Review of Alien³ (1992) by Norman B — 25 Oct 2013

Definitely worthy of the title sci-fi classic. The crew of the Nostromo are almost home. Deep in hyper sleep in the folds of space with a very large cargo, they stumble upon an S.O.S. transmission from an unknown vessel. With research they discover that they are not alone in the universe and this new guest on their ship isn't all that friendly. Now Captain Dallas and his second in command Ripley have to face an enemy that no one understands. No one knows how to kill. No one can catch. Can the small crew of a commercial vessel survive against a creature that may be the perfect killer?

Alien is a hellish ride of atmospheric tension, low key energy, isolation, and simplicity. Ridley Scott uses the mechanical and dark settings of the ship to craft such a claustrophobia and lonely feeling that by the time the Alien actually pops up we are already freaked out and sympathetic for the crew. Although we have no true single protagonist from the start we are forced to really trust the ensemble initially, there is very little back story for any of them. Minor details are spilled through their interactions, but it's the interactions and good acting jobs that make them real. Although we essentially know nothing about any of them, you will find yourself caring for their survival.

The Alien is shown in many forms none of which appear cheesy or corny despite the film's age due to spectacular special effects and well used shots to slowly unveil the creature. It's a vicious and artistic value to unveiling the Alien that makes the film work. Don't let the age of the film fool you it still stands strong to this very day as one of the greatest science fiction films crafted. It's got a masterfully well paced build that unveils the horror of its space isolation to full potential and with amazing special effects and a vision of pure genius from director Ridley Scott, Alien deserves the praise it receives and rightfully so, but I just wished we got to see the Alien slightly more that's my only minor issue.