Carlo Rambaldi, of “E.T.”/“King Kong '76” fame, mechanized Giger’s macabre visions.)
Jerry Goldsmith’s score also contributes to Scott’s mounting suspense, which starts off with gradual menace and leads to a heart-pounding climax.
Jerry Goldsmith’s score also contributes to Scott’s mounting suspense, which starts off with gradual menace and leads to a heart-pounding climax.
"Alien" redefined science-fiction/horror cinema, as much as "Star Wars" redefined the space-opera genre, refashioning familiar elements to form something startlingly original. "Alien" also proved so popular that it spawned sequels, prequels, crossovers (with the "Predator" franchise) and abundant collectibles.
"Alien" will re-enter theaters on October 13, 15 and 18. Check it out on the big screen or revisit it on disc at home. No matter the format, "Alien" is guaranteed to chill to the cosmic bone.
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