Prometheus Film Review
Prometheus Film Review
So after taking on projects that haven’t necessarily worked out for him; Ridley Scott endeavours to return to the Alien Franchise, by going back to what started the aliens in the first place with Prometheus. A prequel for sure. The story takes place in the future of 2089. A pair of eager archaeologists, Elizabeth Holloway, played by Noomi Rapace and Charlie Holloway played by Logan Marshall-Green) uncover some drawings within a cave on Earth.
That may expose a group of engineers that may hold the answer to the origin of man. Set up identical to the first film, they lead a team of scientists and soldiers to the planet where the engineers originated from. Funded also, by the mysterious CEO of Weyland Corporation played by an elderly Guy Pearce in make-up. As they arrive, they discover a cave of sorts that reveals symbolic artefacts, statues, and what appears to be egg-shaped cocoons. It isn’t long before the team may have discovered more than they bargained for. As their lives, as well as the residents of Earth themselves, could be in critical danger.
That may expose a group of engineers that may hold the answer to the origin of man. Set up identical to the first film, they lead a team of scientists and soldiers to the planet where the engineers originated from. Funded also, by the mysterious CEO of Weyland Corporation played by an elderly Guy Pearce in make-up. As they arrive, they discover a cave of sorts that reveals symbolic artefacts, statues, and what appears to be egg-shaped cocoons. It isn’t long before the team may have discovered more than they bargained for. As their lives, as well as the residents of Earth themselves, could be in critical danger.
So from first viewing, you can tell that they want you to be back into familiar territory. Despite this being a different story to the entries that have come before – which have all concerned Sigourney Weaver’s, Ellen Ripley. In this, the filmmakers have set up things pretty identically to the first.
The voyage itself, featuring the crew waking up from the active suspension. The team taking an android with them. The set design that heavily reflects H.R. Giger’s design work on the original film and deliberately having a strong female protagonist. All of which ties neatly to the franchise itself but what about what this entry brings to the table?
The voyage itself, featuring the crew waking up from the active suspension. The team taking an android with them. The set design that heavily reflects H.R. Giger’s design work on the original film and deliberately having a strong female protagonist. All of which ties neatly to the franchise itself but what about what this entry brings to the table?
Well, the positives are that the set design is absolutely sumptuous to look at. The work was here done this time by Arthur Max clearly shows how much it wants to pay tribute to the original film’s look. While also, still give a slick, updated but also ominous tone to the film. Michael Fassbender as the android David is sneakily brilliant, evoking something mysterious, creepy but somehow charming to evade any suspicion and is something to be applauded.
This also avoids any woodenness that might perpetuate from playing a secretive robot – I’d even dare say he was more memorable than Ian Holm’s android Ash from Alien. I would also say that the cinematography aligns itself with the design itself. To be unique but also keep that visually disgusting feature about the creature metamorphosis and movement. That was a massive part of creating that terrifying legacy of the original.
This also avoids any woodenness that might perpetuate from playing a secretive robot – I’d even dare say he was more memorable than Ian Holm’s android Ash from Alien. I would also say that the cinematography aligns itself with the design itself. To be unique but also keep that visually disgusting feature about the creature metamorphosis and movement. That was a massive part of creating that terrifying legacy of the original.
Unfortunately, the film doesn’t altogether work. The film is ambitious in wanting to link in a higher power to form the aliens to come, but that only shows in set design. Rather than the power of storytelling and for the most part, we are back to square one with characters fighting to survive against a deadly force. Noomi Rapace doesn’t have the long-lasting power that Sigourney Weaver gave with Ripley and unfortunately pales in comparison, but she tries her best here.
The memorable camaraderie that the original crew had in Alien is lost here, with stock characters who are either there to die or serve the plot in motion. Guy Pearce in this film is very odd. Underneath all the strange makeup they give him, you wonder why they didn’t just cast an elderly actor for the role. With the film attempting to take a step back with an explanation for slice and dice thrills, leaves the film with more questions than it does answers.
The memorable camaraderie that the original crew had in Alien is lost here, with stock characters who are either there to die or serve the plot in motion. Guy Pearce in this film is very odd. Underneath all the strange makeup they give him, you wonder why they didn’t just cast an elderly actor for the role. With the film attempting to take a step back with an explanation for slice and dice thrills, leaves the film with more questions than it does answers.
Overall I admired the film’s ambition and Scott exploring territory that he doesn’t find himself lost in. However, there are plenty of elements there that hold the film back which feels like a missed opportunity. I’m going to be more lenient with this because of this, but it should have been better.
3/5
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