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[PowderedToast]

just got home from the cinema.

in terms of filmmaking craft this doesn't approach the airtight, effective simplicity of alien. but in regards to the themes and observations, prometheus is a lot more provocative and worthwhile.

i'm in the camp that fassbender is a revelation. the amount he can convey through muted, blank expression..there is just a beautiful richness and complexity to his performances. i loved david's

Spoiler

inquisitive nature and fascination with human culture, including his love for lawrence and how he modeled himself off of the protagonist. thought it was an excellent observation on the iconography of cinema and how it can satisfy someones sense of longing.

 

[Good Job Bob]

Jesus christ I thought I was the only gaffer in mid-east Finland.

I've no clue what this is supposed to mean.

Ah yeah, knew it came out then but obviously didn't know where you came from.

I'm really interested to know the American reaction, both box-office and GAFwise. Hopefully early word of mouth hasn't hurt its takings.

Definitely should be interesting, I think it'll do around 40-50m but who knows with the way BO has been going this year.

 

[Septimius]

Some guy fainted at the movies today. I met a friend after the movie, who sat next to him. It was during the scene with the

Spoiler

sea section

. Apparently, he started flailing, hitting my friend's girlfriend. Then he continued to flail while keeling over, hitting the people in the row in front of me. Meanwhile, at my row, next to me, was one of those idiots that decided to use his smartphone, and browse his smurf village updates during the most exciting scenes. He probably just couldn't take it.

Apparently, it's like it was too visceral and scary for most. I didn't get the suspense. Only jumped one time, but it was one of those too cheap "boo" scenes.

All in all, I dunno. A classic as far as Alien goes, but the story is very thin, and a lot of the interesting aspects remain uncovered. Everybody's just obsessed with the whole thing, and no one stops to ask why. When they do, the answer, every single time is "just cause".

 

[indigo-cyclops]

I feared this would be the case when Scott said the video release would include a fair amount of additional footage.

Seems like that's how he deals with issues with cuts doesn't it? Blade Runner was like that, but it sounds like Prometheus needs that additional content more.

So without having to read through all the impressions in this thread, what's the consensus on this? I'm slightly worried now. At least it's out soon...

@fanboi; I've been trying to remember what movie your avatar is from, could you point me in the right direction?

 

[Erigu]

I feared this would be the case when Scott said the video release would include a fair amount of additional footage.

According to Scott, there will be deleted scenes, but they won't be inserted back into the movie. No alternate cut.

 

[GhaleonEB]

According to Scott, there will be deleted scenes, but they won't be inserted back into the movie. No alternate cut.

During the run up to release, Scott mentioned an extended version several times. A quick google search turned up an interview from this month where he says he's happy with the cut and won't do a longer one, though. So it seems he's changed his mind.

I wonder if there was some back and forth with Fox on the rating, and had he done a PG-13 cut, would have done a director's cut. Good to hear, though. I still can't believe he got the R.

 

[Avixph]

Are the space jockeys wearing masks or not?

 

[Erigu]

During the run up to release, Scott mentioned an extended version several times.

I'm pretty sure that was bad translation from French and he was actually talking about the 17 minutes he had to cut from Kingdom of Heaven.

 

[maquiladora]

Are the space jockeys wearing masks or not?

Spoilerish question.

 

[Avixph]

Spoilerish question.

Can some one pm me the answer?

 

[Wilbur]

Can some one pm me the answer?

spoiler thread NOW

 

[Freewheelin']

I really enjoyed it.

Great to see a bold and ambitious sci-fi film again after so many years. Visually beautiful and masterfully directed, but it has flaws. Not many, but they are there. I was very interested in the plot beforehand, namely the philosophical stuff, and it mostly delivered...mostly.

Probably going to see it a second time.

4/5

 

[SCULLIBUNDO]

Just got back. The following impressions will be spoiler free.

It is a film with ambitious ideas, but lacks Scott's previous deft touch. Those who hate Lindelof will have no problem hating him here because the script feels about as subtle as a brick to the face. The characters are wafer thin and their motivations feel really forced. It has what I like to call the 'THIS IS HOW I'M FEELING!' syndrome, where we aren't allowed to simply see how characters are feeling and reacting to situations or to each other, we have to hear them vocalize it and tell us. The disappointments I felt running through this feels much like the same disappointments I felt when watching Spielberg's War Horse. It feels like the film is going through the motions because the writers needed another draft or two. The characters are absolutely contrived. The film feels cliche and for a film that is about exploring the great unknown, it feels unforgivably predictable. Those who spoiled themselves on every trailer are really going to hate themselves.

