As a retired Navy man, I served on a frigate, cruiser, and deployed on three carriers and I can honestly say that all ships sound alive. There's a constant hum and rhythmic sounds like the screws and sonar that feel like a heartbeat.
@laxelford3533 it's very accurate to how he described it. I was in the Navy 30 years ago, and I still remember sitting in the orientation room with us docked, listening behind the speaker's voice - that hum, slight distant rattling, and yet a silence - all like the ship was a sleeping dragon about to awake at any moment. When we were at sea, you have all of that plus the rocking of the boat, and it's almost like you can hear the waves crashing against the boat because of it. Ofcourse, going outside on the catwalk will allow the sound of waves, as well as the voice of the tower through the speakers to those on the flight deck. Then there's the series of sounds involved in launching the planes: the revving of the engines, the thud of the catapult and the recoil of it, the deep whine of the stress of whatever other machinery was involved, and the hiss of steam. In the drydock shipyard, it's as though the ship is dead. There's no hum, no rocking, and no silence. There's clanging and rattling echoing throughout the ship like the wind blowing branches or debris up against the skeleton of a carcass in the woods. Those sounds are from jackhammers, sanders and such that are renovating the empty vessel.
I watch 'Every Frame a Painting' to appreciate visual storytelling, watch 'Lessons from a Screenplay' to appreciate dialogue, and Cinefix to appreciate Ingmar Bergman, and now this channel is gifting me sound design appreciation. Bravo.
Sadly, "Every Frame a Painting " has gone silent. I think Michael from "Lessons from the screenplay" has gone on to some different things. Cinefix seems healthy and expanding. I heartily recommend watching all of EFAP and LFTS.
Alien was the very first film I saw on a VCR. I was 15, back in early 80‘s, we just moved home and my folks went back to the old place for the night to return with more furniture etc the next day. Quite exciting to be in a new place with a cool movie I’d only ever seen the cinema trailer for which left everything to the imagination. I knew nothing, had nominiertet spoil anything. It was around 11:30 at night (so really late for 15 yr old me) and there was a bit of a thunder storm rolling along, rumbling ominously with interspersed crashes of lighting in the distance. As soon as the spooky opening sounds started lamenting their song of unending sorrow I knew I was lost in the rabbithole of suspense that was grabbing my senses. The images, the characters, the creature... but all flawless depictions of terror were only brought to life by the best sound editing I’d ever experienced... the clanking of chains, drips of water and hisses of steam, technical whirrs, clanks and clunks, the howling wind of a foreign world, the sound of the ships heartbeat rising and dropping as tension constantly simmers, the sound of silence, dulled tones... all harmonically intertwined expertly with the haunting score. OMG... to say I was beyond a state of terror would be an understatement and I had these senses follow me in many a nightmare. First they would terrorise me, then I would be within the dream being chased by the unseen beast down long dark passageways only to startle awake and lie frozen in my bed until I dared open my eyes again. This was a masterpiece of suspense and I’m so pleased that someone here has finally highlighted the importance of the sound editing of this film and the true mastery required to make this tail of terror the classic it is. Thanks very much for ur video. Glorious
The sound cue when Parker strikes Ash's head off has always stuck with me, deeply ingrained in my pyche, three descending notes of sheer Horror at it's revelation. I think I was 6 when I first learned Ash's secret, and I can still hear it so clearly!
For me Alien i so good of a movie because there is also lots of calming aspects in there. Like the beautiful music that is often quiet yet dawning, the beautiful set with the lighting, the casual conversations. It's good to be able to relax and let your guard down with a false sense of security. It makes that you can process the severity of the things happening. Which in turn makes it possible to see subtle hints like Ash's behavior when he reacts on things that are happening. Also fantastic writing, and acting. It's not perfect, but it's a perfect movie.
I was able to see Alien in theatres in 2019 during its 40th anniversary and it was already one of my favorite movies but seeing it on the big screen was just amazing. Not only was the picture superb for a 70's movie, the sound was just incredible. The sound of the portholes closing while they rummage through the vents or the end where the alarms were blaring was just so good. I am very glad I was able to find a showing
I saw this in 1979 in the theaters - when I was six years-old. My mother was taking night classes, chipping away at her degree, and my dad forgot to find a babysitter on opening night. He had been looking forward to seeing this for some time, was a subscriber to Starlog magazine and read up anything he could find on it. So one afternoon, he said, "Hey, you like Star Wars, right? Wanna go see a movie that's *JUST LIKE IT*?" Of course I said, "Yes!" That evening, we went to one of the biggest theaters in the city, the one with the best sound. Initially, I was bored. There's no cool aliens. No battles. Just a bunch of people complaining about their job - in space. How ungrateful, right? I didn't understand anything that was going on (also didn't speak a lot of English at the time,) but things got super interesting in the derelict ship. And there, the descent into hell began, and I became increasingly more and more terrified as the film went on. Aliens gave me nightmares that lasted for years and made me terrified of dark corners and corridors. Then, in the summer of 1986, I was visiting family in the US, and my aunt took me to see Aliens. And wow. The contrast between the two films was so dark, but the very notion that people could actually fight back (albiet unsuccessfully so) cured me of my nightmares and helped me embrace the Alien universe. And then the next year: I was introduced to Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. I would never have considered that table top game if it weren't for Alien and Aliens.
