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#1
12-01-2011, 04:22 PM
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Let's call a spade a spade: Prometheus is an alien prequel
WARNING: mild spoilers to follow
If you're a sci-fi fan like myself, then chances are that you're really excited for Ridley Scott's new film, Prometheus, due out in June 2012. When the news hit the net that Scott would be directing a new sci-fi film it was originally confirmed that said film would be an alien prequel. Several months later, a new writer came on board the project for a rewrite and suddenly Scott and everyone over at Fox studios changed their tune; they denied that the project had a relation to the alien series and that it had become a completely original work unto itself. It was around this point in time that the project became known as Prometheus. After the aforementioned statement was made, some more time passed and Scott again commented on the project's connection, (or prior connection) to alien stating that the story had "strands of alien DNA." While the statement was rather vague, many fans of the alien franchise held on to the hope that the project still bore a connection to alien in some way. I was one of those fans. Cut to the present, after interview after interview with each cast member of Prometheus, it became very clear that the project was directly related to the original alien film. Although they spoke very little about the actual details of the project, each cast member admitted that fact outright. Michael Fassbender even went so far as to admit to EW that "there are creatures in it that you'll recognize." At Some point Charlize Theron's character was reported to be an executive from the same company depicted in the original alien film. But wait! It gets more confusing... Then came the bootlegged trailer, which I'm sure many of you saw. the trailer not only showcased the same title effects and style of alien, but it also used one of the sound effects used in the original trailer! So tell me, if Fox studios didn't want audiences to perceive Prometheus as being related to alien, then why all the effort to parallel alien's original trailer? Despite all this information, no one from Fox is admitting to the fact that Prometheus is a prequel. They seem scared to call it that for some reason, maybe a possible marketing backlash? They seem insistent upon the fact that the story is so grand, epic, and original that it almost defies a connection with alien and should be looked at as a separate film/experience. Here's the problem Fox; Prometheus could not have existed without alien, it is by definition a prequel! When a story is contingent upon the events of an already existing story that's when it becomes one of four things: a sequel, a prequel, a spinoff, or a remake/reboot. In this case Prometheus is a prequel, (i.e. no derelict ship, no evil company, no nostromo, no alien= NO PROMETHEUS). How hard is it to admit that, especially when we are almost 6 months away from the release. I understand the desire to surprise people and keep things secret, but honestly the cats out of the bag, Fox! You can stop pretending and confusing people, we know what you're up to! If anything, people are bound to be more excited that the film is related to alien. I mean come on, Ridley Scott has finally returned to a universe he helped create! How will that drive people away upon its admission to the public?!!! So in conclusion, despite the debate over the film's story, I know this film will be great. I guess I'm just sick of all the flip flopping statements being made about it by Scott and Fox executives. Sometimes you've just got to call a spade a spade. 
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#3
12-01-2011, 05:01 PM
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Last edited by Digifruitella; 12-01-2011 at 05:04 PM..
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#4
12-01-2011, 09:59 PM
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Lindelof makes a statement in that interview, "Really good prequels should be original movies." That statement contains an inherent contradiction, which is that by definition prequels can't be original movies. You can explore original IDEAS within a prequel, but the movie itself is not original since it only exists because of the original Alien. The only way Lindelof could of created an original story out of Prometheus would be if he had cut ties with the alien franchise altogether in the script, but obviously he did not do that.
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#5
12-01-2011, 11:17 PM
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Yeah, I was initially confused by the whole "It's a new movie, not Aliens related" thing that went around. Then I saw the EW photo spread and the HR Giger sets...
What a fucking let down.
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#6
12-01-2011, 11:38 PM
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I agree with this rant too. The ONLY thing that would make even a small remote bit of sense, would be that Fox is reluctant to call it an Alien prequel, because of possible bad reviews of the most recent Alien-related film that was released 4 years ago in AVP: Requiem.
But even still.... That's a pretty stupid fucking reason regardless.
