So. This is a documentary about the origins and making of the first Alien movie. I am a fan of the the movie and the movies that followed not counting the last two stupid ones that Sigourny Weaver was in.
Overall it was a good little documentary BUT... It starts getting in the weeds when they start getting into a gender studies class and a whole lot of other nonsense. At that point it reminds me of some of the art history classes I have taken . I once had an Art History Professor that was kind enough to impart some actual knowledge upon us. I was reminded of this knowledge while watching this documentary. This professor basically told us that in the art world an artist can sit down and tell people all day what their piece art is, what it means, what inspired it, etc etc, but the truth in the art world is whatever art critics think it is, represents, and what inspired it. Those two things can be widely different. I feel that is the case with this documentary. They take a really good horror/sci fi movie, after it is 40 years old, and describe it as some giant philosophical humanities project. I don't buy it all, but whatever!
68 Reviews
Expected more
sanjidparvez31 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It started alright. Dan O'Bannon's ideas & inspirations, teaming up with H.R. Giger to capture the Lovecraftian shapes from his visions, studio's interference, Roger Corman and lastly getting Ridley Scott on board... first half was mostly about that. The 2nd half was about the iconic Chest-buster scene, its interpretations & behind the scene stories and that's all. It gave too much focus & time on that particular scene, as if that's the only main thing about this classic.
Not bad, worth a watch for the fans only.
Not bad, worth a watch for the fans only.
Hit and miss
MickeyTheConstant18 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed the interviews and footage relating to Giger and the actual filming of the movie. I enjoyed the history lesson on how the movie came about. The first half is great. The second half drags a bit though. There are quite a few so called expert types who give their opinion on the meaning of some of the elements of the movie and so called hidden messages and themes. The key words here are 'their opinions'. None of these experts had anything to do with the movie. They just formed their own opinions. There is no Ridley Scott, O'Bannon or Giger confirming any of this. It's all very subjective. A prime example is the interview with the really irritating feminist who hates the Android Ash and who believes he is a programmed misogynist robot. Her rationale is that he must be as he undermines Ripley by letting in Dallas, Kane and the crew when Ripley refuses to. Also because he tries to kill Ripley using a magazine in the mouth. Now RE issue 1.. my opinion is that Ash would have disobeyed any person not just Ripley to let the crew in. Her being a woman had nothing to do with it. He knew of the Alien and wanted it on board. RE issue 2.. I believe the magazine attack was not misogynistic or sexual in nature. Again Ripley being a woman had nothing to do with it. Ash admired the Alien, he admitted that. He was in awe of it. On seeing the magazine he just made a spur of the moment decision to choke Ripley using it. It reminded him of how the Alien wanted to choke it's victim and he wanted to be like the Alien and kill like it. Now, see, these are my opinions. They could be completely wrong. Only those involved in the movie, like Ridley Scott, know for sure. So this lady talking like she knows it all and her opinions are 100% gospel undermines the accuracy of the documentary. It should only include interviews from those directly involved so we know exactly what these images and scenes actually meant. Worth watching but some bits take with a pinch of salt.
Great archival footage and some interviews but ruined by feminist propaganda
brett-syndercombe5 January 2020
It was quite a moment when the feminist explicitly implied that the aliens are payback for patriarchy, almost like a chest-bursting moment, except in this instance a massive Andrea Dworkin exploding out of her own rectum. I'm sure Francis Bacon would have been able to render that, and Giger too now that I think about it. How this is possible when the lead is played by a female, and one of the victims is female...? Oh well, it was nonesense, like most post-structural argumentation and pontification. But having said that there was a lot to enjoy if you are an admirer of the work. Lots of out-takes and interviews with actual people who were involved with the making of the film. You just need to be able to ignore the "teachers", you know, those who can't do, whom tower over all the poor toilers who created this masterpiece, and dispense their putrid self satisfied BS from their ivory towers - film studies professors and the like. It was easy enough to imagine the smell that the crew needed to tolerate during the chest burster scene, it being strewn about with offal under filming lights for a day, thanks to the presence in the documentary of these harpies.