“It is often said Alien is so frightening because we never fully see the alien...” - brings to mind another fantastic movie with brief glimpses of the “monster” and stellar sound design... Jaws. Many times in film, less is more :-)
I saw Alien on release. I was sitting in the theatre near the front and there were two guys a few seats away from me. At one point the shock on the screen was so intense that one of them, an adult, screamed and in one go jumped out of his seat and landed in the seat behind him. My only thought was, "That's a neat trick. Now back to the movie."
@@ravensthatflywiththenightm7319 , sorry, I honestly can't remember. It was somewhere in the middle, not the chest bursting scene but when they were hunting it down. That's all that I remember. I was more shocked by this guy's jump. I kept thinking that I wished I could have seen it in slow motion because it seemed impossible.
@@UteChewb Perhaps it was when Dallas gets grabbed, was my random guess. Anywho, thanks for sharing that story. I wasn't even born yet when Alien premiered.
I forgot about something. My horror screenplay teacher is a huge fan of Alien and always says that the film talks about alienation. The crew of the Nostromo are space truck drivers who are returning home after an exhausting long journey a and the computer, Mother, the representation of the power of the federation, wakes them up (alienation), puts them in danger several times and control them with strict rules. The visual idea after this is at the begining of the films, Ripley doesnt know in which (hierarchical) level is her place. The Alien is, by oposition to the technological, the natural evolving caos on the edge of the system. The visual idea is when the Aliens acid droop penetrates the floor, breaking throught the diferent levels. Ripley doesnt gain her main role after killing Ash. The films whole structure is built around this idea. Superates the alienation, becoming the "mother of the humans", and sort of a free person. Her Mother feature can be better seen at the sequel. There is a crucial eliminated scene - Is in the directors cut- at the beginnig that after coming back to the earth, Ripley is told that her daughter has died of age. This makes her step in to the mission. The end is a duel of mothers. I would love if you explore one of this ideas on Alien.
That’s a really good point. Alien has so many layers, there is so much to analyze. I’d like to explore some of those ideas, if I get a chance. Although it would also be great if you made a video on it yourself, whenever you get the time. It sounds like you have thought through it, and I think a lot of people would be interested to hear that perspective from you.
Thank you TH-cam for recommending this. Great observations on my favourite film. Watched it in the cinema in 1979, and it's the only time I've ever known people stay in their seats at the end and give it a round of applause. Incredible film.
Master and Commander was my first video introducing to this channel, it’s criminal how little it’s known here, I hope you keep making these fantastic videos
Agreed! Empire, your take on film is excellent and your nuanced philosophical videos are excellent. Perhaps your take on the movie "Gladiator" in the future?
Great analysis! I recall reading that during filming, R. Scott denied the actors daily script updates, thereby creating an anxiety and angst-charged atmosphere that showed intensely on-screen (everyone screaming at each other, close-ups of Ripley's runs through the corridors of the Nostromo - the scene of her fingers gripping the edge of the hatch before her stressed-out, horror-etched face appears). I think this was also a directorial trick of Hitchcock. I and a few friends saw the movie in a LA big-screen theater the week of its release - the only available seats were 3rd row center. From that vantage point, the Nostromo filled our peripheral vision and seemed to wrap around us like a cocoon - we were inside the ship - with the Alien - our Alien (homage to Quint). It was the best movie-going experience I'd ever had.
One of my favorite movies. And although the xenomorph is one of THE classic movie monsters and the second and third acts of the movie are great, I really love the first act before the alien appears. That’s a testament to how good the cinematography, script and set design etc are.
JUST the trailer at the time scared the shit out of me, which was so brilliantly done as it gave absolutely nothing away either, and yes it was indeed the sound design of it that truly put terror into me!! I couldn't bring myself to see the film until a few years later on VHS, which I could pause from time to time to take a break!!
I love the “Siren theme” from the trailer as I like to call it. It’s arguably as iconic as the film itself, you play a section of that trailer music and most people will clock it as being from Alien despite it never appearing in the film. Utterly terrifying and one of the greatest trailers ever made for one of the greatest films ever made.
Alien is a sci-fi horror movie, and as you said with exceptional control of the sound. Aliens, work also with sound but is a different genre of military sci-fi. Ridley Scott's first movie was from the year that I born, but I grow with his movies... His four first movies: The Duellists (1977), Alien (1979). Blade Runner (1982), Legend (1985), are philosophically motivated... Every movie explores the man and his motivations.
Beautiful looking video. Well edited. My one critique of this video is that for me it stopped being a video essay about the use of sound in “Alien” and became more of an essay of Edmund Burke’s thoughts about the psychological effects of sound. I understand that one supports the other, but I personally would’ve liked to have seen other/different/various sources cited. All that being said, this video is well paced and thoughtful. I’m glad I stumbled across this channel and I look forward to watching more content from this channel.
Well done. As a musician and sound engineer, you are dead on here. Although I do think "Prometheus" had much better sound editing than any of the other alien sequel/prequels.
