The debate over what the best Alien film is usually boils down to the argument of Alien versus Aliens, but the fact that the argument even exists -- and that the two films can lead to such debate owes everything to Ridley Scotts original. As great as Aliens is, Alien laid the foundation for a legacy that has lasted 35 years and continues to find and influence new fans. H.R. Gigers design for the Xenomorph is nothing short of legendary, Ellen Ripley has become one of cinemas most important female heroes and Ridley Scotts masterful direction has spawned countless imitators all trying to recapture his effortless balance of sci-fi suspense, creeping dread and outright terror. And lets not forget the chestburster scene, a defining moment in the annals of horror history. Even though the creatures ability to be scary may seem to have been lost long ago through sequels and crossovers and games and comics and other appearances in popular culture, rewatching Alien in the dark, maybe with someone who hasnt seen it, proves that the film hasnt lost its effectiveness. Eventually, the Alien will resurface in theaters again, for better or worse, but the original classic will continue to overcome anything thrown at it. After all, 35 years later, were still talking about it and celebrating it for all its given.
Writer, film enthusiast, part-time gamer and watcher of (mostly) good television located on the fringe of Los Angeles, who now has his own website at www.highdefgeoff.com!
