RTTP: Ridley Scott's ALIEN, or, the best movie he's ever made?

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MYE said:
Oh and before i go to bed, this is worth mentioning...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzavVThIUsA

Alien 3 probably has the best overall score, but this one is still great :)
I personally think the expanded Alien score is better, but Elliot Goldenthal certainly did a fantastic job of capturing the mood of the film with his score and Adagio is definitely the stand out track for me.

I'm actually listening to the expanded Alien score right now, because of this thread.
 
Blade Runner is a good movie but i never liked it as much as i like some of his other movies.
Just didnt felt as fresh and awesome to me as it obviously did for others. Probably because it's just the same old Film-Noir detective story all over again, except in front of a nice looking sci-fi backdrop.
 
demon said:
Wrong and wrong. KoH (yes I've only seen the director's cut) is too flawed of a movie to be considered either his best work or one of the best movies of the decade. It's not even the best movie he made in the last ten years. Orlando Bloom's awful performance and his boring character alone are enough to sink it down below great. Beyond that, there's just something about the movie.....the pacing, the editing, the flow of the story, the character development, maybe all of it....that just doesn't draw me in or make me care nearly as much as what's probably its most comparable movie, Braveheart. In a sense it felt too long because the only thing worse than a boring movie is a long boring movie, but in another sense it seemed too short because I felt like I could have enjoyed it more if everything had been fleshed out more, maybe as a mini-series or something. But as it is I just felt like the movie was dragging me from one scene to the next, one location to the next, without giving the flow of the movie any room to breath, while making no attempt to let me connect to and care about the main characters.
It's very pretty to look at, there are some great performances, and there's an interesting story buried in there somewhere, and by definition it is "epic", but it's just not the sum of its parts. Considering the absurd amount of praise I've seen it get on the internet I'd call the DC one of the most overrated movie of the 2000s. What a letdown.

And you people trying to defend O'Bloom's shitty character and even shittier acting by arguing he's "not the star of the film"...............nice one.


His best movies are Alien and Bladerunner. Both remarkably crafted and highly innovative and influential. Also, Black Hawk Down is easily one of the very best modern combat/war movies ever made.


I think the issue with Bloom is more of a casting problem, rather than him. Yes, there are others who would have been better suited for the role, but I don't think he was "awful". His character was not well written or interesting, I agree.

But then again, in the grand scheme of things, the film with it's simple setup, clearly shows us that it's about the political situations, the intrigue, the religions, the wars, the fighting. There is little development for him.

In Gladiator and Braveheart, you had a tale of revenge, about a man who goes through a journey, and all these patterns until the story reaches it's conclusion. In, KoH we don't spend much time with the main character. He is ignorant about many ways, and that's how the situation is being explained to us. By the protagonist being in an unfamiliar place.

I think it was trying to go for something else. I was not bothered by Bloom at all. I was way to focused on the charisma of Edward Norton, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, Eva Green and Liam Nesson. I also loved the actor who played Saladin. Very, very nice characters and performances.

I am not excusing Orlando Bloom or trying to say that it couldn't have been MUCH better, but this film was clearly more driven about historical events rather than character development, were Gladiator and Braveheart(to my personal knowledge) were much more character drama based films with loose inaccurate historical plots. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Just apples and oranges.


KoH:DC Reminds me of the classic fairytales about the hero who goes out on adventure and sees many things. Usually the hero, is not very interesting. He is more like the indifferent hero that puts the audience in the boots of him, and let the audience see the world through his eyes. It's just a character, who is an excuse for the camera to move around in all these interesting places and meeting these interesting characters.

That's just how I see it though. On a final note, I actually think that Orlando Bloom could really be something one day. If he gets the right part, and is being directed probably.
 
LQX said:
You should have watched his other movies before making a thread like this. Some of them include.....

Blade Runner
Black Hawk Down
American Gangster
Gladiator


And A L I E N would still be at the top of the list. Watched the restored film at the Egyptian where the original premered in Hollywood, the cinematography looked like it was filmed last year.
 
