Alien (1979)
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| File:Alien theatrical poster.jpg | |
| Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Ridley Scott |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Gordon Carroll David Giler Walter Hill |
| Written by | Dan O'Bannon |
| Starring | Sigourney Weaver Tom Skerritt Veronica Cartwright Harry Dean Stanton John Hurt Ian Holm Yaphet Kotto |
| Music by | Jerry Goldsmith |
| Cinematography | Derek Vanlint |
| Edited by | Terry Rawlings Peter Weatherley |
| Production Design by | Michael Seymour |
| Costume Design by | John Mollo |
| Prop Master | Roger Christian |
| Release date | May 25, 1979 |
| Running time | 117 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $11 million |
| External Links | |
| Wikipedia | Link |
| IMDb | Link |
| IMFDB | Link |
Alien is a 1979 science-fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott. The film is noted for its groundbreaking practical effects and the iconic, biomechanical design of its titular creature and associated artifacts, many of which have become legendary in the history of cinema.
Plot Summary edit edit source
The crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo is awakened from stasis when the ship's computer detects a transmission from a nearby moon, LV-426. Following company policy, they land to investigate, discovering a derelict alien spacecraft. Inside, Executive Officer Kane discovers a chamber filled with large eggs. When he examines one, a creature—a "Facehugger"—springs out and attaches to his face. The crew brings the comatose Kane back to the Nostromo. The creature later detaches and dies, but a new, more aggressive creature—a "Chestburster"—erupts from Kane's chest, killing him and escaping into the ship. The crew is then hunted by the creature as it grows into a large, terrifying Xenomorph, using the ship's ventilation system to move. One by one, the crew is killed until only Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley is left to confront the alien.
Key Artifacts edit edit source
The following is a list of notable screen-used artifacts from Alien.
| Artifact Name | Type | On-Screen Use | Current Status / Last Known Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xenomorph Suit | Costume / Animatronic | The full-size creature costume, worn by Bolaji Badejo, used for scenes of the adult alien stalking the crew. | The original suit has deteriorated significantly and is believed to be in a private collection.[1] |
| Facehugger | Prop | The parasitic creature that emerges from the egg and attaches to Kane's face. | Several versions were made. One of the static props was sold at auction by Profiles in History in 2017. |
| Chestburster | Puppet / Prop | The infant Xenomorph that violently emerges from Kane's chest during the dinner scene. | The original puppet, made of latex and filled with entrails, was a single-use effect. Its current whereabouts are unknown, likely destroyed. |
| Nostromo Crew Jumpsuit | Costume | The standard uniform worn by the crew of the Nostromo, designed by John Mollo. | Ripley's (Sigourney Weaver) jumpsuit was sold at auction for $81,250 in 2018.[2] |
| Motion Tracker | Hero Prop | A handheld device used by the crew to track the alien's movement. | The prop was constructed from a modified boom microphone handle and other found parts. The original hero prop is in a private collection. |
| Derelict Alien "Space Jockey" Chair | Set Piece / Miniature | The massive, fossilized pilot discovered by the crew in the derelict ship on LV-426. | The full-size set piece was dismantled. A smaller filming miniature is preserved in a private collection. |
Production Notes edit edit source
Design & Construction edit edit source
Director Ridley Scott's vision was for a realistic, "used future" aesthetic. He enlisted Swiss surrealist artist H.R. Giger to design the alien creature and the derelict ship. Giger's biomechanical style, blending human and machine elements, gave the film its unique and disturbing look. The "Space Jockey" and the Xenomorph itself were direct adaptations of Giger's existing artworks.
Ron Cobb and Chris Foss designed the human technology, including the Nostromo and its interiors, to contrast with Giger's alien designs. Costume designer John Mollo, fresh off his Oscar win for Star Wars, created the functional, working-class look of the crew's uniforms and spacesuits.
Stunt & SFX Versions edit edit source
The Xenomorph was brought to life through multiple methods. For full-body shots, 6'10" Nigerian actor Bolaji Badejo wore the foam latex suit. For close-ups and attack sequences, a complex animatronic head, capable of extending its inner jaw, was created by effects artist Carlo Rambaldi. The Facehugger was also created in several versions: a static "dead" version, and a fully articulated puppet with wire-controlled fingers for the "unfurling" shot.
Trivia edit edit source
- The "Chestburster" scene was filmed using a fake torso packed with animal organs. The actors, apart from John Hurt, were not told exactly what would happen, so their reactions of shock and horror are genuine.[3]
- The slimy tendrils inside the alien egg were made from sheep's intestine, and the egg's interior was a cattle stomach.
- The blue laser light effect inside the egg chamber was created by borrowing powerful lasers from the rock band The Who, who were testing their stage show in the soundstage next door.
See Also edit edit source
References edit edit source
- ↑ Prop Store, "The H.R. Giger ‘Alien’ Creature Suit". Accessed July 12, 2025.
- ↑ Profiles in History, "Hollywood Auction 96, Lot 1655". Accessed July 12, 2025.
- ↑ "The Making of Alien's Chestburster Scene," The Guardian, October 13, 2009.