5. The Return Of Horror
As good as Aliens is, it is not a horror movie. Alien was very claustrophobic and the slow-burn tension and the limited sights of the alien were very effective at amping up the tension. Aliens, however, was much more action-oriented and although its a thrill ride, it never quite becomes a horror film. While its admirable of James Cameron to do something different as opposed to a traditional sequel, I do feel that the aliens became a bit less threatening by having so many of them. It's not as bad as the
Inverse Ninja Law, but it does have an element of that. With Aliens, although there are some surprises, youre pretty confident that Ripley, Hicks and Newt will all survive. But in Alien 3, like in Alien, its made very clear that no one is safe. Were now in a situation that is just as desperate as the first film. Absolutely no weapons, and back to just a single alien, which I think makes it more threatening. Finchers direction also has a very claustrophobic and dark feel to it. A frequent criticism is that the film is very depressing and feels hopeless, and many have complained that its like the characters have consigned themselves to death. I see it differently, I see it as they know theyre going to die, but theyre going to go out fighting and take this thing with them. And the hopelessness of their situation really helps to heighten the tension as the film goes on. Even when they actually manage to capture the alien, as they do in one part of the Assembly Cut, we think we know whats going to happen: Ripley tells Dillon they need to find a way to kill the alien before the rescue team arrives, and were left thinking that when they go in to kill the alien, its going to escape. But Fincher flips it again, when Golic ends up releasing the alien instead.