Alien’s Ridley Scott Reveals Challenges With The Original Xenomorph: ‘I Have To Find A Very Tall, Thin Man…’

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As a horror movie enthusiast, I absolutely revel in the intricate practical effects that bring chills to my bones. I’m like the director’s confidant whenever a film showcases outstanding costume and monster design because I crave every detail about how this cinematic monster was brought to life. Listening to Director Sir Ridley Scott discuss the hurdles he overcame while breathing life into the Xenomorph is my idea of pure bliss, and I could listen to him dissect it for hours on end.

In a chat with GQ, renowned director Sir Ridley Scott delved into some of his most memorable films and revealed the behind-the-scenes methods used to create their unforgettable scenes. During the discussion, he offered insights into the production of the 1979 science fiction horror masterpiece Alien. He touched upon the character of Ash and how it enhances the eerie atmosphere of the film. Regarding the Xenomorph, Sir Scott shared these thoughts:

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In those days, there were no digital enhancements at all. That meant we had to paint backdrops by hand and find a tall, skinny actor to fit into a rubber suit for certain scenes. This limited the amount of footage we could shoot because it wasn’t very convincing. By keeping things subtle and minimal, the effect was more powerful. I believe the creature was special, and the audience had to accept it. Regardless of how talented my cast was – they were exceptional – without that monster, the film wouldn’t have been the same.

Compared to modern films like “Alien: Romulus”, where the Xenomorph is frequently shown in close-up shots, a rewatching of the original “Alien” reveals that the main monster appears sparingly. Given that “Alien” is often hailed as one of the greatest horror movies ever made, Sir Ridley Scott effectively employed the principle ‘less is more’. For much of the film, the main monster remains in the shadows. Scenes featuring an alien mostly involve the face-hugger, and even then, the total screen time of the leading creature is limited to approximately two minutes.

It’s quite evident that Sir Scott demonstrated his exceptional directing skills and deep understanding of his artistry during a time when CGI and green screen weren’t prevalent. Instead, he relied on practical effects and skillful lighting, which was truly impressive to witness. The film “Alien: Romulus” is a testament to this, employing these methods effectively in its production.

If you’ve had a chance to watch the video showcasing the animatronic Xenomorph they created, it’s downright terrifying even under bright lighting conditions.

Previously, Ridley Scott has expressed his thoughts on how contemporary horror films have strayed from the ‘less is more’ approach, and he isn’t wrong. For those who choose to watch the Alien series in order, there could be a jarring shift between the original 1979 film and Alien: Resurrection. Without revealing any spoilers, the ending of that movie makes it clear that change was needed. In essence, that’s all you need to know.

Despite advancements in filmmaking since its release, the methods employed in the classic Alien movie remain timelessly effective. While today’s viewers might not jump out of their seats, the general sense of unease it evokes is still quite potent. The narrow, claustrophobic hallways and dancing shadows continue to reign supreme in my opinion. I eagerly await the sci-fi series Alien: Earth, hoping it will blend the best of old and new elements. For now, I’m going to rewatch all the Alien movies on Hulu with the lights turned off.

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2025-01-17 23:37