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Prometheus
Ridley
Scott has been making films for years. One of his earliest efforts
was the original ‘Alien’ released in 1979. It was famous for
introducing the world to its villain; an alien that killed on sight
and couldn't be killed itself. It spawned a series of sequels and
spin-off films which has endured for three decades. Alien also
launched the career of Sigourney Weaver, as she returned to play the
brave heroine, Ripley in each of its sequels.
Whenever
Ridley Scott starts working on a film, I get pretty excited. He’s a
master movie maker, having created such classics as Gladiator and
Blade Runner. When word surfaced he was returning to the Alien
franchise, fans of the series everywhere went ballistic. However, no
details of the plot were announced and the movie was shrouded in so
much secrecy, no one knew what it was about right up until it’s
release two weeks ago.
The
first trailer looked very promising, hinting at a sophisticated and
intelligent science fiction film with groundbreaking visuals. There
were no signs of an alien in the trailer, so movie goers suspected
they were saving that for the film.
Prometheus
takes place in the not too distant future of 2091. A team of
archaeologists and scientists have discovered a collection of
drawings on a cave wall in Scotland. They are shocked when they
discover these drawings match the same drawings found in various dig
sites and temples all over the world. How can these civilizations,
some of which were separated by hundreds to thousands of years and
sharing no connection at all, all draw the same thing? The find in
question is the representation of a star system on the far side of
the universe. Given that space exploration has advanced considerably
over the years, a mission is sent to this star system which also
hosts a planet.
The
scientists who made the discovery on earth are accompanied into outer
space by a team of astronauts. Going along for the ride is David, an
android much like the character robot-servant we met in Alien. David
seems to know more than he is letting on. Once they arrive at the
planet, the explorers discover a large mountain and enter it. Inside
they discover tunnels, doorways and dead alien bodies. As they open
the doors and enter the rooms, they come across one discovery after
another. Awe and wonder soon turn into terror and fear, as this place
which has remained untouched and undiscovered for potentially
thousands of years comes into contact with the humans. Their presence
has an effect, setting off a chain reaction of events which will have
them fighting for their lives. Just a note - some scenes are quite
graphic, violent and intense, so if you're squeamish, be prepared for
that.
The
reason the story of Prometheus was kept so secret up until its
release, is because you would benefit most from seeing it yourself. I
won’t tell you anything more about the plot or the events which
unfold that connect it to the Alien films. What I can say is that it
has to be one of the most inventive and visually creative movies I
have seen in a long time. Once again, Ridley Scott has done what he
has done so well in the past, and that is creating worlds. He
transports you into another time and place where you forget you’re
watching a movie. For its entire running time, my eyes were glued to
the screen while watching Prometheus. For a film that explores the
origins of the human species and the secrets of the universe, it
hints at some ideas and beliefs about the meaning of life and where
we come from which really make you think.
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