Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Ridley Scott, 20th Century Fox, MA 124 Minutes.
The prophetic phrase in the trailer for Ridley Scott’s prequel to his 1979 ‘Alien’ classic “They went looking for our beginning.
What they found could be our end” succinctly summarises the plot of this visually impressive production; besides being terrifying in its overall presentation it is tantalisingly terrific.
Set in the late 21st century the story begins with the sudden disintegration of a strange – looking humanoid with the next scene switching to scientists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace – ‘The Drop’) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green – ‘Devil’) coming across a star map; they then uncover some ancient rock – markings in Scotland suggesting a link to the origins of mankind.
Soon both Shaw and Holloway are on board the spaceship “Prometheus” journeying to an unknown planet to find the truth to humanity’s beginning.
Sponsored by ageing millionaire Peter Weyland (Aussie actor Guy Pearce in an unrecognisable role), the main crew comprise the cold hearted Captain Vickers (Charlize Theron – ‘Bombshell’), and Janek (Idris Elba –‘Thor’) the unruly second in command; In addition, there is the smooth-speaking android David (Michael Fassbender – ‘X-Men’ franchise) taking-on the similar android role featured in ‘Alien’.
Arriving on the planet they then discover the gigantic facial structure of an alien civilisation and start exploring the caverns with its metal pods – resulting in Charlie’s death from being infected due to a pod brought – back to the ship by David.
What follows next as Elizabeth attempts to remove the ‘infection’ from her body is quite surprising – not to mention having to avoid David’s deceptive efforts to have her destroyed.
Scott’s sci-fi prequel is an incredible accomplishment largely due to some stunning set designs and special effects especially Fassbender’s perfectly – pitched portrayal as the ominous android David; even though Rapace’s role may not precisely replicate Weaver’s Ripley in ‘Alien’ she still delivers the goods and like Ripley emerges as a survivor from her horrific ordeal.
Apart from certain similarities to the classic movie – including that notable phrase “in space no one can hear you scream” – Scott again demonstrates his masterful direction of his awesome movie – making it both gripping and entertaining; he also provides in the concluding scene some interesting answers to the origins of the alien creature besides indicating another instalment in the Alien saga where “in space no one can still hear your screams”!
Vic’s Verdict: 4 Stars
PROMETHEUS is to be televised on Foxtel Movies Action at 6.25pm on Friday 12 November.
