Very nice.
And it has been mentioned before but.....its insane how good Alien looks for a film from 1979.
1979!
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Very nice.
And it has been mentioned before but.....its insane how good Alien looks for a film from 1979.
1979!
"'is all fucked this is. Fuck that thing. It wasted me mates. 'least I have this delicious bottle of coca cola. I say we waste it."
"Oh shit, you have a bottle of coca cola too? It's so fucking good, isn't it?"
"Listen, I want it dead as much as all of you but why don't we wait for the fucking marines with the big guns and the backup bottles of coke? This tasty beverage which we handily stored away in the blast furnace for just this pivotal scene was the only reason I took the job."
"Now cut the bullshit, brothers. We're all gonna die, only question is when. This seems as good a place as any. Now let's all finish enjoying our incredibly delicious and improbably ice cold bottles of coca cola then go get this son of a bitch. Ripley - stop staring at them you can't have them all! A drink that good needs to be shared."
Alright just finished it, time for some thoughts.
I was actually pleasantly surprised by the entire thing. Despite the legendary mess of a production (which I'll educate myself about soon with the documentary), I actually thought that with the Special Edition they managed to wrestle a decent flick out of it. Moreover, you can clearly see how much of an even better film it might have been without all the production woes. This is very clearly a diamond in the rough and honestly I think the imperfect perfect end to a series.
Pros
- This is a personal big one for me because Orwellian themes give me erections, but the return of Weyland Yutani to the status of 'the company', seen only through text on a computer screen, was a boon to the atmosphere. Aliens' boardroom scene stripped the mythos and enigma of the corporation, much like Season 5 of LOST flushed all the blurred appeal of Dharma down the toilet.
When agents of the company finally arrive towards the end, they appear like Palpatine's Royal Guard: imposing, faceless and like death itself. Human Bishop was also a fine addition. Was he fairly high up in the company? Did he run the weapons division? Was he simply a super-advanced android with red blood? (He took the hit to the head pretty well)
- In fact, the entire atmosphere was gorgeous. Proper dystopian. Felt real hard sci-fi, a bit like Alien but with its own distinct flavour. This was aided by cast. I don't know what it is, but British accents and dystopian science fiction just seem to work.
- Making the film properly Ripley's story, something I think Aliens attempted but didn't quite do, was a good way to cap the series. Her hatred of the xenomorph was perverted by her rape and impregnation during the opening credits. It allowed her to finally look her nemesis in the face.
- The re-design of the xenomorph. I know we didn't get the even better idea of the seductive monk-killer, but making the xenomorph incubate in non-human DNA, thus making it more animal, was a fine move. It seemed less frightening, but much more deadly. The return of the glass-dome was also very welcome.
- Pete fucking Postlethwaite.
- I doubt he ever wants to be associated with the film again, but I honestly think Fincher's direction prowess, even still developing, was on show and a big part of why this film worked for me. He lacks Cameron's ability to stage action, or Scott's particular talent for storytelling by achingly beautiful visuals, yet brought an incredible sense for how a camera should move, how it should frame and communicate an idea. He captures the claustrophobia and confusion of the location perfectly.
- When the alien bursts from the Ox, shakes itself clean then scampers off down the corridor was impressive CG for its time. I thought it was a model until it hit the light and turned purple. However...
Cons
- ... the rest of the CG was atrocious. Or rather, I don't think the CG was at fault so much as the matting to the rest of the frame. Black borders surrounded the computer work and the colour timing seemed mismatched - the deepest blacks of the xenomorph were always either green or purple. A fault of the optical composition techniques used back then, probably, but a real darn shame. I think the 3D model and animation was actually quite convincing and would have worked had they the luxury of digital composition back then.
- Goddamn industrial rock music music during "time to re-educate the brothers!" rape attempt scene. Did not work at all.
- While I think it was a wonderful thematic concept, why did Ripley's parasite take so long to incubate and hatch? Because it was a Queen? Because she was receiving fairly regular 'cocktail' injections? Actually, how did she know it was a Queen inside her? Looked like a regular 'burster to me.
- Fuck coca cola and fuck product placement and fuck the executives who made that shit happen. Seriously.
- But other than that, there is no specific thing wrong with the film other than a general sense of it not being as good as it should be. As I said, there is clearly a fantastic film here, buggered under layers of god knows what. Near all the ingredients are here for a perfect finish to the Alien story yet somehow it just doesn't quite come together.