I never consider Alien or Blade Runner that great a movie, frankly I like Total Recall more than BR.

However Kingdom of Heaven made me a believer of Ridley Scott. It is his best movie.
 
I do think its his best, but then I really haven't cared for most of his work for a decade or so.

I've seen Alien every few years since I was pretty young, and it still scares the hell out of me. It's got a wonderful atmosphere of foreboding and dread, and the tension ratchets up just perfectly. Seeing the director's cut for the first time a few months ago, I was surprised to find I liked it better. Lots of little scene extensions, and the scene with Dallas at the end.

But my favorite addition - which really creeped me out - was the extra shot during Brett's death scene of the Alien suspended in the chains under the air conditioning system. It's just incredibly creepy.
 
Alien is his best, it also happens to be one of the best movies ever made. Blade Runner and KoH: DC are up there, but nothing can touch Alien.
 
dmshaposv said:
Blade Runner
/thread.

I love Alien but I don't think it is his best. There is very little plot . . . it is more of a well done big budget horror movie.

FFS, Gladiator won the Best Picture Oscar.

But I don't think that is is best and I like Alien more than Gladiator.
 
This is one of my most favorite sci fi movies. I saw it for the first time a couple years ago and I was amazed at how well it holds up today and how freaking believable the first half of the movie is and then how things so quickly descend into madness. It's nearly perfect I think
 
Doesn't Scott also consider it the best film he's done?
 
Vigilant Walrus said:
I think the issue with Bloom is more of a casting problem, rather than him. Yes, there are others who would have been better suited for the role, but I don't think he was "awful". His character was not well written or interesting, I agree.

But then again, in the grand scheme of things, the film with it's simple setup, clearly shows us that it's about the political situations, the intrigue, the religions, the wars, the fighting. There is little development for him.

In Gladiator and Braveheart, you had a tale of revenge, about a man who goes through a journey, and all these patterns until the story reaches it's conclusion. In, KoH we don't spend much time with the main character. He is ignorant about many ways, and that's how the situation is being explained to us. By the protagonist being in an unfamiliar place.

I think it was trying to go for something else. I was not bothered by Bloom at all. I was way to focused on the charisma of Edward Norton, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, Eva Green and Liam Nesson. I also loved the actor who played Saladin. Very, very nice characters and performances.

I am not excusing Orlando Bloom or trying to say that it couldn't have been MUCH better, but this film was clearly more driven about historical events rather than character development, were Gladiator and Braveheart(to my personal knowledge) were much more character drama based films with loose inaccurate historical plots. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Just apples and oranges.


KoH:DC Reminds me of the classic fairytales about the hero who goes out on adventure and sees many things. Usually the hero, is not very interesting. He is more like the indifferent hero that puts the audience in the boots of him, and let the audience see the world through his eyes. It's just a character, who is an excuse for the camera to move around in all these interesting places and meeting these interesting characters.

That's just how I see it though. On a final note, I actually think that Orlando Bloom could really be something one day. If he gets the right part, and is being directed probably.

Bloom isn't bad in KoH: DC. He's not great, but he certainly doesn't ruin the film like some here seem to think. A lot of the hate towards him is lashback from him becoming a female sex icon for awhile (Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio had similiar phases). And you're right, with the right project and direction I think he could be a great actor someday.
 
GhaleonEB said:
But my favorite addition - which really creeped me out - was the extra shot during Brett's death scene of the Alien suspended in the chains under the air conditioning system. It's just incredibly creepy.

Yes good god.
 
Alien is a near perfect film in my eyes: the alien is easily the best monster design ever conceived, the set design incredible, and the birthing scene is one of my favourite scenes in cinema history, and I disagree that it has not held up so well today. Although I find a lot of psychoanalytical criticism to be intellectual tripe, it seems to hold up remarkably well in regards to Alien and certainly can be strongly argued to have much more layers than its surface.

