Alien

     I can't dig into classic groundbreaking horror films without considering Ripley Scott's Alien (1979). The alien monster from this movie has become a permanent fixture in popular culture. Furthermore, the crossover between sic-fi and horror of Alien surpasses the cheesy attempt of scary alien flicks of the 1950's to create a truly unique experience that has been an inspiration for decades to follow.

     Alien put a unique spin many of the typical tropes of the horror genre. Instead of a cast of teens/young adults, the characters are a wide age bracket of professional adults on a job. This allowed for more distinct characterization than many of the slasher films of the time. No stereotypical group of teens being torn apart here. Weaver's portrayal of lead protagonist Ripley is monumental in horror. While former horror tales had a female lead, they were typically weak, scared girls that were traumatized through the story. Ripley is hard as nails throughout, being more of a warrior type of character than a trembling lady is distress. I could spend this entire review discussing the feminist boost from this character (that is preserved throughout the series) but there are other elements of the film that make it the success it is.

     The setting is another trope spin. Isolated locations are a standard in horror. The small rural town, the dark forest, and the towering mansion on the hill, all miles away from any other human that could help. Alien takes the audience even further; a lone spaceship, thousands and thousands of miles from another human inhabited site. Isolation in an extreme sense. Layered on his hopeless isolation is the foreign feel of the setting. A distant future, a strike and uncomfortable space ship, and an alien terrain. There is no place for the characters that the audience feels comfortable and safe in. The atmosphere is unsettling even before the alien creatures make their debut.

      Arguably, the creatures of this film are the best part of the movie. Ridley Scott reveals them over the course of the movie in a masterful manner that creates an increasing level of suspense. The aliens change throughout the plot, allowing the audience to grow more apprehensive as the story unfolds. From egg, to face clinging creature, to chest piercing phallic infant, to full blown fanged, tentacle beast, the monster reveal is drawn out in the most delicious tension. The audience asking 'what is this?" the whole time. The slow burn of suspense has the audience on the edge of their set, while still giving them the action they crave. No monster lurking in the trees, just watching potential victims. The alien is squirming with a chest cavity ready to break out and devour. Even in adult form, the aliens have surprises for the viewer, such as the grotesque second mouth and acidic mucus. I have to mention H. R. Giger's brilliant monster design (RIP genius). The aliens are both believable as living creatures and completely alien (pun intended) to the audience.

     No piece is without some faults. As with any film, the age will inevitably show. The interior of the space ship feels very much like the late 70's early 80's idea of the future (how could it not?). This is easy to forget once the viewer gets into the story. The genre blending of sci-fi and horror is as much of a weakness as it is a strength. This blend makes a unique story and setting. However, for those unfamiliar with hard science, this can be a lot to process. Not only is there a great deal to learn about the monster, the audience is dumped into a different time and place. This can be off putting to some viewers who prefer a more straightforward story. The werewolf attacking a small town is much easier to digest than a complicated futurist space station. Watching this with my mother is frustrating, as she will have twenty billion questions regarding what the crew is doing on this planet, how all the space travel works ect. upfront instead of trusting the movie will reveal everything.

     Overall, a fantastic movie. This should be a movie watched multiple times by fans of sci-fi and horror. It's a great example of the possibilities of cross-genre awesomeness.