Not perfect, but I don't see the "catering to SJW" BS either
fjk1138-731-1618814 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Before saying anything else, the first Alien is one of my top 5 movies of all time and I personally believe it is one of the best Sci-Fi/Horrors ever made. HR Giger is my favorite artist of all time as well, so I've watched and read endless amounts of info, docs, etc about both categories.
Overall I would say this is a decent documentary about how the first Alien film was made. It will never match the absolutely awesome documentaries on the Alien Quadrilogy box set, however, and I would recommend those if you want a "true" documentary on the films. That all being said, there was a lot here that I've never seen before which was I was thankful for.
I agree with others here that the first half is the most interesting. Learning about Dan O'Bannon's origins and how the story evolved (I had no idea how many other previous movies/stories he almost completely ripped off) was interesting. They also play some minor bits from the AQ Boxset docs when showing HR Giger and Ridley Scott, but they are presented in an odd sort of way physically as if broadcasting on a small electronic device. Not sure if that was a copyright/licensing issue or if they were trying to be clever but either way, it was weird.
However, I don't get all the "SJW" whining about this doc: two women not affiliated with the franchise speaking about it somehow makes it "catering to SJWs"? There are plenty of men talking here, both from the movie crew and otherwise, so all the Trump fanboys out there need to calm the F down. There is some great insight from actress Veronica Cartwright, though pretty much all that she says has been said before in the AQ docs, particularly what part of the male anatomy the newborn Alien looks like (I get it, seriously).
But perhaps what I found the least interesting is that they spent a lot of time covering the chest bursting scene. Really? That's all that the movie is remembered for after 40 years? I would have thought the sets, sound design, small group of excellent actors, the creature effects, and the fact that movies just aren't made like this anymore would have been the focus. Or maybe it's just me.
Regardless, I'm not sure if this is worthy buying, but for a rental and even a moderate Alien fan I would say give it a shot.
Overall I would say this is a decent documentary about how the first Alien film was made. It will never match the absolutely awesome documentaries on the Alien Quadrilogy box set, however, and I would recommend those if you want a "true" documentary on the films. That all being said, there was a lot here that I've never seen before which was I was thankful for.
I agree with others here that the first half is the most interesting. Learning about Dan O'Bannon's origins and how the story evolved (I had no idea how many other previous movies/stories he almost completely ripped off) was interesting. They also play some minor bits from the AQ Boxset docs when showing HR Giger and Ridley Scott, but they are presented in an odd sort of way physically as if broadcasting on a small electronic device. Not sure if that was a copyright/licensing issue or if they were trying to be clever but either way, it was weird.
However, I don't get all the "SJW" whining about this doc: two women not affiliated with the franchise speaking about it somehow makes it "catering to SJWs"? There are plenty of men talking here, both from the movie crew and otherwise, so all the Trump fanboys out there need to calm the F down. There is some great insight from actress Veronica Cartwright, though pretty much all that she says has been said before in the AQ docs, particularly what part of the male anatomy the newborn Alien looks like (I get it, seriously).
But perhaps what I found the least interesting is that they spent a lot of time covering the chest bursting scene. Really? That's all that the movie is remembered for after 40 years? I would have thought the sets, sound design, small group of excellent actors, the creature effects, and the fact that movies just aren't made like this anymore would have been the focus. Or maybe it's just me.
Regardless, I'm not sure if this is worthy buying, but for a rental and even a moderate Alien fan I would say give it a shot.
Just average.
mark-14784 July 2022
So this doc spends quite a bit of time discussing the origins and possible inspiration for Alien and the infamous chest buster scene, but not a lot else.
Only tiny amount of archive Ridley interviews and next to zero mention of Ripley/Sigourney.
Frankly I would get the deluxe DVDs released some time back and watch the docs that are part of the extras. Far superior.
Only tiny amount of archive Ridley interviews and next to zero mention of Ripley/Sigourney.