... and just to stir some shit, rankings:
As the films were made
Alien >>>> Aliens >>> Alien3 (Special Edition)
As the films should (could) have been
Alien >>> Alien3 > Aliens
(In terms of personal enjoyment, I'll probably rank Alien3 and Aliens equal. Aliens is clearly the better film but I much prefer the themes, atmosphere and intentions of Alien3)
What now, Sculli?!
I was actually pleasantly surprised by the entire thing. Despite the legendary mess of a production (which I'll educate myself about soon with the documentary), I actually thought that with the Special Edition they managed to wrestle a decent flick out of it. Moreover, you can clearly see how much of an even better film it might have been without all the production woes. This is very clearly a diamond in the rough and honestly I think the imperfect perfect end to a series.
Pros
- This is a personal big one for me because Orwellian themes give me erections, but the return of Weyland Yutani to the status of 'the company', seen only through text on a computer screen, was a boon to the atmosphere. Aliens' boardroom scene stripped the mythos and enigma of the corporation, much like Season 5 of LOST flushed all the blurred appeal of Dharma down the toilet.
When agents of the company finally arrive towards the end, they appear like Palpatine's Royal Guard: imposing, faceless and like death itself. Human Bishop was also a fine addition. Was he fairly high up in the company? Did he run the weapons division? Was he simply a super-advanced android with red blood? (He took the hit to the head pretty well)
- In fact, the entire atmosphere was gorgeous. Proper dystopian. Felt real hard sci-fi, a bit like Alien but with its own distinct flavour. This was aided by cast. I don't know what it is, but British accents and dystopian science fiction just seem to work.
- Making the film properly Ripley's story, something I think Aliens attempted but didn't quite do, was a good way to cap the series. Her hatred of the xenomorph was perverted by her rape and impregnation during the opening credits. It allowed her to finally look her nemesis in the face.
- The re-design of the xenomorph. I know we didn't get the even better idea of the seductive monk-killer, but making the xenomorph incubate in non-human DNA, thus making it more animal, was a fine move. It seemed less frightening, but much more deadly. The return of the glass-dome was also very welcome.
- Pete fucking Postlethwaite.
- I doubt he ever wants to be associated with the film again, but I honestly think Fincher's direction prowess, even still developing, was on show and a big part of why this film worked for me. He lacks Cameron's ability to stage action, or Scott's particular talent for storytelling by achingly beautiful visuals, yet brought an incredible sense for how a camera should move, how it should frame and communicate an idea. He captures the claustrophobia and confusion of the location perfectly.
- When the alien bursts from the Ox, shakes itself clean then scampers off down the corridor was impressive CG for its time. I thought it was a model until it hit the light and turned purple. However...
Cons
- ... the rest of the CG was atrocious. Or rather, I don't think the CG was at fault so much as the matting to the rest of the frame. Black borders surrounded the computer work and the colour timing seemed mismatched - the deepest blacks of the xenomorph were always either green or purple. A fault of the optical composition techniques used back then, probably, but a real darn shame. I think the 3D model and animation was actually quite convincing and would have worked had they the luxury of digital composition back then.
- Goddamn industrial rock music music during "time to re-educate the brothers!" rape attempt scene. Did not work at all.
- While I think it was a wonderful thematic concept, why did Ripley's parasite take so long to incubate and hatch? Because it was a Queen? Because she was receiving fairly regular 'cocktail' injections? Actually, how did she know it was a Queen inside her? Looked like a regular 'burster to me.
- Fuck coca cola and fuck product placement and fuck the executives who made that shit happen. Seriously.
- But other than that, there is no specific thing wrong with the film other than a general sense of it not being as good as it should be. As I said, there is clearly a fantastic film here, buggered under layers of god knows what. Near all the ingredients are here for a perfect finish to the Alien story yet somehow it just doesn't quite come together.
... and just to stir some shit, rankings:
As the films were made
Alien >>>> Aliens >>> Alien3 (Special Edition)
As the films should (could) have been
Alien >>> Alien3 > Aliens
(In terms of personal enjoyment, I'll probably rank Alien3 and Aliens equal. Aliens is clearly the better film but I much prefer the themes, atmosphere and intentions of Alien3)
What now, Sculli?!
EatChildren
Currently polling second in Australia's federal election (first in the Gold Coast), this feral may one day be your Bogan King.
Everything Suairyu said is basically why I enjoy Alien 3: EC more than Aliens. Even with it's problems and retreading the style of the first film, I find the darker, oppressive themes much more interesting than INTO THE ANT HIVE OORAH. Plus, as Suairyu said, I do feel Fincher's touch is there, and makes for an interestingly shot film.