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#7
12-02-2011, 04:22 AM
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Personally, I couldn't give a single flyin' one if the movie is a prequel or not. It's just a label to me. I see a decent science fiction film from a filmmaker whose foray into the genre a few decades ago did not let me down. So why should I get bent out of shape about what Fox, or Ridley, or Lindelof are labeling this. It doesn't matter. All I care about is that what I've seen looks good to me. That's it.
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#8
12-02-2011, 10:25 AM
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I don't care so much about what the movie is label-wise. What bothers me is that nobody involved in this movie, (other than some of the cast members) can be honest about what the movie is label-wise. If they just came out and directly stated the truth about the movie then I would accept their answer no matter what it was. They deliberately dance around the point and go back and forth saying things like..."well yes and no." It is or it isn't, there is no middle ground! I will say one thing, if this controversy was created as a marketing ploy, it's brilliant. Fox has got everyone scratching their heads about this film and it will only make them want to see it more to figure out what the hell the film is about.
To behave in the way Fox and some of the people involved in this film are behaving concerning its subject matter is just downright pretentious, especially Lindelof. He states that the Star Wars prequels were unnecessary because they spoil the surprise of Darth Vader turning out to be Luke's father, but he's ignoring a key point. It didn't matter whether people knew that Vader was Luke's father, they wanted to see HOW Anakin became Vader. They wanted to see his relationship with his former mentor, Obi-wan, and how his romance with Luke and Leia's mother came to be. Now, as to how impressively these plot points were developed, I leave that to you because it is entirely subjective. However, one cannot argue about the fact that there was ground to cover with the Star Wars prequels. Besides, if Lindelof believes the Star Wars prequels to be unnecessary then by the same logic shouldn't Prometheus be unnecessary? I mean, why show me a movie that spoils the surprise behind the derelict ship and who was piloting it (it is evident that the ship is present in the film courtesy of the bootleg trailer)? Wouldn't that demystify the mystery behind the original alien? Maybe for some people it would give away too much, but again people want to see HOW those events fit in with the original alien. Admitting that the film has a connection to one of the finest science-fiction films of all time isn't exactly going to be a detriment to the film, so why be hesitant to admit it? I don't care how grand and original the ideas in the script are, give credit where credit is due. The genesis of those ideas was made possible by the creation of the original alien, that's the only way they came to be. That fact makes the film that contains those ideas a prequel, even if the connection with alien only occurs in the last 30 min.
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#9
12-02-2011, 10:43 AM
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Either way, I'm just excited that we could potentially be getting the first great Alien film since the 80s.
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#11
12-02-2011, 02:41 PM
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#12
12-02-2011, 04:36 PM
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My guess is that Ridley wants to have an element of surprise in his story to recapture the fun of the first film. It's no different than Nolan's ultra-secrecy with his Batman films. Honestly, why are we so entitled to know exactly what this movie is about? We are spoiled with the internet and constant updates of a film's production, let the man have his secrets. The movie will be released one day, enjoy the anticipation until then.
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#13
12-02-2011, 04:51 PM
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Well, if they outright call this an "Alien" prequel, then the mainstream will be expecting an "Alien" movie. They'll be expecting & wanting a survival horror film about people trying to survive the Alien(s). From what I read, the "Alien" as everyone knows it only appears briefly in this movie. Then, no matter how good the movie is, the general audience would be pissed off because they had gone to the theater wanting a traditional "Alien" movie, and instead getting something else very different. They would feel cheated because this film isn't even about the Alien creature.
It seems to me like the filmmakers want to make it clear, "Don't expect an "Alien" movie! Yes, this is the same universe, yes, this story shows the events behind the derelict, but this not an "Alien" movie."