Frankly I would get the deluxe DVDs released some time back and watch the docs that are part of the extras. Far superior.
Good doc until the white tower crowd showed up
pm-griffiths-956-4451924 October 2020
Loved the movie. And was loving this. Until ... the ridiculous white tower crowd over interpret the film into "fantasies of male pregnancy, rape", rage against the patriarchy, blah, blah, blah. God, people, STOP INTERPRETING the film to suit your agenda/platform. What dreck. You might want to verify your interpretations with Ridley Scott. My bet - he was just trying to make a good movie and perhaps a new genre. Completely ruined the middle of this reasonably good documentary.
A 2019 take on a 70's movie
kelly-rhodes124 September 2019
I actually think this is a really good documentary, a great insight into how the story was developed, how Giger was fired and rehired, great background and insight relevant to any Aliens geek need for info, like myself, I'm not sure I agree with all the opinions around the hour point, but rather than dismissing it out of hand it's an interesting talking point.
Another reviewer mentions " most of it comes through the lens of mentality and the myths of patriarchy, female oppression and such nonsense" however it's worth baring in mind that to have a female lead in a big budget horror movie that didn't just bare her breasts was unheard of at the time, so not so much a "myth" of patriarchy but "fact" of patriarchy and female oppression.
Yes the movie is viewed through the eyes on the #metoo movement and how far we have come since this movie was created, as a social conversation, which despite not appealing to all, doesn't mean it should be ignored.
Another reviewer mentions " most of it comes through the lens of mentality and the myths of patriarchy, female oppression and such nonsense" however it's worth baring in mind that to have a female lead in a big budget horror movie that didn't just bare her breasts was unheard of at the time, so not so much a "myth" of patriarchy but "fact" of patriarchy and female oppression.
Yes the movie is viewed through the eyes on the #metoo movement and how far we have come since this movie was created, as a social conversation, which despite not appealing to all, doesn't mean it should be ignored.
Must see for sci-fi and cinema fans
pjpapad21 September 2019
I always liked Alien, especially the first film, and now I know why. There are so many mythical, psychological and sociological references, that so far passed unnoticed by me, which I can now clearly recognize in the film.
Would have been a 10 star without the ludicrous digression
giallopudding22 October 2019
I found this documentary quite well made and interesting. Different critical methods were used to examine the story - from psychological to historical. I found the connection made between the creature and Francis Bacon figures especially salient.
If you can get over the 5 minutes or so of ridiculous toxic masculinity at the 1:06 mark, you will likely enjoy this film, and appreciate the insights into deeper motivations of the writer, director and the amazing H. R. Giger, without whom Alien wouldn't be the timeless nightmare that it has become.
Fascinating, insightful.
tsode27 December 2019
Please be skeptical of reviewers who can't spell, or who appear to be "triggered" by any political discussion in film theory.
As a lifelong fan of Alien, who has seen every single documentary ever made, and read every single book about this film, "Memory: The Origins of Alien" is a truly excellent retrospective of this classic piece of history.
It is packed with fresh information about the film, it's creators, and it's underlying themes.
For context: 95% of the documentary focuses specifically on the journey of the films creation. So if that's your motivation, I think there's plenty here for you to enjoy. And to that end, a generous selection of the creative talent behind it's inception are interviewed here - from Ron Shusett, to Roger Christian to Veronica Cartwright and several more.
The remaining portion is devoted to speculation around the film's "window into the collective subconscious" of society in 1979 - why it both appealed to, and shocked, the audiences of the day. What it said about us as a society - and continues to say. Credit is given to it's use of a female heroine, in an era when the film industry greatly objectified women. While a similar portion looks at the potential meaning behind how shots are staged and framed. As well as the dynamics of how a group of blue collar working class "space truckers" are depicted, and how they deal with their "expendability".
This documentary therefore serves as both a fresh "making of" (even dispelling several myths about the production perpetuated by previous documentaries - and adding several facts even I had never heard about before!). And an intelligent speculative discussion about why Alien continues to resonate, over 40 years after its release.