For me it's easily the best in the series which i'd probably uniquely rate Alien>Alien 3>Aliens>Alien: Resurrection. I think Ressurection had some excellent scenes, and it would rate over Aliens if it was more consistent, and dropped some of its cringeworthy cheesiness. I have never understood the love for Aliens (and the hate for Alien 3), especially those who rate it above Alien.
 
I like Alien the most. Might be why I hate Aliens. That and its complete lack of atmosphere.

I enjoyed the KoH director's cut, but its not even one of the better movies I;ve seen. Let alone one of the best Ridley has made.
muntersaur said:
Alien is a near perfect film in my eyes: the alien is easily the best monster design ever conceived, the set design incredible, and the birthing scene is one of my favourite scenes in cinema history, and I disagree that it has not held up so well today. Although I find a lot of psychoanalytical criticism to be intellectual tripe, it seems to hold up remarkably well in regards to Alien and certainly can be strongly argued to have much more layers than its surface.

For me it's easily the best in the series which i'd probably uniquely rate Alien>Alien 3>Aliens>Alien: Resurrection. I think Ressurection had some excellent scenes, and it would rate over Aliens if it was more consistent, and dropped some of its cringeworthy cheesiness. I have never understood the love for Aliens (and the hate for Alien 3), especially those who rate it above Alien
.
ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod!

I've found you!!!!!
Another person on earth who feels this way!!!!
I've been shit on for over two years (since rewatching the films) for saying exactly this to friends, co-workers and gaffers. People think I'm crazy.
This is amazing.
 
Staccat0 said:
I like Alien the most. Might be why I hate Aliens. That and its complete lack of atmosphere.

I enjoyed the KoH director's cut, but its not even one of the better movies I;ve seen. Let alone one of the best Ridley has made.

ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod!

I've found you!!!!!
Another person on earth who feels this way!!!!
I've been shit on for over two years (since rewatching the films) for saying exactly this to friends, co-workers and gaffers. People think I'm crazy.
This is amazing.

Alien and Alien Resurrection are the most interesting visually for me easy. The use of color in Resurrection is AWESOME. My love for the franchise fluctuates a lot though. It all depends on what kinda mood I'm in. The only time I ever really watch 3 is when I'm down and out.
 
Easily one ofmy top 5 favorite films...I'm so stoked he is going to direct another one. 2012 is so far away.
 
I'm reserving judgement on "his best film" for his Alien prequel. He's directing, not writing though...was hoping he'd do both but he's apparently stoked on buddies script.
that bastard ;P
 
No, that would be Blade Runner. As others have said. Although Aline is an exceptionally well made and interesting horror movie.
 
sammy said:
can't wait to see how this man tackles Forever War!



Yeah, definitely.


I think Blade Runner just manages to top Alien in terms of his best film. Both are master pieces though. The way they look is incredible, still far more convincing scifi than most anything I've seen done since. Hand of the master > generic CG.
 
Staccat0 said:
ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod!

I've found you!!!!!
Another person on earth who feels this way!!!!
I've been shit on for over two years (since rewatching the films) for saying exactly this to friends, co-workers and gaffers. People think I'm crazy.
This is amazing.

Damn, so much for my viewpoint being unique :D

Edit: To the guy below, agree completely. Well said.
 
Staccat0 said:
ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod!

I've found you!!!!!
Another person on earth who feels this way!!!!
I've been shit on for over two years (since rewatching the films) for saying exactly this to friends, co-workers and gaffers. People think I'm crazy.
This is amazing.

Dude, we exist.

I like all four films but to certain degrees. When I first heard of the franchise it was Aliens that everyone raved about, but over time I liked it less and less. I appreciate what Cameron did and its still a good film, but the original is superior in every way. What Scott accomplished with Alien needs no further praise that what has been read here. Not just him though, the cast is pitch perfect and the entire crew pulled off one of the most iconic horror/sci-fi films of all time.

Alien 3, speficially the extended cut, is the film I really enjoy, mostly because it ditches the Aliens themes and reverts back to Alien. One monster and an unarmed crew. Fincher did an amazing job shooting the film, and I love the gritty grungy tone. Much like the original Alien the acting seems far more natural as well. Aliens is very Hollywood, while Alien and Alien 3 have that dirty, unground vibe a lot of indy British films have.