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#14
12-03-2011, 12:22 AM
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I get what they were going for, I really do, but I also think they could have been/could be much more clear and direct about what this movie really is. I think they could of saved many of us alien fans some frustration if they had been more up front in the first place. Let's be clear, I don't want this movie spoiled for me and I'm not asking the people behind Prometheus to relinquish their secrecy regarding the film's story. All I am asking is that they set the damn record straight and end this silly debate once and for all. How would it spoil anything by telling me the film is a prequel? I don't know anything about the damn space jockey or the derelict ship and I've seen alien a billion times! Seriously, even the people conducting the interviews are getting frustrated now! Also, at this point I think that we can all safely conclude that this film does have a link to alien, (no thanks to you know who), however small it may be. I don't really care about how minimal the connection is, they can spend the first two thirds of the film baking cookies in space for all I care! What matters to me, as a fan of the alien franchise, is that there is a connection! If the film was a completely original work then I wouldn't be anticipating the film as much as I am now, but I would probably still check out the film in June and I would go into the theater with an open mind and reduced expectations. I mean, it's Ridley Scott directing another sci-fi movie. That fact in itself is interesting. My hopes and dreams aren't going to be shattered if the alien creature doesn't show up in the film. On the contrary, I am more interested to witness these new and profound ideas that the filmmakers have come up with and to see how it all ties into alien. I just want some honesty and respect from the filmmakers because at the end of the day it is people like me who pay to see their films. It's not fair to screw with the minds and expectations of your fans. One last thing...I don't think the mainstream would even dig so deep as to find out that the film was openly admitted to being an alien prequel, (if that was indeed the case). It's not like they're going to run into a headline like "This just in, Prometheus is an alien prequel!" in their internet travels. They would be more likely to read something about the Kardashians, sports, or Justin Bieber. Even if they did see the headline, do you think they would really care? Visuals and trailers are the only things that seems to stimulate the mainstream now,(regarding movies...and perhaps many other things) They would take a look at the previews, observe a title that seemingly has no relevance to any other movie, and draw the conclusion that it is a sci-fi thriller. Hell, they might not even put it together that Ridley Scott directed it! You can tell me not to underestimate the mainstream if you want to, but have you been to the cinema lately and actually observed these people? This rant was meant to apply to the serious movie fan, especially to the fans of the original alien.
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#15
12-06-2011, 12:10 AM
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Q: Does it rule out doing an actual Alien prequel?
Damon Lindelof: No, I don’t think it does. I think that there might actually be people out there who watch Prometheus and say, “This is an Alien prequel” but it’s a prequel in sort of a different sense than I’m used to. Isn’t it more interesting to think of a movie that takes place in the Alien universe, there are some familiar things that you will see along the way but if there were a sequel to Prometheus, it would not be Alien. That to me had to be the goal. God willing, if Prometheus is successful, and there is a sequel, it won’t be Alien because the end of this movie, if this movie is A to Z, Z is not there’s a bunch of eggs laying on the floor of LV-426. Z in this movie is entirely different although people will watch this movie and say, “I feel like I have a different contextual framework now for the original Alien, I’m going to watch it again. I feel like I know a little bit more than I knew before.” http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/...ith-lost-fans/ Read the interview, he elaborates a bit more. Even if you still stick to your guns, it's an interesting read. Him connecting "Alien" and "Blade Runner" is particularly interesting read, and take. I love it. Makes me all the more exciting about Prometheus His take is basically kind of what Kevin Smith did for his entire career. The Askewniverse, so then why don't we hear folks sorta get uptight about Kevin Smith? Last edited by Digifruitella; 12-06-2011 at 12:16 AM..