I cannot imagine why a true fan of the film, who appreciates cinema and science fiction for more than mere gore and thrills, wouldn't find this essential viewing and a valuable addition to their Alien collection.
I went into it with low expectations based on some of the inasane rantings here on IMDB. And I was pleasantly surprised.
8/10.
As a lifelong fan of Alien, who has seen every single documentary ever made, and read every single book about this film, "Memory: The Origins of Alien" is a truly excellent retrospective of this classic piece of history.
It is packed with fresh information about the film, it's creators, and it's underlying themes.
For context: 95% of the documentary focuses specifically on the journey of the films creation. So if that's your motivation, I think there's plenty here for you to enjoy. And to that end, a generous selection of the creative talent behind it's inception are interviewed here - from Ron Shusett, to Roger Christian to Veronica Cartwright and several more.
The remaining portion is devoted to speculation around the film's "window into the collective subconscious" of society in 1979 - why it both appealed to, and shocked, the audiences of the day. What it said about us as a society - and continues to say. Credit is given to it's use of a female heroine, in an era when the film industry greatly objectified women. While a similar portion looks at the potential meaning behind how shots are staged and framed. As well as the dynamics of how a group of blue collar working class "space truckers" are depicted, and how they deal with their "expendability".
This documentary therefore serves as both a fresh "making of" (even dispelling several myths about the production perpetuated by previous documentaries - and adding several facts even I had never heard about before!). And an intelligent speculative discussion about why Alien continues to resonate, over 40 years after its release.
I cannot imagine why a true fan of the film, who appreciates cinema and science fiction for more than mere gore and thrills, wouldn't find this essential viewing and a valuable addition to their Alien collection.
I went into it with low expectations based on some of the inasane rantings here on IMDB. And I was pleasantly surprised.
8/10.
Memory: The Origins of Alien
henry8-327 August 2021
Documentary looking at how Alien came to be made, it's early influences the themes that drive it.
Interesting analysis that looks carefully at the origins of the film from early Dan O'Bannon stories to Ridley Scott powerful steering and frankly getting it made and HR Giger's crucial involvement. There are some enjoyable behind the scenes pieces and interviews with Veronica Cartwright and Tom Selleck, but most of it is involved in understanding the meaning of the film and the ideas it focusses on. Acres of meaning are found by those involved and various 'intellectuals' which is either astute and profound or self indulgent twaddle depending on your viewpoint.
A considerable effort and a must see for fans of the film.
Interesting analysis that looks carefully at the origins of the film from early Dan O'Bannon stories to Ridley Scott powerful steering and frankly getting it made and HR Giger's crucial involvement. There are some enjoyable behind the scenes pieces and interviews with Veronica Cartwright and Tom Selleck, but most of it is involved in understanding the meaning of the film and the ideas it focusses on. Acres of meaning are found by those involved and various 'intellectuals' which is either astute and profound or self indulgent twaddle depending on your viewpoint.
A considerable effort and a must see for fans of the film.
I want to go back to the old freezerinos after seeing this documentary
Last Man4 September 2019
Imagine the horror of a feminist dissection of the movie in which one of the speakers condescendingly infers that the creators of the movie were actually making a subconscious statement about oppressive patriarchal society without even knowing!
Imagine the audacity it takes to say that artist like Scott, O'Bannon and Giger were actually unaware of their own creative process and subconsciously succumbed to their male guilt.
The decision that this angle is relevant to this movie was wrong and it made the documentary naive, shallow and obtuse. No wonder Ridley Scott wanted nothing to do with it.
Shame really, I liked the bit about Francis Bacon.
Imagine the audacity it takes to say that artist like Scott, O'Bannon and Giger were actually unaware of their own creative process and subconsciously succumbed to their male guilt.
The decision that this angle is relevant to this movie was wrong and it made the documentary naive, shallow and obtuse. No wonder Ridley Scott wanted nothing to do with it.