Speaking as a songwriter, I believe the silence you speak of is just as important if a song is to grip the listener. 35 years ago I would not have understood this. But now I know that the drama is not necessarily about the notes, but often it's ALL about the space between. Wonderful thought-provoking video. BRAVO 👽👍🇬🇧
The irony is that Lovecraft then proceeds to explain all the horrors in minute detail until nothing is left to the imagination for example in the mountains of madness where he gives detailed descriptions of their history, anatomy, motives and culture. Even die hard Lovecraft fans dont seem to catch on to the contradiction that despite their claim otherwise there is more known about the creatures than not to. Just look up the wikipedia articles on Lovecraft fandom and you will see what I mean. Lets face it: HP just loved to spill the beans
@@NoOne-uh9vu Hram, hrum, while your example hits the mark regarding that particular story, I think you have chosen one of the weakest parts in all of his mature oeuvre which, to my mind, is a bit like kicking a downed opponent (and yes, the opponent shoudn´t have gotten there in first place, but still). Take the description of the Cthulhu-relief at the beginning of CoC: While a superficial reading might make you think he describes a dragon with an octopus head, a closer look will reveal that it is all just hints and allusions where "the spirit of the thing" is pointed at but the thing itself is never revealed fully. A brilliant book on this matter is Graham Harmans "Weird Realism: Lovecraft and Philosophy" (2012)
@@Residentgnome Sure, HP did some sublime "almost reveals" in many of his stories to great effect that I won't dispute. I'm just pointing out that the overall mythos of his universe is way overexposed according to Lovecrafts own logic. I dont think that is necessarily a bad thing, we just need to be honest with ourselves and stop pretending like its all such a great mystery when I can accurately describe most of his horrors to anyone in a couple of minutes including drawing precise interpretations of how the monsters actually look like and throw in some background information of their relation to each other like it was part of the creatures calling card including cross references to monsters from other similar universes from his fellow pulp writers
Kudos to Jerry Goldsmith. This film had an amazing effect on me in 1979 after seeing it in New York City.. it will always be the definitive Science Fiction horror film of all time.
As a spooky creepypasta audio narrator, this video was very informative for me. I do use sound effects in my stories, as well as music. I think though after listening to this, that I need to lessen the music and go with ambience more, still keeping all the effects though. Great video, thank you
After I saw this as an 8 year old I couldn’t get what my mum had said out of my head a few hears earlier when I had asked her about the stars and what was in space . She said that space was so big that anything we can imagine is out there and possible because of the vastness and the probability playing out.. Cheers mum 😮
I watched this film for the first time yesterday. I could tell that the lack of music and miscellaneous sounds from the ship really raised the tension and atmosphere.
I've been saying what you just did about sound/music design for years. Sound design is very underappreciated. The same principles apply to video games as well.
A recent(ish) film that really made me think about the power of sound & silence in film storytelling is, ironically, A Quiet Place. I thought the effect of juxtaposing the relative silence of nature or of people trying to be quiet with the total silence of deafness particularly interesting.
Part of the why the Xenomorph doesn't have more screen time is because of technical reasons. The prop had a very limited function so they simply had to make do. This was the time when they were creating the technology used today. But still less is more and fear of the unknown is very strong so minimal exposure to the monster was clever.
Yeah ... I remember when I was sitting in the theater getting really agitated and I thought "Why am I so worked up? What's going on here?" I guessed that the film was using Subliminals but yeah - it could have just been the sound track. I've seen that film since on TV or DVD or VHS but never got that feeling again.
Amazing job on this one. The sound effects and music are a big part of what makes this film so unsettling. It never feels like you can relax and that something mysterious is always about to happen. You really get sucked up into it’s world. The sound of the old computers in the movie really creep me out for some reason too lol
Thank you. I'm an artist - there IS only visual and sound to movies, so the rendering or extracting of one or the other is crucial. I've always hated men whistling - first you know you're in danger...when the whistling stops is when you die. Obviously, I'm not a hit on public transportation, when the bus driver or one of the passengers starts whistling. The Alien is an excellent example - and movie. My favorite of the series is Resurrection. The scene you used showing how the absence of sound is just as important as visuals and sound - when he was looking for Jonesie and got ate - was one of the most terrifying scenes I've ever seen.
My headphones glitched out as they said the sound wasn’t right and I thought it was clever editing for about half a minute before realizing what happened.
Looking for good Alien vids to watch on Alien Day, this is the first one I clicked. Very, VERY glad I did. Excellent analysis. Some of the sound design decisions that are so unsettling in Alien are obvious, but a lot are really subtly and not noticeable until you pointed them out (and sometimes, not even then). But all blends to, like you said, keep a motif and build tension.
Keep up the great videos. Love the voice. Perfectly balanced for the content. So many channels voices distract me from the content by either being too formal or not formal enough.
What I thought was great is that when the Nostromo crew begins searching for the xenomorph, Dallas says that Comms are open on all decks meaning everyone can hear everyone else wherever they are on the ship, allowing for the sounds to carry and for the characters to hear each other die.
The repetitive sounds, echoes, and heartbeats offer an auditory counterpart to the repeating elements of the Nostromo's prefabricated interior, and the ribs and vertebrae of Hans Giger's creations and environments.