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#16
12-07-2011, 07:43 AM
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From what I gather, Lindelof is saying that the end of Prometheus won't necessarily lead up to the events in the original alien. That's interesting because that opens up the possibility for a sequel to Prometheus that will directly connect to alien. However, I'm going to have to stick to my guns after reading that interview because essentially, it doesn't matter how many movies it takes to segue into alien. What matters, in regards to determining the identity of this film, is that the events in Prometheus take place BEFORE alien and that they occur in the SAME world as alien. I guess the points in that last sentence are now up for debate though thanks to the endlessly convoluted statements of Damon Lindelof. No offense if you're a fan of his work, but the more I read about this guy the less I like him. He makes me nervous about the success of this film and he makes me think that Fox studios may have really shot themselves in the foot by hiring him. I mean, just look at what he did with Lost, he wrote himself into a corner! The whole show was just a damn gimmick and at the end he proved that he really didn't have the answers to the questions he raised. Now we get this comment from Lindelof in which he not only compares alien and blade runner, but manages to sink us further into confusion regarding the relation of Prometheus to alien. He states, "When I was younger and I first saw Alien and Blade Runner, I had it in my head that one of them was a sequel to the other. I didn’t know exactly which came first but clearly Ash is a robot so I just always figured Earth is having this issue with these blade runners and these replicants, but meanwhile the Nostromo was off having this adventure on LV-426 so I just grouped them together. I didn’t realize until about three or four years later, those movies aren’t related to each other in any way. They were just both directed by the same guy. So that’s the way that I really think of Prometheus." So Lindelof, now you're telling me that when you said Prometheus would take place in the same universe as alien that you really meant that its only connection to alien would be that it was directed by the same guy? REALLY? What the hell am I supposed to make of that comment? How many times is he going to go back and forth as to the film's connection with alien? How can anyone tell me not to have an issue with this as an alien fan when it seems that Lindelof doesn't even know what the film is? It wouldn't be the first time that this writer completely misunderstood his own creation. Here's to hoping that the talent of Ridley Scott shines through in Prometheus and that the audience doesn't end up coming up with better answers to the film's questions than what Lindelof gives them for answers.
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#17
12-07-2011, 09:22 AM
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psycheoutsteve, you're really blowing Lindelof's comments out of proportion. And it does not help you that you're resorting to quote mining by only pasting half of that quote, which only illustrates that you've got an agenda on your mind. How about pasting what followed after?
Spoiler:
He's saying that when he grew up, he found out they were both directed by Ridley Scott. The next sentence "So that’s the way that I really think of Prometheus" He's NOT saying what you just said, so calm down skeeter he ain't hurtin' nobody. When he brought up that example of Alien vs Blade Runner it made perfect sense, I don't know how you could get it twisted. The keyword here is universe and when you start thinking in those terms, you'll see what they're doing with Prometheus. And, despite what you say or anyone else by writing it off as an Alien prequel, I personally think the way they're going is refreshing. I'm not even his fan, I don't see how I could even be biased - but I'm definitely loving what I'm hearing from him and Ridley about this direction. I don't think it's a marketing ploy by Ridley & Fox to fool people for some weird reason - why would they even do that when they could get people into theaters just on the basis of "From the director of Alien, comes a bla bla bla" I really believe this film has a totally different storyline and themes, which they happened to set in the same universe as the Alien films. And if with that in mind you re-read Lindelof's "Alien vs Blade Runner" quote together with the one I posted previously then it all makes sense, and it sounds pretty refreshing, and much more exciting. But then, I personally don't care what people call it after all of this. It doesn't even matter to me. All I needed to hear is that comparison analogy, and it already gets me excited. Last edited by Digifruitella; 12-07-2011 at 09:35 AM..
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#18
12-07-2011, 05:05 PM
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It's a reboot of the series with a different name.... just happens to have the director of the original back, these studios are getting clever! I don't get why people don't see this. It's still one of my most anticipated of next year nonetheless.
Last edited by Pirate Mike; 12-07-2011 at 05:10 PM..