Shame really, I liked the bit about Francis Bacon.
Only For Hardcore Fans Of 'Alien'
CinemaClown1 September 2019
Focusing more on the myths, sources & events that ultimately led Dan O'Bannon to script one of the greatest & scariest films of all time than the filmmaking craft & magic that played as pivotal a role as any in its success, Memory: The Origins of Alien ably explores the ideas & inspirations behind the quintessential sci-fi horror classic but it isn't as compelling as I hoped it would be.
Although it finely details O'Bannon's own fascination with Lovecraftian elements, H.R. Giger's extraordinary works that provided a tangible shape to his vision, the iconic chestburster scene, and also contemplates on the symbiotic collaboration between O'Bannon, Giger & Ridley Scott, you are certain to find a more gripping, informative & entertaining material in the supplements section of home releases of Alien than what this documentary has to offer.
Although it finely details O'Bannon's own fascination with Lovecraftian elements, H.R. Giger's extraordinary works that provided a tangible shape to his vision, the iconic chestburster scene, and also contemplates on the symbiotic collaboration between O'Bannon, Giger & Ridley Scott, you are certain to find a more gripping, informative & entertaining material in the supplements section of home releases of Alien than what this documentary has to offer.
Interesting insight to a cinematic classic
Stevieboy6663 November 2021
I think few people would argue that Ridley Scott's "Alien" (1979) is not a classic movie, a masterpiece of science fiction/horror. Memory is a feature length documentary that looks at the origins of Alien in addition to the making of it, and the movie's legacy. As a horror/sci-fi movie fan in general this is an enjoyable, interesting watch, Alien addicts will most likely find it essential viewing.
Nice insight into the creation of Alien. Only suited for Alien fans and even I (true Alien fan) got bored by the many talking heads....
imseeg8 May 2020
A documentary about a classic science fiction movie, which I personally judge as one of the best ever. This documentary is rather interesting, because it depicts how Alien got created from the very beginning. Lots of fun facts, lots of interesting ideas, but unfortunately also a lot of talking heads, who didnt have anything to do with the actual creation of the film themselves. From the actual creators (Giger, Bannon, Scott) we only get to see a few archive footage scenes and short interviews, which is rather disappointing.
There is also too much emphasis on the special effects the last half hour. AS IF the classic movie Alien only got famous for the chest bursting scene. What is firstmost the attraction and thrill of Alien is that we DO NOT get to see the Alien very often at all. It's the continuous suspense (without seeing the alien) that makes Alien such a thrill to watch.
This documentary is NOT interesting for the casual viewer, who has never before seen the classic Alien (1979). Better watch the brilliant movie "Alien" instead of watching this unfulfilling documentary about it...
There is also too much emphasis on the special effects the last half hour. AS IF the classic movie Alien only got famous for the chest bursting scene. What is firstmost the attraction and thrill of Alien is that we DO NOT get to see the Alien very often at all. It's the continuous suspense (without seeing the alien) that makes Alien such a thrill to watch.
This documentary is NOT interesting for the casual viewer, who has never before seen the classic Alien (1979). Better watch the brilliant movie "Alien" instead of watching this unfulfilling documentary about it...
Not Much New
sheldonnylander21 September 2019
Honestly, there's not much to say about "Memory." Or rather, there isn't much to say about "Alien" that hasn't really been said before. Most of the information is stuff that's been talked about before. It was interesting to see some more information about the original idea for "Alien," that being the screenplay for "Memory." To be honest, not only would I like to see more about that, but I would actually like to see that movie. It's nice to have a single encapsulated version of all the background info and critical analyses of one of the most symbolic films produced in recent memory, but if you're a fan who's studied this film to death already, you're not going to find anything new or revelatory here. This is really only for fans of the original film. Others probably won't get much out of it.