It's interesting that sound has such power. I think because it is a force that in some way mechanically affects us outside of our rational control, it can be unnerving when it becomes an overwhelming force. Such as when masterfully crafted to awaken certain unconscious feelings. And that intrinsic loss of such rational control is what inevitably perturbs us.
I would like to point out an element of the sound design that never seems to get acknowledgement... And it's a sound that I have always found disturbing. It's present in a couple of scenes, but it really stands out as the film arrives at the final confrontation between Ripley and 'The Big Chap'. It's a distinctly... WET sound. I don't know if it's the sound of the creature drawing in breath because the film appears to suggest it may not require oxygen to "breathe"... But the sound conjures an image in my mind of an obstructed air passage. I also associate the sound with the creature's incessant drooling and the thick, viscous slime it secretes endlessly. Am I the only one to find that sound unsettling? It's absent from the rest of the films. I don't know; maybe this is unique to me, but this sound makes me think of the invasive nature of the creature's life cycle... That it's the product of rape. ORAL rape.
Yes, it's there when the Alien ambushes Parker and Lambert, it's like a wet fizzing sound mixed with the sound of something struggling to breathe in a foreign environment. Very unsettling.
Empire of mind, my understanding of just watching any movie has improved with your videos! I Thank you for your outstanding analysis of the movies, I always watch the movie before I come an see your video on a particular movie I haven't seen!
It sounds like one of those Patrick Bateman monologues about music, but this time it's about Alien. I can't stop thinking he might go: "The sound had a new sheen of consumate professionalism, that really gave the movie a great boost!"
Great video. I hoped you might touch upon the sound of the alien. Not the screech. But the creepy insect liquid buzzing it makes when it's not being stealthy any more. It is almost excited. I love it but not used in later films like the just visible human skull under the dome. Would love to hear your opinion on it.
This is one of the most comprehensive expressions of the importance of sound and editing that I've ever seen. I remember seeing this film when it came out, in a very high quality theater, (University in Toronto) and have never literally jumped out of my seat during Ripley's escape, even though nothing had happened. It was just shear suspense!
Agreeing with previous comments on your exceptional quality. The talent on TH-cam is off the charts compared to regular TV and cable. Name a few TV shows that are worth even watching.
TV has some serious competition now, and it's being made by Joe Bloggs and his computer at home. They need to pull their fingers out! Excellent video btw! 👍
I only just today discovered this channel through the wonderful _Master and Commander_ review. I do hope you had a chance to see the movie _Annihilation_ in a theatre with a superior sound system. It too drew life from a compelling soundscape.
For sound design I cant recommend THX1138 enough. Walter Murch is acknowledge by many as the master of sound design. This film is elevated immensely by his work.
Fantastic video. I’d say the music over the end credits of Alien is just as important too; calmer and more peaceful, it helps you recover from the ride!
Good stuff. Too bad I wasn't alive when Alien hit the cinemas. Those stories sound fantastic haha But once, years ago, I showed Alien to my ex and a friend, both of whom didn't know anything about it, and they freaked the fuck out in the chest-bursting scene. Needless to say, they haven't watched the film after that point to this day. lmao
I saw Bladerunner 2049 at a theater with supreme sound. It was a great experience. My second viewing was a theater where the sound was messed up and you couldn't hear the dialog very well. Completely ruined the experience....I felt bad for folks watching it the first time. So I really get why they were worried about the screening of Alien with broken speakers.
I am just learning video editing and am planning on doing a review for Alien and I want to learn how to create the proper mood through audio editing. Great video and I agree sound is necessary to determine mood and atmosphere which is necessary for films that are supposed to play on the human psyche.
Like many respondents here, I have found your channel after watching your Master and Commander video. I applaud your in depth analysis and your thought provoking narratives. I have happily subscribed and am gradually chewing my way through your catalogue of videos. As a retired theater projectionist and engineer, I can say that sound had always been a critical part of the presentation and was critical to the full enjoyment of the moviegoing experience. I spent long hours, late into many nights, to ensure my sound systems were properly tuned and balanced to successfully convey the full depth and range of the director's and editor's vision for the film. Unfortunately, sometimes today's theaters fall short of the standards I would have strived for when I was working in the industry. Thank you again for the superb content. I look forward to your next release.
Alien is a true gem indeed. It is one of a kind. Everything about it. Could get under your skin. The xenomorph is the perfect creature. In space. No one can hear you screm.
I've been fascinated by ALIEN since 1979 when it first appeared in theaters. The way the derelict looked inside and out ( industrial design equated with biology) and the xzenomorph- definitely alien, definitely destructive. Giger was astounding in his concepts.
This is all great, but I do wish there was a more even soundtrack for the film. It gets super annoying adjusting the sound up and down and up and down at night in my apparent watching this fuckin movie man
1979 was the year that TWO of the BEST SOUND films EVER, were released. Apocalypse Now and Alien. Alien wasn't even nominated for an Oscar for Best Sound. How F'd is THAT ? lol
In my opinion pretty much every movie relies very heavy on sound. I couldn't imagine being deaf and also drawn into a movie. And horror especially. I fully agree to your points. A couple of weeks ago there was a mosquito in my room, I heard over 2-3 days straight this awfull humming noise constantly, but could not see the insect, no matter what I tried. This became really terrifying and at some point I wasn't even sure if I'm not imagining the noise. That's pretty much how horror works and boy, is it effective
The montage/slow spelling out of the word, 'S U C K' had me dying. You're analysis on the importance of sound design-and the lack of sound: silence-in the original ALIEN film is what builds up the tension as one by one each crew member is hunted down by the ultimate and formidable apex predator. ...until the last remaining survivor is left to tell the tale.
