Alien: Resurrection (1997) – Movie Review
Synopsis
Set 200 years after the death of Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) in "Alien 3", "Alien: Resurrection" continues the saga of the terrifying xenomorphs that have haunted humanity for decades. The United Systems Military has embarked on a controversial project: to clone Ripley from her blood and extract the alien embryo that she had been carrying at the time of her death. Their ultimate goal is to harness the alien’s traits for military applications.
The experiment is successful, resulting in the resurrection of Ripley, who possesses not only her memories and skills but also the unique characteristics of the alien queen within her. She is stronger, more agile, and has an alien instinct that sets her apart from other humans. However, as the scientists continue their work, the aliens soon escape their confines, unleashing chaos aboard the spaceship "USCSS Auriga".
Amidst the chaos, a band of space pirates led by the cunning Captain Janek (Ron Perlman) becomes embroiled in the conflict. The crew, including the skilled pilot Annalee Call (Winona Ryder), must battle both the malevolent military scientists and the deadly xenomorphs. On the backdrop of unfolding terror, Ripley grapples with her identity as both human and alien, trying to find her place in an unforgiving universe while fighting for her life and the lives of those around her.
Amidst the pursuit of survival, complex themes of cloning, identity, and the essence of humanity surface, as Ripley’s dual lineage becomes both her greatest strength and her deepest curse. Ultimately, as the crew faces an uprising of alien creatures and must navigate the treacherous corridors of the spaceship, they learn that the past cannot simply be resurrected without repercussions.
List of Actors and Characters
- Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley
- Winona Ryder as Annalee Call
- Ron Perlman as Johner
- Dominique Pinon as Dom Vriess
- Michael Wincott as Dr. Cromwell
- Pierre Audry as the Bishop
- J.E. Freeman as General Perez
- Brad Dourif as Dr. Gediman
- Gary Dourdan as Christie
- Anne Betancourt as the Alien Queen
Review
“Alien: Resurrection” marks the fourth entry in the acclaimed Alien franchise, a series that has experienced a prodigious evolution since the first film stunned audiences in 1979. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, known for his visually arresting style in films like “Delicatessen” and “Amélie,” the film offers a distinct departure from the atmospheric suspense of its predecessors. Instead, it adopts a lavishly grotesque visual language, intertwining body horror with elements of philosophical inquiry surrounding identity and existence.
The film’s beginning immerses the audience in a sterile, claustrophobic world filled with the haunting echoes of past traumas. Sigourney Weaver returns to the role that made her a household name, and her performance is both powerful and layered. The existential plight faced by Ripley, as she awakens in a world alien to her, is both compelling and tragic. Weaver’s portrayal bridges the divide between her former humanity and her newfound alterity.
Winona Ryder’s Annalee Call is an intriguing foil to Ripley, representing the innocent in a world filled with horror. As a synthetic human, her role prompts the audience to question what it truly means to be human. Ryder delivers a performance that is sensitive and complex, as her character grapples with her own identity amid the chaos that unfolds. The chemistry between Ripley and Call subtly reflects the deeper themes of empowerment, trust, and sacrifice forged in adversity.
Ron Perlman’s Johner is certainly a standout, embodying a roguish charm that brings levity to the dark material. His wit and bravado create a character that is as entertaining as he is flawed. The dynamic between Johner and the rest of the crew adds a layer of camaraderie and tension throughout the film, with Perlman providing some much-needed comic relief amidst the grim circumstances.
The supporting cast manages to breathe life into a group of characters that could easily fall into archetypes. Brad Dourif’s portrayal of Dr. Gediman encapsulates the ethical conflict that often arises within scientific experimentation. He embodies a mad scientist trope but adds depth with his twisted fascination for the xenomorphs, making him both sympathetic and repulsive.
Design and special effects have always been defining characteristics of the Alien series, and “Alien: Resurrection” is no exception. Jeunet’s vision translates into a film that dazzles and horrifies with equal measure. The xenomorphs, designed by H.R. Giger and brought to life through practical effects and CGI, are visually horrendous yet fascinatingly beautiful in their grotesqueness. The tension escalates through the oppressive atmosphere of the spaceship and elaborate set designs that evoke a sense of dread.
However, the film is not without its flaws. Critics have pointed out that the tonal shifts sometimes impede narrative cohesiveness. The transition between horror and dark comedy can feel jarring, as Jeunet’s stylistic choices occasionally overshadow character development and plot progression. Additionally, the philosophical quandaries presented, while thought-provoking, can feel forced at times, straying too far into cultural commentary without fully developing the themes of rebirth and identity.
Another contentious aspect of “Alien: Resurrection” is its handling of Ripley as a character. Some long-time fans argue that the film’s portrayal of her as a hybrid creature veers too far from the essence of the original Ripley. This, however, can also be seen as a bold exploration of the series’ central themes, portraying the toll of humanity’s transgressions in attempting to conquer nature.
Despite its divisive elements, “Alien: Resurrection” manages to forge its own identity while still respecting the legacy of its predecessors. The film is an audacious melding of science fiction, horror, and dark comedy that, while perhaps not achieving the heights of “Alien” and “Aliens”, offers a unique narrative that pushes boundaries and explores the complexities of its characters in a far-future dystopia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Alien: Resurrection” is a daring entry in a series that has shaped the landscape of science fiction and horror cinema. Though occasionally faltering in its tonal balance, it presents powerful performances, a visually compelling aesthetic, and intriguing explorations of themes concerning identity and humanity. The film stands as a testament to the franchise’s enduring relevance while providing audiences a unique cinematic experience that challenges the boundaries of traditional genre storytelling.
Overall, “Alien: Resurrection” merits a score of 7/10. It may not be the definitive chapter in the Alien saga, but it certainly is an ambitious and thought-provoking film that invites viewers to grapple with the intricacies of existence against a backdrop of horrifying extraterrestrial threats.
