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| Prometheus-Movie.com |
So, I really liked this movie… enough to see it twice, 2 nights in a row – so I’m not really sure why all the mixed reviews. I guess if you are looking for non-stop, chest bursting, Alien action… this is not the movie for you. But if you want a more philosophical experience, and subtle references and insights into the Alien saga, this is your ticket.
***WARNING: SPOILERS
Now, there seems to be a great deal of controversy about whether or not this is an Alien prequel. Lets fact check for a moment, shall we…
Prometheus takes place on LV-223 and the film ends on January 1st, 2094. In the original Alien, the Nostromo sets down on what we would later come to know as LV-426 in the year 2122. It is clearly a prequel that sets up a completely new, but parallel story direction. Other evidence is the pre-merger Wayland Corp, which would later become Wayland-Yutani.
I spoke with a good friend who was bored to tears by Prometheus… but then, he’s not steeped in Alien lore, so I understand the complaint – the first kill isn’t until 45 minutes or so in the movie. For me, it was nice to see the subtle Alien references, and a look into the Space Jockey/Engineer mythos. From my first viewing of Alien, the story of the Space Jockey and Derelict Ship always captivated my imagination.
Hardcore fans will certainly enjoy and pick up on lines from other Alien Saga films, though the scripting does seem to vacillate between ambiguous and “on the nose” dialogue, which is probably necessary in a film who’s story logic may be a little confusing at times. You have to pay attention with this one – and it’s in those subtle moments that I find the greatest joy.
This is a slow boil film, just like the original Alien, and is a breathtaking visual experience, like all Ridley Scott films. It’s a film that keeps me thinking and asking questions, and that’s something that happens less than I’d like. Great filmmaking is one that does just that… engages you for days afterwards.
Is Prometheus Alien? No, and it wasn’t meant to be. Part of me would like to have seen a Prometheus that was more full on Alien action, but we’ve seen that 4 times already within the saga, and I can’t even count how many times with the AVP franchise. So Prometheus ends up being a fresh take on a world that many of us know and love.
I know I’ll be waiting for Prometheus 2.