MovieChat Forums > Alien (1979) Discussion > Unfortunately hasn't stood the test of t...

Unfortunately hasn't stood the test of time

posted 5 years ago by LiquidOcelot (2452)
50 replies | jump to latest

It was groundbreaking on release, but it's too slow paced and uneventful for repeat viewings. Too many drawn out scenes that are only suspenseful on an initial viewing.

I was thinking whether this is due to the late 70's/early 80's era of film-making but there are plenty of movies that came out around the same time that are still as watchable today such as 'The Thing', 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' or Ridley's own 'Blade Runner'. As good as this movie was when it came out, it's a drag to watch today.

[–] exithereplease (3553) 5 years ago

I think this is one of the greatest films ever made.

[–] brux (14837) 5 years ago

Weird that I agree with you on Alien, but it is still fun to watch for me, but of all the movies you mention I'd have to say Alien is the best, even with the criticism.

The problem with Alien, the Alien series, is that it was never thought out. Prometheus and Covenant are idiotic-adjacent, but beautifully filmed. There really has never been any story there ... and it's been 40 years.

[–] moviechatterer (16293) 5 years ago

It was groundbreaking on release, but it's too slow paced and uneventful for repeat viewings. Too many drawn out scenes that are only suspenseful on an initial viewing.

Thats not what "hasn't stood the test of time" means , thats what happens when you've seen a film before, especially a great slow and suspenseful film.
Those types of films are especially not suited to repeat viewings , similarly "whodunnits" and ,imo, most films

[–] maximmm (3405) 5 years ago

I try not to rewatch films - I mean, once you've seen it.... you kind of know how it ends, no?
Then again, I recall some people going to the movie theater just to see the same movie 3 times in a row.... so I guess I'm just not normal.

[–] Ace_Spade (9657) 5 years ago

Some of the best experiences I've had have been rewatching films. I've rewatched the Alistair Sim Christmas Carol every year and it gets better each time.

It's not about knowing what happens, it's about reliving it and finding new things you didn't notice before.

I think, for me, that's one of the hallmarks (certainly not the only one) of a truly great film. If it bears up on repeat viewings, it's not just entertaining. It's not just a "good" movie, it's maybe a great or brilliant one.

The Maltese Falcon gets better every time, too.

[–] [email protected] (6233) 5 years ago

I wouldn't say that, maximmm. If you don't enjoy rewatching a film, then why do it?

I've watched Alien countless times. I went to the theater to see Apollo 13 three times.

But there are some films that I found so heavy and serious, one viewing was enough, like Sophie's Choice and Gandhi.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

Right, that's why we're discussing it in 2020 on MovieChat...

[–] jewoogle (2269) 5 years ago

the effects are better than modern movies. i agree it is a bit drawn out by modern standards however

[–] johnmiller (4011) 4 years ago

As usual, wrong. I just watched it again. This movie slays, it kills, it's as close to perfect as a film can get.

You need to stick to ADHD superhero stuff.

[–] contreras (474) 4 years ago

Holds up perfectly, specially compared to the sequels.

[–] Joogle83 (4546) a year ago

Prefer Aliens(1986) to Alien yes Prometheus(2012) and Alien: Covenant(2017) are better then 3 and Resurrections Hopefully Romulus isnt divisive like Alien:Covenant

[–] BKB (11240) a year ago

I can understand Gen Z finding it slow when compared to the movies made in modern day on the same subject