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#19
12-08-2011, 11:53 AM
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My complaint about that quote, (and I wasn't trying to quote mime btw) was in regards to its clarity. I see no distinction being made by Lindelof that definitively tells us exactly WHICH universe this film is set in with that quote. It only serves to further confuse movie fans. Saying your film is "set in the universe of" and saying your film is "in the vein of" are two very different things. One implies that your movie will be set in the same setting or world as a previous film (i.e. the world of xenomorphs, Weyland Yutani). The other implies that your film might be like or might have similar themes as a previous film, (i.e. there will be androids in Prometheus and there were androids in Blade Runner). Lindelof should of used the latter comparison to describe Prometheus. Just because I can decipher Lindelof's paradoxical statements doesn't mean I should have to as a movie fan. He should just shoot straight and avoid trying to be overly clever with his responses. Why muddle an already murky situation by bringing other films into the discussion? Honestly, I think Lindelof has a horrible grasp on the English language, at least that's what I have gathered from the interviews and videos in which he talks about Prometheus. His comments could be interpreted in many different ways, which leads to problems in understanding what the film really is and how it is connected to alien. You say you don't understand how I could get his comments twisted? I don't understand how someone could clearly interpret his comments on the first read. Maybe you and Lindelof are on the same wavelength or something...and speaking of, maybe you're the one with an agenda. You say you're not a fan, but nearly every one of your posts thus far contains a Lindelof quote or a link to a video interview with him. The only agenda I have on this thread is to criticize the lack of clarity in regards to what the filmmakers, writers, and Fox have told us about Prometheus. It doesn't matter what their original intentions were in choosing to tell us what they said, what matters is that what they said about the film was contradictory, confusing, an overall frustrating to movie fans like myself. I don't care what the film is, all I ask is that someone shoot straight about what it actually is. And for god's sake, could people stop using the word "universe" so loosely? It can have a literal meaning, (in the same exact world of alien) or a more broad meaning that suggests that a film is merely part of a director's collection of prior efforts in the same genre. And what is the film? It's a prequel. That's what it was originally created to be, that's how I am perceiving it. You can focus on whatever grand ideas you'd like to as a filmmaker, but the minute you put your film into the same world as a prior film and set it before the events in the prior film's timeline it becomes a PREQUEL!!!! Details like Weyland-Yutani and the derelict spaceship didn't just emerge out of nowhere. Prometheus should't be looked upon as completely original work because its existence is contingent on the original alien. This isn't an example of a completely original work and I'm sorry if you can't accept that. I'm glad you're excited for the film, I am too. I'm just frustrated with all the contadictory and murky statements being made about the film. You've probably figured out by now that I like clarity in writing and speech and I appreciate when people are direct and open with me as movie fan and in general. There's a place for ambiguity and open intrepretation, but I think that should have more to do with the film's actual story than what the film actually is or how it fits in with previously existing films. A filmmaker can be honest about those last details and still not reveal anything story-wise to a movie fan, which will result in proper anticipation and expectation for a film.
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#20
12-08-2011, 02:20 PM
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The calm down quote was from South Park, in a mild manner... but regardless.
Good work chief, yes because I CITED a source and showed you a link to a video - to help you better understand what the film is about. It's me who has an agenda. LOL. Your argument are moot. It's quite simple actually. This production isn't "black and white" maybe, and that's good. If you're a movie fan, like most on this forum who at one point or another would read an interview like the one I posted, see a video interview, like the one I posted, they'd get a handle on what this is. Majority of people who ask "What is this? is this a prequel, etc" haven't done their 'homework' so to speak. Not a lot of films may need for that to be done - yet even for a normal film without "uber confusion" and secrecy like The Dark Knight Rises (which is still secret enough) I don't see threads about "Why doesn't Nolan just tell us what it's about" or something akin to that. Yeah, because we know it's a sequel, but there's quite a bit of secrecy about the content - so people speculate. However for some reason whether this is a prequel (let's call it a semi-prequel) maybe that'll place everyone at a bit more eas - or not, everyone's confused. Of course their right. But all it takes is to look at the vid, and read those quotes. You say Lindelof has a problem with the English language, then perhaps I've got one too - for some reason I can perfectly understand him, so you're right, I'm on his wavelength. Not the only one either, just FYI If you still think I'm all over Lindelof's balls, that's confusion on your part. I'm sort of a 'middle man' in this, trying to answer threads like these based on my own understanding of what the film is about - and it didn't take long for me to basically 'get it' Last edited by Digifruitella; 12-08-2011 at 02:25 PM..