For Alien aficionados
almanac-391788 September 2019
If you believe some of the reviews on IMDb, you'll think the second half of this documentary is some kind of feminist rant. It's not. Some of the documentary's interviewees merely mention misogyny and feminism, which isn't so unusual considering the themes of Alien include rape and pregnancy, and considering the movie gave us one of the most famous female action heroines in cinema history in the form of Ellen Ripley. Why do some reviewers believe the second half of this doc is a feminist rant? Because that's when they switched it off. That's how sad and pathetic those reviewers are. Clearly they have no females in their lives they feel inclined to stand up for.
If you love Ridley Scott's Alien as much as I do, you'll undoubtedly enjoy this documentary, though more casual fans might find it too in-depth. You might want to steer clear of it if you can't bear hearing mention of the word "misogyny" too.
Real men support feminism. They don't feel threatened by it and frightened of it like some of the snivelling incel reviewers on IMDb obviously do.
If you love Ridley Scott's Alien as much as I do, you'll undoubtedly enjoy this documentary, though more casual fans might find it too in-depth. You might want to steer clear of it if you can't bear hearing mention of the word "misogyny" too.
Real men support feminism. They don't feel threatened by it and frightened of it like some of the snivelling incel reviewers on IMDb obviously do.
This is a fun documentary on the subject of the 1979 horror/sci-fi classic, Alien.
ajzeg24 January 2020
It isn't so much about the making of the movie itself, but rather about the many inspirations for the movie, as well as taking a closer look at the filmmaking and what makes it so great and unique. This documentary is short, it's only 90 minutes, and it doesn't really go too deep into anything, but it's an enjoyable watch if you're a fan of the movie. What this documentary definitely has over most other making-of documentaries is style. This is a very stylish and good-looking documentary! The interviews are framed and lit in such a cool and interesting way that you just don't see very often and the old footage they show is all very interesting to watch. Overall, this is worth a watch for any fan of Alien. It doesn't really say or show anything new, but sometimes you just want to revisit an old favourite from another point of view. This movie does that very well.
The Making of a Classic
Lebowskidoo2 July 2020
I'd already known Alien to be a cinematic sci-fi fencepost, but this documentary delves a little deeper into just what inspired it all to begin with.
Alien is a miracle moment, the mind-melding of three individual creative geniuses: Ridley Scott, Dan O'Bannon and H.R. Ginger. What's even more terrifying than Alien itself, is to consider the movie getting made without the input of just one of these men. Their collaboration was equal to capturing lightning in a bottle.
What if there had been rewrites by some other hack writer? What if the alien had been a man in some sloppily designed rubber suit? What if it had been directed by Walter Hill? It goes to show how one man can make a difference. It was the perfect assembly behind the scenes that were allowed to use their creative minds together to gift the universe with Alien, and all its spawn. We have the modern sci-fi and horror genre because of them, in so many ways.
Made me think any story could be made more epic with enough creativity behind it. Just think of all the inspiration this has put out there.
Alien is a miracle moment, the mind-melding of three individual creative geniuses: Ridley Scott, Dan O'Bannon and H.R. Ginger. What's even more terrifying than Alien itself, is to consider the movie getting made without the input of just one of these men. Their collaboration was equal to capturing lightning in a bottle.
What if there had been rewrites by some other hack writer? What if the alien had been a man in some sloppily designed rubber suit? What if it had been directed by Walter Hill? It goes to show how one man can make a difference. It was the perfect assembly behind the scenes that were allowed to use their creative minds together to gift the universe with Alien, and all its spawn. We have the modern sci-fi and horror genre because of them, in so many ways.
Made me think any story could be made more epic with enough creativity behind it. Just think of all the inspiration this has put out there.
What a missed Opportunity
Huud2 September 2019
Well, the only GOOD news is, hopefully one day someone will take the helm and do a truly comprehensive documentary about "Alien". This is NOT it. "Alien" certainly deserves it. While this documentary may include some existential and interesting contributions not before stated it certainly lacks in giving credit where credit is due. Alien is an artistic endeavor and unfortunately leaves out a whole lot of artists involved. Where was Ron Cobb (set design) and Mobius (costume, and ship design). Oh, no. Those were all RIDLEY's ideas (according to the documentary). And what about POST PRODUCTION? Ben Burtt is mentioned ONCE and NO mention at all about music and this is what really amazed me, NO MENTION about editorial. If you are a true "Alien" fan then you will have heard MOST of what is in this already. Give it a pass and hope for somebody later to pick up and carry the torch.