I've actually never seen Alien. I'm going to have to watch it now! Thanks Empire! Also, if you did a video on The Brothers Karamazov I would trip and watch it the instant I got the notification about it.
14:50 and the reason Aliens works is because, and this is genius, they shift genre; it's not a horror film, its a war movie highlighted by scary elements.
Hey I have a question for you, how do come up with what topic you plan on doing and how do my you do the research to find the info great channel too man keep it up
Basically I just make videos on stuff I find interesting and that I think other people might find interesting. This whole channel is basically my shower thoughts. As far as research goes, it depends. I do the usual Googling, I look for vids on TH-cam, and I consult my own library of books to reference philosophy, literature, etc. Hope that helps. Thanks for the encouragement!
This is why whenever I was a kid, if a scary scene was on I covered my ears, not my eyes. It's the sound that gets you. I have eyelids for a reason anyway
While sound is important, and often overlooked, have to say the scariest part of Alien is in fact the design of the Alien itself. It does stand on its own, as it is a work of art by H.R. Giger, actually the impetus of the film. One of the few films I can think of based on a work of visual art. Its visage alone is terrifying. Taps into our psyches, fears of parasites and such. I heard Stanislav Grof, the notorious psychiatrist, speak once on Giger, who was one of his patients. Through holotropic breath work they traced back many of Giger’s fears and issues to his birth, during which he was being strangled by the umbilical cord. The lingering, subconscious after effects of a traumatic birth. Positing this could be the source of Giger’s fascination with auto erotic asphyxiation, and the inspiration behind his horrifically hypnotic artwork, which often has sexual overtones.
7:20 S&$T! I'm not sure if I've listened the director's commentary on Alien. BTW If you haven't seen it, the Bluray looks incredible, one of the best cleanup jobs I've ever seen.
The first Alien movie had so much good stuff going on there - not only the sound, but the visuals - the lighting, the impressive sets, heck, just the sheer beauty of space shown in the opening shot. It shows what fierce competition can do to moviemaking. By that I mean, unmistakenly, competition with Star Wars. Back in the late 70's, after Star Wars came out and became a huge success, EVERYONE wanted to - had to - make a space movie of some kind. It was the latest craze. Most space films that immediately followed Star Wars were total crap (Laserblast, anyone?). But some that had big budgets available, like Star Trek: The Motion Picture and The Black Hole, went out of their way to make space look as BEAUTIFUL as possible and try to outdo the visual effects of Star Wars, even if the story was bland. Alien's effects and sets were beautiful (the Nostromo was impressive, inside and out!), and had characters we cared about, and was a GOOD scare too!
How funny, I rewatched Alien about a month ago (I don't know how many times I've watched it) and was struck by the sound. It's not that I wasn't aware before that of how important Alien's sound was, but I think I thought about it as being more iconic than cinematically brilliant. It dawned on me during that watching that it really is a masterpiece of sound, that the film experience is in many ways as much an experience of sound as it is of visual and narrative.
As a retired Navy man, I served on a frigate, cruiser, and deployed on three carriers and I can honestly say that all ships sound alive. There's a constant hum and rhythmic sounds like the screws and sonar that feel like a heartbeat.
As a sound designer, I'm incredibly interested in what this sounds and feels like
@laxelford3533 it's very accurate to how he described it. I was in the Navy 30 years ago, and I still remember sitting in the orientation room with us docked, listening behind the speaker's voice - that hum, slight distant rattling, and yet a silence - all like the ship was a sleeping dragon about to awake at any moment.
When we were at sea, you have all of that plus the rocking of the boat, and it's almost like you can hear the waves crashing against the boat because of it. Ofcourse, going outside on the catwalk will allow the sound of waves, as well as the voice of the tower through the speakers to those on the flight deck. Then there's the series of sounds involved in launching the planes: the revving of the engines, the thud of the catapult and the recoil of it, the deep whine of the stress of whatever other machinery was involved, and the hiss of steam.
In the drydock shipyard, it's as though the ship is dead. There's no hum, no rocking, and no silence. There's clanging and rattling echoing throughout the ship like the wind blowing branches or debris up against the skeleton of a carcass in the woods. Those sounds are from jackhammers, sanders and such that are renovating the empty vessel.
I don’t think we’re allowed to use the word frigate anymore
I watch 'Every Frame a Painting' to appreciate visual storytelling, watch 'Lessons from a Screenplay' to appreciate dialogue, and Cinefix to appreciate Ingmar Bergman, and now this channel is gifting me sound design appreciation. Bravo.
Thank you! All great channels. I don’t always talk about sound design, but I’m coming to appreciate it more and more.
Sadly, "Every Frame a Painting " has gone silent. I think Michael from "Lessons from the screenplay" has gone on to some different things. Cinefix seems healthy and expanding. I heartily recommend watching all of EFAP and LFTS.