I'm not big on Resurrection as an Alien film, but its a good popcorn movie, and is definitely interesting visually. Jean-Pierre Jeunet is a great director anyway, and from the opening shot it looks like a film under his name. Its got his quirky cinematography staple throughout, and I actually liked the cast quite a bit.

While I can see where people love Aliens, and as I said Cameron still deserves respect, its at the very worst on par with Resurrection for my personal taste, though would edge it out thanks to the final scenes with the Alien queen.

Otherwise Alien and Alien 3 remain my two staples of the franchise. Those two are, to me, what Alien is.
 
I'll agree that I like Alien 3 (extended cut) more than Aliens, but Alien Resurrection is a fucking horrendous movie. There are echoes of good ideas buried somewhere in the script but the final product is an abomination and should be purged from the universe.
 
LQX said:
You should have watched his other movies before making a thread like this. Some of them include.....

Blade Runner
Black Hawk Down
American Gangster
Gladiator

nope, OP is absolutely right. Alien is Ridley Scott's best. This movie leaves much much longer legacy than his other movies combined. Alien is an absolute classic
 
Spire said:
Bloom isn't bad in KoH: DC. He's not great, but he certainly doesn't ruin the film like some here seem to think. A lot of the hate towards him is lashback from him becoming a female sex icon for awhile (Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio had similiar phases). And you're right, with the right project and direction I think he could be a great actor someday.
It's like he's trying to upstage Keanu Reeves with his stale performance in KoH. When he's getting his hands dirty digging for water it looks like some petite rock star accidentally wandered onto the set. You could probably also blame the wardrobe a bit for that, but nothing about Bloom in that movie tells me that he's a skilled medieval warrior.
 
Count me in with those who love Alien 3. Well, not above Alien or Aliens, but they are all pretty close as far as i'm concerned.

I just dont get the A3 hate. Get over it already.


Alien Ressurection would be better off without the Alien name on it. Decent Sci-Fi flick but blergh....
 
Spire said:
I'll agree that I like Alien 3 (extended cut) more than Aliens, but Alien Resurrection is a fucking horrendous movie. There are echoes of good ideas buried somewhere in the script but the final product is an abomination and should be purged from the universe.
Impossible. Aliens is factually the better film.
 
Dax01 said:
Impossible. Aliens is factually the better film.

Yeah well you're a factually shut up.
 
My order looks like this:
Alien > Alien: Resurrection > Aliens > Alien 3

I considered Aliens to be the best when i was younger but when i watch it now my memorys of how awesome the movie was and the actual movie don't match anymore. It's quite a cheesy, not so well aged 80's action horror movie. Unlike Alien this does not stand the test of time imo.

Alien: Ressurection gets a lot of love from me because i love Jeunet movies and this is a very typical one. Visualy gorgeous black comedy.

Alien 3 is a decent movie, not more, not less.
 
CENOBITE said:
And A L I E N would still be at the top of the list. Watched the restored film at the Egyptian where the original premered in Hollywood, the cinematography looked like it was filmed last year.

Exactly! Last time I watched it (two years ago) was on a small SDTV and remember thinking that it looked a bit dated. With my new 42", I really appreciated the set design and cinematography, which didn't look like a 1979 (79!) movie at all.

Spire said:
Bloom isn't bad in KoH: DC. He's not great, but he certainly doesn't ruin the film like some here seem to think. A lot of the hate towards him is lashback from him becoming a female sex icon for awhile (Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio had similiar phases). And you're right, with the right project and direction I think he could be a great actor someday.

I hated Leo when he was young and I still think he has a LOT more range as a younger actor than Orlando Bloom does. Has Orlando Bloom ever played in any movie where his two emotions were "Legolas puppy dog eyes" and "scowl"?

Might give the Director's Cut a shot this week.
 
GhaleonEB said:
I do think its his best, but then I really haven't cared for most of his work for a decade or so.