That said, it sure is a pretty film to look at. It has a very different aesthetic to the Alien films and is one that absolutely screams 50s cereal box sci-fi and I love that.

The score has a great main theme, but like the film itself - is tonally all over the place.

Tying the film to the Alien franchise at all was a huge mistake imo. It feels hamstrung by its duty to explore those connections. Or it should have completely been an Alien film. It segues back and forth and just feels very muddled tonally speaking.

This next part isn't really a spoiler at all as I won't even detail the idea (but I'll tag it just in case), but I find it fascinating that the best part of the film for me was

Spoiler

an idea that Cameron thought of including in Aliens.

Overall, it is a good sci-fi action, but not at all the philosophical or thoughtful film is deserves to be. If you forget that Ridley Scott directed it, you will enjoy it well enough. I've got tickets to see it again Wednesday night, so it will be interesting to see how it stands up to a rewatch.

And for the record, it feels like a very hard PG13.

 

[NotTheGuyYouKill]

Doesn't sound too bad. I'll keep my expectations measured, I'm sure to enjoy it.

 

[GhaleonEB]

Sounds about where I've calibrated my expectations. Thanks for the spoiler free thoughts.

 

[SCULLIBUNDO]

Make no mistake. It isn't a BAD film. It is a good sci-fi that is disappointing only because you can see how good it could have been if the writers had been more inventive/less lazy.

These are my completely fresh thoughts. Seeing it again on Wed night knowing exactly what to expect will be very interesting.














Should have given the film to Cameron.

 

[NotTheGuyYouKill]

Should have given the film to Cameron.

 

[shintoki]

Should have given the film to Cameron.

Wafer thin characters, subtle like a brick in the face. Looks like they already got the Cameron touch.

Shame most complaints still coming in are about the script.

 

[JonnyBrad]

On the directors cut. IMO Scott will always say its his cut up until the theatrical has been released on blueray. When they've milked that there will be a directors cut I would guess.

 

[JonnyBrad]

Wafer thin characters, subtle like a brick in the face. Looks like they already got the Cameron touch.

Shame most complaints still coming in are about the script.

I wonder if the pre Lindelof script will surface. There is on floating around but I don't know if it's fake.

 

[Danielsan]

Should have given the film to Cameron.

I think I just threw up a little.

 

[StuBurns]

My issues with the film all fall under Scott's domain, not Lindelof. I think he did a great job. I'd be very interested to read the original script, because there are some very Lindelof-esque things that I wonder if he is actually responsible for, or I just presume he is knowing his involvement.

 

[symphonask]

During the run up to release, Scott mentioned an extended version several times. A quick google search turned up an interview from this month where he says he's happy with the cut and won't do a longer one, though. So it seems he's changed his mind.

I wonder if there was some back and forth with Fox on the rating, and had he done a PG-13 cut, would have done a director's cut. Good to hear, though. I still can't believe he got the R.

Did you listen to the 5 Live interview from June 1st? In it, he makes it pretty clear that there's stuff he wants to add in on the home release version. Here's a transcript:

Q: Finally, in terms of the movies you made before, many of them have existed in several different versions. There's two different versions of Alien. Obviously Blade Runner - the final cut, director's cut, the original cut. As far as Prometheus is concerened, is it exactly the film you want it to be and is there any possibility that at some point you'll do a Kingdom of Heaven and go back and put other stuff back in there or is that it - is it finished, is it done?

Scott: No, there's every possibility. Never say never. Mummy used to tell me not to anticipate or predict anything.


Q: So are there things that you want in there? Are there things that you'll to be able to put in there that aren't in there at the moment?

Scott: Yeah - oh sure - getting to the next phase, definitely.

Also, there's another interview with the BBC that makes it seem like he cut some stuff because it was too violent and didn't want to get an 18 rating, rather than the 15 he got now.

The film is violent and tense but Sir Ridley – who has been an outspoken critic of the current rules of film ratings – insists he “cut as much he could to open the film to a wider audience.”‘

“It has to be about the movie, so I’ve made concessions. There’s a moment where you don’t want to harm the movie.”

But he acknowledges its a case of simple economics and getting an 18 certificate “could be the difference of $80m or more”".

 

[zoukka]

Should have given the film to Cameron.

He already had his chance for a sci-fi epic with Avatar and decided to go with the Disney route. No thanks.

 

[SCULLIBUNDO]

He already had his chance for a sci-fi epic with Avatar and decided to go with the Disney route. No thanks.