Rob Ager.
Thanks for your advices ❤
Alien was the very first film I saw on a VCR. I was 15, back in early 80‘s, we just moved home and my folks went back to the old place for the night to return with more furniture etc the next day. Quite exciting to be in a new place with a cool movie I’d only ever seen the cinema trailer for which left everything to the imagination. I knew nothing, had nominiertet spoil anything. It was around 11:30 at night (so really late for 15 yr old me) and there was a bit of a thunder storm rolling along, rumbling ominously with interspersed crashes of lighting in the distance. As soon as the spooky opening sounds started lamenting their song of unending sorrow I knew I was lost in the rabbithole of suspense that was grabbing my senses. The images, the characters, the creature... but all flawless depictions of terror were only brought to life by the best sound editing I’d ever experienced... the clanking of chains, drips of water and hisses of steam, technical whirrs, clanks and clunks, the howling wind of a foreign world, the sound of the ships heartbeat rising and dropping as tension constantly simmers, the sound of silence, dulled tones... all harmonically intertwined expertly with the haunting score.
OMG... to say I was beyond a state of terror would be an understatement and I had these senses follow me in many a nightmare. First they would terrorise me, then I would be within the dream being chased by the unseen beast down long dark passageways only to startle awake and lie frozen in my bed until I dared open my eyes again. This was a masterpiece of suspense and I’m so pleased that someone here has finally highlighted the importance of the sound editing of this film and the true mastery required to make this tail of terror the classic it is.
Thanks very much for ur video. Glorious
The sound cue when Parker strikes Ash's head off has always stuck with me, deeply ingrained in my pyche, three descending notes of sheer Horror at it's revelation. I think I was 6 when I first learned Ash's secret, and I can still hear it so clearly!
For me Alien i so good of a movie because there is also lots of calming aspects in there. Like the beautiful music that is often quiet yet dawning, the beautiful set with the lighting, the casual conversations. It's good to be able to relax and let your guard down with a false sense of security. It makes that you can process the severity of the things happening. Which in turn makes it possible to see subtle hints like Ash's behavior when he reacts on things that are happening. Also fantastic writing, and acting. It's not perfect, but it's a perfect movie.
Why does this channel not have more views? This is awesome content.
Thank you, Anonymous Person! Hopefully the channel continues to grow...
That's what I was just thinking, as I barely discovered this channel!
@@EmpireoftheMind Good stuff, man!🙏🏼
@@holyhandgrenades5529 Thanks!
Yes. It's ridiculous!
I was able to see Alien in theatres in 2019 during its 40th anniversary and it was already one of my favorite movies but seeing it on the big screen was just amazing.
Not only was the picture superb for a 70's movie, the sound was just incredible. The sound of the portholes closing while they rummage through the vents or the end where
the alarms were blaring was just so good. I am very glad I was able to find a showing
I saw this in 1979 in the theaters - when I was six years-old. My mother was taking night classes, chipping away at her degree, and my dad forgot to find a babysitter on opening night. He had been looking forward to seeing this for some time, was a subscriber to Starlog magazine and read up anything he could find on it. So one afternoon, he said, "Hey, you like Star Wars, right? Wanna go see a movie that's *JUST LIKE IT*?" Of course I said, "Yes!"
That evening, we went to one of the biggest theaters in the city, the one with the best sound. Initially, I was bored. There's no cool aliens. No battles. Just a bunch of people complaining about their job - in space. How ungrateful, right? I didn't understand anything that was going on (also didn't speak a lot of English at the time,) but things got super interesting in the derelict ship. And there, the descent into hell began, and I became increasingly more and more terrified as the film went on.
Aliens gave me nightmares that lasted for years and made me terrified of dark corners and corridors. Then, in the summer of 1986, I was visiting family in the US, and my aunt took me to see Aliens. And wow. The contrast between the two films was so dark, but the very notion that people could actually fight back (albiet unsuccessfully so) cured me of my nightmares and helped me embrace the Alien universe. And then the next year: I was introduced to Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. I would never have considered that table top game if it weren't for Alien and Aliens.
@@RokkitGrrl thanks for sharing
Just saw it for the 45th two weeks ago and every hair on my neck was standing straight up
The HD remaster upscaling was very well done.
Just a note from a retired sound engineer... 70% of viewer engagement and appreciation is sound.
just a note from a cleaner, 90% of audience appareciation is the cleanliness of the theater
“It is often said Alien is so frightening because we never fully see the alien...” - brings to mind another fantastic movie with brief glimpses of the “monster” and stellar sound design... Jaws.
Many times in film, less is more :-)
I saw Alien on release. I was sitting in the theatre near the front and there were two guys a few seats away from me. At one point the shock on the screen was so intense that one of them, an adult, screamed and in one go jumped out of his seat and landed in the seat behind him. My only thought was, "That's a neat trick. Now back to the movie."
@@UteChewb What scene made the guy jump? Just curious.
@@ravensthatflywiththenightm7319 , sorry, I honestly can't remember. It was somewhere in the middle, not the chest bursting scene but when they were hunting it down. That's all that I remember. I was more shocked by this guy's jump. I kept thinking that I wished I could have seen it in slow motion because it seemed impossible.