Funky Papa
FUNK-Y-PPA-4
It pleases greatly me to see more Alien 3 love. It may be the lesser film, but I think it's still a very worthy Alien movie as flawed as it is. Some open mindedness is necessary, but that's all.
electroshockwave
Member
I thought she came to the conclusion that it was a queen because the xenomorph wouldn't attack her.
Sigourney, I hope you never see this interview because as much as it is bothering me that you can't button your blouse properly, it's going to bother you a whole lot more.
No, she deduced it as a Queen by looking at it. It was after that she put 2 and 2 together to realise that must be why it didn't waste her in the infirmary.
But then you also get things like:
"They were afraid of fire when we last faced them", she also says a similar thing in Aliens when recounting the events of Alien. Were they fuck. They had the idea to chase the thing in Alien with a flamethrower and the eggs in Aliens were vulnerable to fire. That was it.
brianjones
Member
the chronicles of riddick game for xbox was pretty inspired by alien 3 huh
The Take Out Bandit
Member
I never cease to be amused by the retroactive need to make Alien 3 a good movie because it was one of Fincher's earlier flicks. LOL LOL LOL
Yeah, man, my entire post about what I thought was that film's good points was because it was Fincher directing. Outside of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network (I think?) and Alien3, I don't know what he has done.
I complimenting the directing evident in the film, not claiming the presence of an auteur.
We will also note I said how "pleasantly surprised" I was by it. I was half expecting it to be shit, frankly. I remember watching the non Special Edition on VHS years ago. My first Alien film, actually. Didn't much enjoy it back then.
I complimenting the directing evident in the film, not claiming the presence of an auteur.
We will also note I said how "pleasantly surprised" I was by it. I was half expecting it to be shit, frankly. I remember watching the non Special Edition on VHS years ago. My first Alien film, actually. Didn't much enjoy it back then.
Fixed.
I love Fincher but Alien 3 is wretched. Even Fincher himself would agree with me on that, he disowned the damn thing. It's a disaster of a movie.
On an unrelated topic, have you guys seen the ADI pratical effects that ended up being replaced by crappy cgi in the Thing prequel??:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2bsXC-uhXQ&list=FL-htK8UGHmzTvfRlyvsmURg&feature=mh_lolz
edit: there's even the pilot thing that doesnt appear in the movie at all...producers like to really fuckup the movies dont they....winks at Fox/Universal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2bsXC-uhXQ&list=FL-htK8UGHmzTvfRlyvsmURg&feature=mh_lolz
edit: there's even the pilot thing that doesnt appear in the movie at all...producers like to really fuckup the movies dont they....winks at Fox/Universal
Guerrillas in the Mist
Member
I didn't see it, but is it true it was mostly CGI even after they promised to mostly rely on practical effects?
Mr. Pointy
Member
Alien3 is a giant steaming pile of wasted potential. The Assembly Cut makes it even more so.
cyberheater
PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 Xbone PS4 PS4
Really nice and captures a lot of my thoughts about why Aliens 3 is such a great film. I've never noticed the product placement issue. Probably too engrossed with the movie and I must have seen it a least a dozen times by now.
I'm also a big fan of Brian Glover so to see him and Pete Postlethwaite in the same movie was a treat. Great solid no bullshit anti Hollywood actors. Charles Dance's rather broken character also added immensely to the movie.
I also loved the idea that the only way these poor folk could survive in the place like that was to develop a cult religion. Charles Dutton as their priest was perfect casting. I'm mesmerised by every scene he's in. We are clearly not seeing these people at their best and given how unlikeable these characters are, and how detestable their crimes, it's a testament to their performances that we connect with them and will them on there way.
It's not so much that it's better then Aliens. It's just that I can't understand why folks are missing out by hating it. It baffles me.
Out-loud thinking:
In Alien, I was under the impression that no extra-terrestial life had not yet been encountered by humans. The discovery of the ship was more than just discovering a new species, it was discovering proof of more than man.
In Aliens, when it was "just another bug hunt", I was a little thrown.
In Alien, I was under the impression that no extra-terrestial life had not yet been encountered by humans. The discovery of the ship was more than just discovering a new species, it was discovering proof of more than man.
In Aliens, when it was "just another bug hunt", I was a little thrown.
EatChildren
Currently polling second in Australia's federal election (first in the Gold Coast), this feral may one day be your Bogan King.
All we need now is the mental "Aliens is the best film" Cameron worshippers and we've come full circle.
Movie was raped by pretty much everyone. They had lots of character development written, and most of it was shot. Obviously, studios don't want to make good films (seriously, they don't) so they cut that shit.