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#21
12-08-2011, 03:10 PM
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Second of all, my argument isn't moot at all. You proved my point because one actually has to do homework to get to the truth behind this movie. I say that's unnecessary, the filmmakers, writers, and Fox shouldn't force us to go digging to find out what this film is. They should just explain it as clearly and concisely as possible without giving away the plot. You don't see the necessity in this request and I do. It really just comes down to "you have your approach to the information released" and "I have my approach to the information released." I don't think your wrong in your approach, but I don't really feel that I'm wrong by reacting to the statements the way I did. Remember, I have people on my side too. Thirdly, maybe you do have a problem with the English language because one doesn't have to be a scholar to see how contradictory and convoluted the statements by Lindelof really are. Lastly, You get what everyone is going for with this film, good for you. I do as well, only after much unnecessary digging did I really get to the truth about it. Why did it have to be that frustrating? Well, that's essentially what this rant is all about. Oh yeah, I wouldn't expect you to admit that you were "all over Lindelof's balls," even if you were because that would be kind of idiotic and sink your argument.
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#22
12-09-2011, 03:06 AM
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While I am late to the party, I'd like to preface my brief 2 cents into the matter with my feelings about Prometheus. With all this back and forth and the no-longer-cute winks and nods the actors and filmmakers are bandying about whether the movie is a directly related prequel to the Alien films, I really can't get as excited as I want to about this film.
I am a HARDCORE Alien franchise fan. And while my adoration stops dead at Alien Resurrection, I still have VERY strong feelings for the rest of the films. I would love to hold Prometheus in the warm pre-loving warmth of my bosom but I just can't work up any sustained feeling for it with all this inconsistency from the studio and filmmakers. Seriously at this point they'd be better off by not saying ANYTHING about the film. Despite the fact that its Ridley and all that, it is a movie and, no matter the pedigree, most movies have the tendency to be mediocre at BEST most of the time. You can easily fuck up a good script/premise, whatever. There are no guarantees in filmmaking other than the release date, and even that's subject to change. Which is why I'm worriedly holding my breath when it comes to the state I hold myself in waiting for this movie. But what I am really am pissed about is that I can't love waiting for this film like I can with The Dark Knight Rises. Nolan and crew seem to be succeeding where Ridley and his co. are failing in terms of prepping fans. It almost sounds like they're trying to soften the blow for hardcore fans; like we're not going to completely enjoy this because they've gone way off in some unexpected direction. Hey maybe, just maybe we might enjoy this as its own movie. But when you keep on talking like are expectations are going to be severely let down, that is NOT cool. And since I do not and have never worshipped at the altar of Lost and Damon Lindelof, his "explanations" do very little to assuage my doubts. At this point I don't even read anymore articles released about the film. It feels like masturbating and having someone reading to you about how your reproductive system works. Like wtf are you doing?! Seriously they need to just shut up and show pictures, because its filmmaking dammit and pictures really are worth a thousand words! As for the prequel back and forth argument. Remember this months long annoyance?  Same studio, maybe the same outcome? We can only hope. Last edited by electriclite; 12-09-2011 at 03:13 AM..
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#23
12-09-2011, 11:25 PM
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I'd like to comment on Nolan and the Batman films because you brought up an important point. Nolan and company are indeed succeeding where Ridley and company are failing and it's because of a key difference in their approach to building anticipation and expectations. Nolan lets out bits of info at a time and when he does he is always extremely clear in his explanation/description of what he is releasing to the public. It's not frustrating in the slightest to anticipate one of his films because he manages not to tell you too much, but he also lets you in on what you can expect with the film. The people behind Prometheus have failed to employ these tactics into the build-up of their film and as a concsequence people are divided and unsure of what to think of the project.
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#24
12-15-2011, 03:55 AM
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I know this thread is pretty much dead but I just wanted to post this comment from a short article at deadline.com in regards to Tom Rothman's comment denying Prometheus was a prequel to Alien. I think it summarizes my feelings and critique much better and more succinctly:
"Why all this strenuous denial of it being a prequel? How about exploiting the fact that some people will see it as a prequel and some people (i.e. kids who weren’t even around in 1979) will simply see it as a sci fi film. The unwinnable effort to get people to see it a certain way creates negative energy that will hurt the film. Celebrate the debate. Comment by Tom's uncle — Thursday December 1, 2011 @ 7:58am PST**REPLY TO THIS POST" Bravo sir! Bravo!
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