@@UteChewb Perhaps it was when Dallas gets grabbed, was my random guess.
Anywho, thanks for sharing that story. I wasn't even born yet when Alien premiered.
@@ravensthatflywiththenightm7319 , you may be right. It must have something sudden like that.
Apart from HR Giger's Alien design, Jerry Goldsmith contributed the films greatest asset, its score.
I forgot about something. My horror screenplay teacher is a huge fan of Alien and always says that the film talks about alienation.
The crew of the Nostromo are space truck drivers who are returning home after an exhausting long journey a and the computer, Mother, the representation of the power of the federation, wakes them up (alienation), puts them in danger several times and control them with strict rules. The visual idea after this is at the begining of the films, Ripley doesnt know in which (hierarchical) level is her place.
The Alien is, by oposition to the technological, the natural evolving caos on the edge of the system. The visual idea is when the Aliens acid droop penetrates the floor, breaking throught the diferent levels.
Ripley doesnt gain her main role after killing Ash. The films whole structure is built around this idea. Superates the alienation, becoming the "mother of the humans", and sort of a free person.
Her Mother feature can be better seen at the sequel. There is a crucial eliminated scene - Is in the directors cut- at the beginnig that after coming back to the earth, Ripley is told that her daughter has died of age. This makes her step in to the mission. The end is a duel of mothers.
I would love if you explore one of this ideas on Alien.
That’s a really good point. Alien has so many layers, there is so much to analyze. I’d like to explore some of those ideas, if I get a chance. Although it would also be great if you made a video on it yourself, whenever you get the time. It sounds like you have thought through it, and I think a lot of people would be interested to hear that perspective from you.
Thank you TH-cam for recommending this. Great observations on my favourite film. Watched it in the cinema in 1979, and it's the only time I've ever known people stay in their seats at the end and give it a round of applause. Incredible film.
Master and Commander was my first video introducing to this channel, it’s criminal how little it’s known here, I hope you keep making these fantastic videos
Thank you, sir. I will do my best!
Agreed! Empire, your take on film is excellent and your nuanced philosophical videos are excellent. Perhaps your take on the movie "Gladiator" in the future?
@@jasonjames6076 Perhaps! We’ll see where inspiration leads me... It’d be great to eventually work through all of Ridley Scott’s films.
@@EmpireoftheMind I'm waiting on your takes on the standoff scenes from the dollars series, or just leone's cinematography in general :)
@@alexk7046 That would be fantastic. I’d love to do one on Leone.
Great analysis! I recall reading that during filming, R. Scott denied the actors daily script updates, thereby creating an anxiety and angst-charged atmosphere that showed intensely on-screen (everyone screaming at each other, close-ups of Ripley's runs through the corridors of the Nostromo - the scene of her fingers gripping the edge of the hatch before her stressed-out, horror-etched face appears). I think this was also a directorial trick of Hitchcock. I and a few friends saw the movie in a LA big-screen theater the week of its release - the only available seats were 3rd row center. From that vantage point, the Nostromo filled our peripheral vision and seemed to wrap around us like a cocoon - we were inside the ship - with the Alien - our Alien (homage to Quint). It was the best movie-going experience I'd ever had.
One of my favorite movies. And although the xenomorph is one of THE classic movie monsters and the second and third acts of the movie are great, I really love the first act before the alien appears. That’s a testament to how good the cinematography, script and set design etc are.
Absolutely! And the MOOD of the first act is so great. Goldsmith’s music also does wonders to create an atmosphere unlike any other.
JUST the trailer at the time scared the shit out of me, which was so brilliantly done as it gave absolutely nothing away either, and yes it was indeed the sound design of it that truly put terror into me!! I couldn't bring myself to see the film until a few years later on VHS, which I could pause from time to time to take a break!!
I love the “Siren theme” from the trailer as I like to call it. It’s arguably as iconic as the film itself, you play a section of that trailer music and most people will clock it as being from Alien despite it never appearing in the film. Utterly terrifying and one of the greatest trailers ever made for one of the greatest films ever made.
Alien is a sci-fi horror movie, and as you said with exceptional control of the sound. Aliens, work also with sound but is a different genre of military sci-fi. Ridley Scott's first movie was from the year that I born, but I grow with his movies... His four first movies: The Duellists (1977), Alien (1979). Blade Runner (1982), Legend (1985), are philosophically motivated... Every movie explores the man and his motivations.
Beautiful looking video. Well edited. My one critique of this video is that for me it stopped being a video essay about the use of sound in “Alien” and became more of an essay of Edmund Burke’s thoughts about the psychological effects of sound. I understand that one supports the other, but I personally would’ve liked to have seen other/different/various sources cited. All that being said, this video is well paced and thoughtful. I’m glad I stumbled across this channel and I look forward to watching more content from this channel.
Well done. As a musician and sound engineer, you are dead on here. Although I do think "Prometheus" had much better sound editing than any of the other alien sequel/prequels.
I saw Alien in 1979 in a 70 millimeter screen with surround sound {like 20 speakers} it was a life changing experience.
Jim D
Speaking as a songwriter, I believe the silence you speak of is just as important if a song is to grip the listener.
