Well said Simon!
________________________________ From: Simon Oram <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Sat, June 23, 2012 1:21:51 AM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Speaking of "Alien" (1979) vs. "Prometheus" (2012). Definitely a 5 or maybe a 6 from me, I think script and screenplay wise it was very episodic due probably to the chap from "Lost" being employed as main writer, maybe that will be put right with a DVD "Director's Cut" but then some of the dumbed down dialogue can't be smoothed over and that made it feel like a TV serial that was being written as and when needed. Visuals were excellent but then they were put together like a trip to the museum not unlike a show at London's Planetarium which made it feel very sophomoric. The great premise about "Alien" was it knew more than it told it had incredible depth to it even though it's a basic story that we all know - that being a very similar to John Ford's "The Lost Patrol", it connected with audiences on a human level something that 'Prometheus' fails to do with it's complex fathoming on the big questions which feel incredibly shallow in this film. The only thing truly remarkable, was Fassbender’s character David, he captures that big question can a machine start to have feelings and emotions, it will remain the binding element in a very shaky story. Alien was awe inspiring we were immersed in a world that was truly bewildering with a real gritty edge, with adult themes which was mainly down to O’Bannon and Shusett with a tough and uncompromising rewrite by Hill and Giler who are there only this time in name but are well gone from anything to do with it. A major theatrical let down but maybe a more expansive DVD release may go some way to correcting some of the sloppy scripting and screenplay, a similar scenario to ‘Alien3’ which is far better in it’s Director’s Cut. Simon From: David Kusumoto Sent: Saturday, June 23, 2012 2:03 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [MOPO] Speaking of "Alien" (1979) vs. "Prometheus" (2012). Hey gang - * Caught "Prometheus" after reading way too many vague or implied references to "Alien." Entering its third week, the theater was still 2/3rds full - with about half its patrons looking north of 40. Up front, I have to say that while this film is nowhere close to the 1979 classic, I still think Ridley Scott is the greatest living director - who has NEVER won an Oscar. * The link between "Prometheus" and "Alien" is NOT implied. It is SPECIFIC. Without giving away the ending, you walk out of the theater knowing both films are inextricably linked. There's nothing fuzzy about it. The story in "Prometheus" is set 77 years from now. The story in "Alien" happens well after that. * The first half of "Prometheus" - which suggests humans may have been created by aliens and placed on Earth for a purpose not yet known - is intriguing, introspective and cerebral - with stunning, big-screen visuals. It feels like a hybrid of "Alien" and "2001" - quietly creepy and cynical, complete with H.R. Giger-inspired art direction to create a sense of impending doom. The voyagers are interested in science and money - but the lead character wears a cross necklace and is interested in science AND the notion of a Creator. Meanwhile, Michael Fassbender plays the best robot since the Hal 2000 computer and has the most fascinating role in the picture. * The second half of "Prometheus" postpones further exploration of this "where did we come from?" lineage - (perhaps to be picked up in a sequel) - and goes off the rails a bit, turning into a conventional action-fest with the usual thrills and gore that made "Prometheus" - like "Alien" before it - R-rated. While it's not a classic like "Alien," Ridley tops what happened to John Hurt in "Alien" - with a singularly original/intense gross-out scene in the second half involving Noomi Rapace that blew my mind. * "Prometheus" got mixed reviews from critics, hence my expectations were lowered. If you plan to see this film, keep 'em low. I'm not sure kids over 17 will like this picture because the action doesn't come until the second half - and its pretty tepid stuff compared to "The Avengers." But for the rest of us who remember "Alien" (remember, Ridley never directed the sequels) - this is way better than the Lucas-directed "Star Wars" pre-quel, "The Phantom Menace." * I walked in thinking I was going to see a pic that was a "6" on a 1-10 scale - and walked out feeling like it was an "8." Ridley Scott is 74 and he still has "it." For technical and visual excellence, this picture gets an "A+." The story gets an "A" in the first half and a "C" in the second half. But it does have an ending that worked well with me. -d. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___________________________________________________________________ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [email protected] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___________________________________________________________________ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [email protected] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___________________________________________________________________ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [email protected] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