Except that isn't what he would have done in the Xenoverse

“The original Alien holds a special classic niche as one of the great terrifying experiences. And the trick is you don’t go crazy and make a $150-million movie because you don’t want to have to compromise, you don’t want to try to do a PG-13 Alien that is all things to everyone. It’s got to still maintain its roots in this kind of cinematic id. Ridley did it really beautifully. He just kind of put you into this Freudian nightmare space.”

 

[maquiladora]

Should have given the film to Cameron.

No...no....no....

 

[zoukka]

Except that isn't what he would have done in the Xenoverse

Well we can only guess now can we. But thanks for the link I've heard a lot of bad things about Fox, but canceling Alien 5 with Ridley and Cameron on board for AvP has to be the silliest decision considering hollywood since Dune.

 

[Messofanego]

I don't get why they casted a popular British comedian actor, Rafe Spall (Pete versus Life, Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead), to play a Southern USA type alongside the other Fifield British guy.

Pete Versus Life - Are You On Drugs?

It just made no sense. The change was pointless, they didn't mine anything out of that (or any other character interactions).

 

[fanboi]

Well we can only guess now can we. But thanks for the link I've heard a lot of bad things about Fox, but canceling Alien 5 with Ridley and Cameron on board for AvP has to be the silliest decision considering hollywood since Dune.

WHAT

 

[zoukka]

WHAT

Read the link Sculli posted.

 

[SCULLIBUNDO]

WHAT

The avatar just goes so well with that.

 

[Chinner]

saw this last night - not sure how to feel it but i thought it was shamefully pretty average.

 

[fanboi]

Seems like that's how he deals with issues with cuts doesn't it? Blade Runner was like that, but it sounds like Prometheus needs that additional content more.

So without having to read through all the impressions in this thread, what's the consensus on this? I'm slightly worried now. At least it's out soon...

@fanboi; I've been trying to remember what movie your avatar is from, could you point me in the right direction?

Oy!

It is from Begotten!

 

[brandonh83]

It's... finally out this week in the U.S. I... I can't believe it.

 

[Gregorn]

It's... finally out this week in the U.S. I... I can't believe it.

You should turn that hype down if you want to enjoy it.

 

[Erigu]

Did you listen to the 5 Live interview from June 1st? In it, he makes it pretty clear that there's stuff he wants to add in on the home release version. Here's a transcript:

Also, there's another interview with the BBC that makes it seem like he cut some stuff because it was too violent and didn't want to get an 18 rating, rather than the 15 he got now.

But then, there's also this, from SlashGear (not linked, as there are spoilers):

[Question] You’re known for releasing a director’s cut. Are we going to see a Prometheus director’s cut when this comes to DVD?

[Ridley Scott] No, I think this is a good length. But that said, I think that now the fashion of actually putting out a couple of discs is here to stay, which will comfort you on all other kinds of conversation about how the movie was made. All you’ll really do is see extended scenes in the menu. Other that that I think this is a pretty good length, the dynamics are about right.

All over the place...

 

[brandonh83]

You should turn that hype down if you want to enjoy it.

Thanks but I think I'll be just fine. I'm expecting an awesome sci-fi film, not the second coming of Christ. I can still be very excited about that. I like to enjoy things. If I'm disappointed, whatever, it won't be the first time but I don't stop anticipating something because other people didn't feel it was great. Part of what makes a movie experience awesome is the anticipation/hype leading up to it and I certainly don't dial anything down because other people happened to not think it was the best movie ever.

Also, and I know it's really fucked up but it seems that some people, likewise, did think it was great and it has a lot of really good reviews. I'm sure those people would tell me that the wait, anticipation, and hype is indeed worth it.

 

[zoukka]

All over the place...

Well with Gladiator they added more scenes to the extended edition, but Ridley made it clear it was not the best cut as a movie.

 

[gdt]

Geez, the semi meh response is really disheartening.

 

[Solo]

Geez, the semi meh response is really disheartening.

People have to realize that, like spielberg, Ridley has gotten old. These guys aren't in their 30's anymore.

 

[Gregorn]

Also, and I know it's really fucked up but it seems that some people, likewise, did think it was great and it has a lot of really good reviews. I'm sure those people would tell me that the wait, anticipation, and hype is indeed worth it.

Oh I'm sure you and everyone else that's looking forward to will enjoy it and some will even love it, but I can easily see a massive backlash once it's released in America because so many people got too excited.

I really liked it btw, I haven't stopped thinking about it and will probably continue to do so for days.

 

[zoukka]

People have to realize that, like spielberg, Ridley has gotten old. These guys aren't in their 30's anymore.

