Release: 1979-05-25
Runtime: 1h 57m (117 minutes)
During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is birthed.
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Genres: Horror, Science Fiction
Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Ian Holm, Tom Skerritt, more
Sigourney Weaver
as Ripley
Ian Holm
as Ash
Tom Skerritt
as Dallas
John Hurt
as Kane
Harry Dean Stanton
as Brett
Veronica Cartwright
as Lambert
Yaphet Kotto
as Parker
Bolaji Badejo
as Alien
Helen Horton
as Mother (voice)
During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is birthed.
In space, no one can hear you scream.
Alien is a science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott, released on 25 May 1979. The screenplay was written by Dan O'Bannon, based on a story he developed with Ronald Shusett. The film follows a crew aboard a commercial space tug, the Nostromo, who investigate a mysterious signal from a nearby planet and encounter a deadly alien creature.
The film features a strong cast including Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, and Yaphet Kotto. It was produced by Gordon Carroll, David Giler, and Walter Hill through Brandywine Productions and distributed by 20th Century Fox.
Alien premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival on 25 May 1979 before receiving a wide release in the United States on 22 June. Initially, the film received mixed reviews, but it has since been recognized as a groundbreaking work in both science fiction and horror genres. It won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and earned several Saturn Awards, including Best Science Fiction Film and Best Direction for Scott. Box office results indicate that Alien grossed approximately $78.9 million in the United States and around £7.9 million in the UK during its original run, with total earnings estimated between $104 million and $203 million worldwide.
The story begins with the Nostromo returning to Earth with its seven-member crew. The ship's computer, Mother, awakens the crew after detecting a signal from a nearby planet, prompting them to investigate. Upon landing, they discover a derelict alien spacecraft and a chamber filled with large eggs. When crew member Kane interacts with one of the eggs, he becomes the host to a facehugging alien creature, which later bursts from his chest, leading to the terror that unfolds aboard the Nostromo.
As the alien matures, it begins hunting the crew members. Despite their efforts to trap and destroy it, one by one, they fall victim to the creature. As the film progresses, Ripley, played by Weaver, emerges as the primary survivor, ultimately confronting the alien in a suspenseful finale.
Alien has been critically reassessed over the years and is now considered one of the greatest and most influential science fiction and horror films of all time. In 2002, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry due to its cultural significance. It has received numerous accolades and is frequently cited as a classic in film history.
The film's success has led to an expansive media franchise, which includes several sequels, comics, novels, video games, and merchandise. Sigourney Weaver reprised her role as Ripley in three direct sequels: Aliens (1986), Alien 3 (1992), and Alien Resurrection (1997). The narrative of Ripley's encounters with the alien creatures has become the core theme of the franchise.
Alien features notable contributions from artists such as H. R. Giger, who designed the alien creatures and environments, and Roger Christian, the art director. The film's visual and thematic elements have inspired discussions around gender, horror, and technology in cinema.
Overall, Alien remains a significant cultural artifact, reflecting both the anxieties and wonders of deep space exploration, and continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of horror and science fiction.