I've seen Alien every few years since I was pretty young, and it still scares the hell out of me. It's got a wonderful atmosphere of foreboding and dread, and the tension ratchets up just perfectly. Seeing the director's cut for the first time a few months ago, I was surprised to find I liked it better. Lots of little scene extensions, and the scene with Dallas at the end.

But my favorite addition - which really creeped me out - was the extra shot during Brett's death scene of the Alien suspended in the chains under the air conditioning system. It's just incredibly creepy.

Holy shit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYPaQfLg08c
 
Alien is awesome but Blade Runner is his best. It's one of those film I watch at least once a year.

And whoever though American Gangster shouldbe mentioned here -> :lol
 
Blade Runner...or Alien

Alien...or Blade Runner

Blade Runner...or Alien

Alien...or Blade Runner

Blade Runner...or Alien

Alien...or Blade Runner

Blade Runner...or Alien

Alien...or Blade Runner

Blade Runner...or Alien

Alien...or Blade Runner

Blade Runner...or Alien

Alien...or Blade Runner



66awbkn.gif
 
Dascu said:
I really need to watch that extended cut of Alien³.

I started watching it last night because of this thread, it is better than I remember. Special effects are shit though.
 
Dascu said:
I really need to watch that extended cut of Alien³.

You do. It fixes a few of the plot holes and makes for an overall better film. Just make sure you go in without the raging Alien3 hate on your back. Clean slate, dudebro.
 
Mr. Snrub said:
14sgqk1.jpg


We had a friend and my gf who had never seen it...awesome when they realized this was actually a skeleton. They started guessing what is was (mission accomplished, Mr. Scott) :lol

"What is it?!"
"Is it a giant?"
"Is it another alien?"

Such a small but great design/story choice.
A skeleton of what ?
 
It was actually pretty funny, because the night before I received the Quadrilogy my gf and I decided to waste time with AvP.

What an utter piece of shit.

-Predators are huge bodybuilder-type brawlers
-Oh Lance...anything for a buck, eh?
-There is literally a Batman & Robin-ish scene, where the three predators stand there, SHWING'ing and CHK-CHK'ing their weapons before they leave the ship
-The predators unmasked are just HILARIOUS. I don't know what it is, but they are just utterly comical, especially when screaming--their mandibles look like they're controlled by someone blowing through a tube
-The SAME damned growl for the predator. Not once, twice, but over four times is this same exact sound effect used
-The cinematography is completely devoid of any sense of timing, suspense, and composition...so many close up sweeping shots of the characters with a wide lense. It's like a damned music video.
-The mythos is kind of cool, but they just went too far...Predators being the "gods" worshipped throughout all of civilization. Aliens being the "serpents" deemed worthy as opponents
-The CGI, while in some cases (thanks to the lighting) is not bad, is just ugly and jarring in others. The aliens and the queen go from creepy crawly monsters into fluidly moving animals. T-Rex alien queen was kind of entertaining.

I feel like these movies shouldn't have been too hard. All of the horror and suspense and entertainment were completely removed. How do these people still have their jobs?
 
Ridley Scott's only masterpieces are Alien and Blade Runner

the rest range from great to fucking horrible. (Kingdom of Heaven: DC was fantastic, but there were still some problems in the film)

Black Hawk Down is pretty meh aside from the soundtrack, Gladiator is entertaining as hell (including the soundtrack). American Gangster gets a bad rap but I think it could be seen as a great crime movie a few years down the line. Also Jay-Z's album for the film was his best in years.
 
EatChildren said:
You do. It fixes a few of the plot holes and makes for an overall better film. Just make sure you go in without the raging Alien3 hate on your back. Clean slate, dudebro.
I was one of the few who liked the original Alien³. Never got the hate.
 
Yeah, sorry but no.

Blade Runner is one of the 10 greatest movies of all time.

Alien is good. In fact, it is very good. But Blade Runner is Casablanca, Citizen Kane levels of awesome.

Also..

Terminator > Teminator 2 (not that close)

and

Alien > Aliens (but it is very close)
 
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