Mostly what the title says it's about
sansay11 October 2019
I loved Alien the first day I watched it when it came out on the French screens so many years ago.
A week later I had to go back to the theater, I had to see it again. The first time was too jarring, I felt like I didn't know what happened, that this was just too perfect. Second viewing confirmed my first impression: Alien is a masterpiece.
I read a few of the user reviews here before going to watch Memory: the Origins of Alien. One thing that I really disapprove is the unfair accusations in users reviews of the second half of the movie being a feminist rant. This is simply not true. I can only recall about 3 instances of women making feminist statements. That's hardly enough to qualify a large portion of the film as feminist rant.
The essence of this movie is really what the title says: a description of the genesis of Alien. It offers numerous insights in the creative process which gave birth to this classic. One thing which most people do not know is how the plot was started and contains numerous creative ideas by one writer, Dan O'Bannon. It's was good to see the emphasis put on O'Bannon's essential contribution to Alien. We most often attribute the greatness of Alien to the amazing creature and decors created by H.R Giger and to the great direction by Scott Ridley. And yes, Giger created visuals literally out of this world, Ridley put it all together, adding his own touch here and there. But we might not have known Giger's wonderful works without O'Bannon's drive to create this movie. I felt like he was getting some well deserved recognition. And then, as others have observed, it's true that there were many other artists who contributed to this achievement. But this documentary would have to be 3 hours to give everybody his/her due.
Anyway, we get to see how many transformations Alien had to go through, many pitfalls it almost fell into but didn't (such as the original title "Star Beast"), to become as good as it gets. Watching this documentary will give you an insight into the slow, difficult process of creating a great movie. One thing that stands out in my mind is the attention given to the shooting of the critical scene of the Alien birth. This is just wonderful as you get to see how complicated this particular scene was to make, how many trials and errors they had to go through to get it right.
On the down side, I found the interviews scheme a bit choppy. It jumps too often from one person to another trying to get together the evidence of a logical evolution. I think it could have achieve that better by letting people talk a bit longer. Aside from that, I had a wonderful time watching this documentary and highly recommend it if you are a fan of Alien.
I read a few of the user reviews here before going to watch Memory: the Origins of Alien. One thing that I really disapprove is the unfair accusations in users reviews of the second half of the movie being a feminist rant. This is simply not true. I can only recall about 3 instances of women making feminist statements. That's hardly enough to qualify a large portion of the film as feminist rant.
The essence of this movie is really what the title says: a description of the genesis of Alien. It offers numerous insights in the creative process which gave birth to this classic. One thing which most people do not know is how the plot was started and contains numerous creative ideas by one writer, Dan O'Bannon. It's was good to see the emphasis put on O'Bannon's essential contribution to Alien. We most often attribute the greatness of Alien to the amazing creature and decors created by H.R Giger and to the great direction by Scott Ridley. And yes, Giger created visuals literally out of this world, Ridley put it all together, adding his own touch here and there. But we might not have known Giger's wonderful works without O'Bannon's drive to create this movie. I felt like he was getting some well deserved recognition. And then, as others have observed, it's true that there were many other artists who contributed to this achievement. But this documentary would have to be 3 hours to give everybody his/her due.
Anyway, we get to see how many transformations Alien had to go through, many pitfalls it almost fell into but didn't (such as the original title "Star Beast"), to become as good as it gets. Watching this documentary will give you an insight into the slow, difficult process of creating a great movie. One thing that stands out in my mind is the attention given to the shooting of the critical scene of the Alien birth. This is just wonderful as you get to see how complicated this particular scene was to make, how many trials and errors they had to go through to get it right.