I guess I need to watch the Assembly Cut of 3, only ever seen the regular version. A long, long time ago so can't really remember too much of it.
Kinda ashamed to admit that I actually enjoyed Alien resurrection quite a bit when I was younger. Watched it whenever it was on TV. Might be for the best to keep those memories and not rewatch it...
Also need to rewatch Alien...
Kinda ashamed to admit that I actually enjoyed Alien resurrection quite a bit when I was younger. Watched it whenever it was on TV. Might be for the best to keep those memories and not rewatch it...
Also need to rewatch Alien...
Count of Monte Sawed-Off
un33dab@dpu$$y
The assembly cut of Alien 3 is a good movie. I wouldn't say as good as Aliens but it's certainly not bad. The only problem with the assembly cut is that it's a bit too long and the characters still mostly suck (aside from the doctor and Roc). Still there's a lot to like.
Some people just hate the movie because it unceremoniously killed Hicks and Newt. Newt mostly sucked anyway... mostly.
Zombie James
Banned
They really replaced this amazing stuff with CG? :/
Nappuccino
Member
Gotta love studio decisions.
Definitely one of the lousy scenes in the film that was jarring how bad it was. There were a few other moments and bits for these, where what a character said or a scene felt forced where it was laughable. While on the other hand, certain scenes like the Doctor's death were fantastic. Closest thing Ripley has to a friend now and right as he served his purpose. He is axed off brutally. Loved it.
Wasn't a fan of the all, bald, white, British cast. It took a few rewatches to figure out exactly who was who. But that probably is part of the point too.
2nd, I'm one of the few who put Alien3:SE above Aliens. Aliens is a better made film, but its also a very safe and watered down take for the audiences. Alien3 has a lot of faults, but has a very unique style to it that appeals a lot to me. I love the depressing atmosphere. A lot of hate for it comes from Cameron fanboys who can't get over the death of Newt and Biehn's career
You obviously don't know just how good Space coke tastes.
"'is all fucked this is. Fuck that thing. It wasted me mates. 'least I have this delicious bottle of coca cola. I say we waste it."
Damn, what a shame. I mean animatronics have evolved too dammit, I'd like to see them in action.
Yes, sadly. It would have been so, so much better without the CG.
BertramCooper
Banned
.
Fincher absolutely got screwed by the Fox bigwigs, but let's not pretend that Alien 3 has any redeeming qualities simply because it was directed by Fincher.
Studio meddling aside, it was Fincher's first film, and it shows.
But, isn't real life dialogue pretty cheddar as well? Thats part of what made it real(istic) to me.. in that, every marine I've ever met talked like that.
BertramCooper
Banned
I've never really felt the need to endlessly compare the merits of the Alien films.
There's Alien - a masterpiece of science fiction - and then there's everything else. That's how I rank them.
There's Alien - a masterpiece of science fiction - and then there's everything else. That's how I rank them.
thebaroness
Member
I was and am so unbelievably pissed off by this!! Those effects look amazing! It's why I hated That movie so much, the shitty rushed CGI kept pulling me out of it. As well as the quick cuts and no atmosphere in any of the horror scenes. I hate studio meddling >=/ I wanted another good Thing movie dammit!
Count Dookkake
Member
This.
SCULLIBUNDO
Banned
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I wouldn't cut a single line. It is all gold. And you better have been watching the Special Edition, hombre.
pieatorium
Member
The illegal alien one liner always stood out as wierd to me for some reason.
SCULLIBUNDO
Banned
BAY TWELVE, PLEASE.
AdventureRacing
Member
The hudson, Vasquez stuff is hilarious. In fact Hudson in general is great in the movie.
SunhiLegend
Member
Hudson and Vasquez are the best, mayne.
Hudson: "Hey Vasquez, have you ever been mistaken for a man?"
Vasquez: "No. Have you?"
Aliens is simply a badass, macho action movie.
Insane Metal
Member
Oh my god those look great :O
WAIT WHAT !?!?? THEY REPLACED THAT WITH CGI?
i still have hope that we will see the "real" version someday.
Nappuccino
Member
God damn its so cheesy though. Its one thing to have some humor in an otherwise serious movie (Die Hard is a fantastic example of this) but everything the marines say sound like schoolboys on a playground pretending to be tough and it feels so out of place. It makes it so that, when the marines fail you aren't surprised at all. Obviously these dumb asses are going to die because they act like five year olds.
If it wasn't an Alien movie i might have been more ok with it- but it just feels so out of place, quotable or not.
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