But Prometheus is so much better than Kingdom of Heaven and Robin Hood. Hell I blame most of the backlash with people wanting it to be just another Alien movie. But I also know the appreciation for this movie will only grow as time passes so I don't mind the very mixed responses and reviews. This was Ridleys return to glory for me.

 

[fanboi]

People have to realize that, like spielberg, Ridley has gotten old. These guys aren't in their 30's anymore.

With age comes... wisdom, no?

 

[Good Job Bob]

People have to realize that, like spielberg, Ridley has gotten old. These guys aren't in their 30's anymore.

Yup, can't expect those old men to put out films as good as young directors like Joss Whedon.

But Prometheus is so much better than Kingdom of Heaven and Robin Hood. Hell I blame most of the backlash with people wanting it to be just another Alien movie. But I also know the appreciation for this movie will only grow as time passes so I don't mind the very mixed responses and reviews. This was Ridleys return to glory for me.

Wait, so you got to watch the film? I thought you and the rest of the audience passed out from the gut wrenching insufferable cheesiness of the TDKR teaser.

 

[Solo]

With age comes... wisdom, no?

Perhaps, but at the cost of youthful optimism, naivety and creativety.

Expecting an Alien-calibre film from Scott circa 2012 is like expecting a Jaws-calibre film from Spielberg circa 2012. There is only one outcome for such an expectation, and it is severe disappointment.

 

[effzee]

But Prometheus is so much better than Kingdom of Heaven and Robin Hood. Hell I blame most of the backlash with people wanting it to be just another Alien movie. But I also know the appreciation for this movie will only grow as time passes so I don't mind the very mixed responses and reviews. This was Ridleys return to glory for me.

Opinions! How do they work?

I haven't seen it yet but you seem convinced that no matter what everyone should enjoy this movie and if they haven't, they will down the road.

I haven't had close to 20 years of hype for Scott's return to sci-fi built up (I just watched Alien for the first time last weekend) so hopefully I don't have any expectations that lead me to not enjoying it.

 

[zoukka]

Wait, so you got to watch the film? I thought you and the rest of the audie ce passed out from the gut wrenching cheesiness of the TDKR teaser.

I think most of the audience sobered up once the shit was rinced from our mouths with the glorious opening of Prometheus.

Opinions! How do they work?

I haven't seen it yet but you seem convinced that no matter what everyone should enjoy this movie and if they haven't, they will down the road.

I haven't had close to 20 years of hype for Scott's return to sci-fi built up (I just watched Alien for the first time last weekend) so hopefully I don't have any expectations that lead me to not enjoying it.

I was merely expressing how I feel this movie will be seen years from now. The way they tell the story is certainly not for everyone. It's a quite brave and ballsy for a hollywood movie.

Expecting an Alien-calibre film from Scott circa 2012 is like expecting a Jaws-calibre film from Spielberg circa 2012. There is only one outcome for such an expectation, and it is severe disappointment.

To be fair we saw Alien for the first time as kids. It's impossible to compare the movies in that sense, but I think Prometheus is the closest any sci-fi film has gotten to Alien in terms of overall mood.

 

[brandonh83]

Oh I'm sure you and everyone else that's looking forward to will enjoy it and some will even love it, but I can easily see a massive backlash once it's released in America because so many people got too excited.

I really liked it btw, I haven't stopped thinking about it and will probably continue to do so for days.

I'll enjoy it if I think it's good. It's true that I'm really excited, but I'm not going to pretend it's great if I don't think it is. It's borderline painful to admit that something that you're looking forward to just wasn't all that in the long run, but if it's mediocre, it's mediocre, and in the end it is just a movie.

I'm just saying that opinions/reviews don't sway me either way unless there's some unanimous consensus of its greatness or shittiness. I thought Speed Racer was going to be the worst movie of 2008 by a country mile and the reviews reinforced that. And then I actually watched it.

And if you're still thinking about the movie, that's a feat that not many "summer blockbusters" are quite able to pull off.

 

[StuBurns]

I don't think Jaws is close to the best Spielberg has put out.

Prometheus isn't even trying to be Alien. I don't know if Scott could make an Alien film to the quality of the original or not, but I know he wasn't even attempting to here.

 

[Solo]

Prometheus isn't even trying to be Alien. I don't know if Scott could make an Alien film to the quality of the original or not, but I know he wasn't even attempting to here.

Of course he was. It's not like he set out thinking he'd like to make an inferior, middle-of-the-road prequel.

To me this again ties in with my "they got old" stance in that both of them aren't as good at judging scripts and picking projects as they used to be.