On the down side, I found the interviews scheme a bit choppy. It jumps too often from one person to another trying to get together the evidence of a logical evolution. I think it could have achieve that better by letting people talk a bit longer. Aside from that, I had a wonderful time watching this documentary and highly recommend it if you are a fan of Alien.
As far as #hottakes go, it's as highfalutin as they come
babybuletgani14 December 2019
As far as #hottakes go, it's as highfalutin as they come. But Phillipe connects the dots in convincing fashion, drawing a line from the Furies of Greek mythology to the chestburster-influencing imagery of Francis Bacon, via the unspoken patriarchal guilt of the '70s. Rather than a straightforward making-of then, Memory is more concerned with the literature, art, ideas and dreams that fuelled Alien's filmmaking hydra: director Ridley Scott, xeno-designer H.R. Giger and screenwriter Dan O'Bannon, whom Philippe credits as the film's creative lynchpin. Multiple talking heads contribute, from commentators and critics to filmmakers and a handful of cast members. But while the absence of Giger and O'Bannon was unavoidable, the lack of new input from Scott and Sigourney Weaver leaves it feeling like a major piece of the puzzle is missing. Philippe's previous film, 78/52, was an impressively forensic dissection of Psycho's iconic shower scene. Here, a significant chunk of the punchy runtime is dedicated to the peerless chestburster sequence. But by slipping into more conventional behind-thescenes territory it temporarily forgets what makes Memory so, well, memorable.
A fascinating in depth documentary
peteyagmin-679-805455 October 2019
As a fan of the Alien franchise and a lover of documentaries, I had high hopes for this film and was not disappointed! The depth to which this explores within the first fifteen minutes of the film had me riveted. It's better than I even anticipated and one of the best documentaries I've ever seen on any topic!
Anyone disappointed in this film or complaining that it didn't talk more about the franchise itself clearly doesn't understand what this documentary is about and the criticism of this film for not including actors like Weaver or not talking more about the set designers, etc. absolutely baffles me.
The film is about THE ORIGINS OF ALIEN; it's literally in the title!
Additionally, you have people complaining about it not talking about more of the behind the scenes/how it's made or how there's too much behind the scenes stuff.
Yes, it dips its toes into some of the how it's made, but it's contextual and doesn't feel out of place.
Then of course you have the people who don't understand the social-political subtext that nearly every horror movie has and they get upset when someone points it out to them.
Do yourself a favor - if you're looking for behind the scenes, go pick up the box set of Aliens instead.
If you hate when people "politicize horror movies" then maybe stop watching them or realize it's always been there.
Personally, I really loved this documentary and found it fascinating to learn about all the influences!
Anyone disappointed in this film or complaining that it didn't talk more about the franchise itself clearly doesn't understand what this documentary is about and the criticism of this film for not including actors like Weaver or not talking more about the set designers, etc. absolutely baffles me.
The film is about THE ORIGINS OF ALIEN; it's literally in the title!
Additionally, you have people complaining about it not talking about more of the behind the scenes/how it's made or how there's too much behind the scenes stuff.
Yes, it dips its toes into some of the how it's made, but it's contextual and doesn't feel out of place.
Then of course you have the people who don't understand the social-political subtext that nearly every horror movie has and they get upset when someone points it out to them.
Do yourself a favor - if you're looking for behind the scenes, go pick up the box set of Aliens instead.
If you hate when people "politicize horror movies" then maybe stop watching them or realize it's always been there.
Personally, I really loved this documentary and found it fascinating to learn about all the influences!
Quite interesting in first half until ruined by a screeching feminist
adviceuneed5 October 2019
Interesting first half (apart from the unecessary furies intro at the very beginning, what the hell was that?) then they over-analyze the chest burster scene and we get a screeching feminist spouting nonsense.
The history of the early stuff and how film got started was the most interesting parts. Shame they didn't have more interviews of the designers onboard.
The history of the early stuff and how film got started was the most interesting parts. Shame they didn't have more interviews of the designers onboard.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