35 years ago I would not have understood this. But now I know that the drama is not necessarily about the notes, but often it's ALL about the space between.
Wonderful thought-provoking video. BRAVO 👽👍🇬🇧
Quality content my dude. Your channel is so underrated
Thank you my friend!
My mom said her and my dad couldn’t sleep with the lights off for a few weeks after see this in theaters.
"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear and the strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown." - H. P. Lovecraft
Classic.
"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear and the strongest kind of fear is fear of the Corona."
The irony is that Lovecraft then proceeds to explain all the horrors in minute detail until nothing is left to the imagination for example in the mountains of madness where he gives detailed descriptions of their history, anatomy, motives and culture. Even die hard Lovecraft fans dont seem to catch on to the contradiction that despite their claim otherwise there is more known about the creatures than not to. Just look up the wikipedia articles on Lovecraft fandom and you will see what I mean. Lets face it: HP just loved to spill the beans
@@NoOne-uh9vu Hram, hrum, while your example hits the mark regarding that particular story, I think you have chosen one of the weakest parts in all of his mature oeuvre which, to my mind, is a bit like kicking a downed opponent (and yes, the opponent shoudn´t have gotten there in first place, but still). Take the description of the Cthulhu-relief at the beginning of CoC: While a superficial reading might make you think he describes a dragon with an octopus head, a closer look will reveal that it is all just hints and allusions where "the spirit of the thing" is pointed at but the thing itself is never revealed fully. A brilliant book on this matter is Graham Harmans "Weird Realism: Lovecraft and Philosophy" (2012)
@@Residentgnome Sure, HP did some sublime "almost reveals" in many of his stories to great effect that I won't dispute. I'm just pointing out that the overall mythos of his universe is way overexposed according to Lovecrafts own logic. I dont think that is necessarily a bad thing, we just need to be honest with ourselves and stop pretending like its all such a great mystery when I can accurately describe most of his horrors to anyone in a couple of minutes including drawing precise interpretations of how the monsters actually look like and throw in some background information of their relation to each other like it was part of the creatures calling card including cross references to monsters from other similar universes from his fellow pulp writers
The "SUCK" slowly appearing like the title in the first movie was perfect lmao
I'm sorry but that 3.24k subscribers should say 3.24m. I can't believe I found such an amazingly well done channel with so little attention.
You’re too kind! Glad you found the channel.
I use this film when I teach stagecraft as a case study in sound design. I think you address this rather well. Keep it up!
I've never seen a channel with such a low subscriber count with such outstanding quality.
Kudos to Jerry Goldsmith. This film had an amazing effect on me in 1979 after seeing it in New York City.. it will always be the definitive Science Fiction horror film of all time.
As a spooky creepypasta audio narrator, this video was very informative for me. I do use sound effects in my stories, as well as music. I think though after listening to this, that I need to lessen the music and go with ambience more, still keeping all the effects though. Great video, thank you
After I saw this as an 8 year old I couldn’t get what my mum had said out of my head a few hears earlier when I had asked her about the stars and what was in space . She said that space was so big that anything we can imagine is out there and possible because of the vastness and the probability playing out..
Cheers mum 😮
I’d love to see your take on the use of sound design in 2001: Space Odyssey. It would contrast well with this video I think.
I love 2001. Maybe I’ll get around to it one of these days...
The sound of the iris style shutters while crawling through the vents really got to me as a kid
Fast becoming a big fan of this channel. Great content so far.
Thank you, sir! Glad you’re enjoying it.
*The Alien films went from making the audience flee the cinema in terror to making the audience leave the cinema in disgust!*
I watched this film for the first time yesterday. I could tell that the lack of music and miscellaneous sounds from the ship really raised the tension and atmosphere.
I hope your channel will grow larger, so underrated and I am so lucky to stumble on your channel
I've been saying what you just did about sound/music design for years. Sound design is very underappreciated. The same principles apply to video games as well.
A recent(ish) film that really made me think about the power of sound & silence in film storytelling is, ironically, A Quiet Place. I thought the effect of juxtaposing the relative silence of nature or of people trying to be quiet with the total silence of deafness particularly interesting.
Part of the why the Xenomorph doesn't have more screen time is because of technical reasons. The prop had a very limited function so they simply had to make do. This was the time when they were creating the technology used today. But still less is more and fear of the unknown is very strong so minimal exposure to the monster was clever.
I found you because of your Master and Commander Video! Both great movies.
Yeah ... I remember when I was sitting in the theater getting really agitated and I thought "Why am I so worked up? What's going on here?" I guessed that the film was using Subliminals but yeah - it could have just been the sound track.
I've seen that film since on TV or DVD or VHS but never got that feeling again.
Amazing job on this one. The sound effects and music are a big part of what makes this film so unsettling. It never feels like you can relax and that something mysterious is always about to happen. You really get sucked up into it’s world. The sound of the old computers in the movie really creep me out for some reason too lol
Thank you. I'm an artist - there IS only visual and sound to movies, so the rendering or extracting of one or the other is crucial. I've always hated men whistling - first you know you're in danger...when the whistling stops is when you die. Obviously, I'm not a hit on public transportation, when the bus driver or one of the passengers starts whistling. The Alien is an excellent example - and movie. My favorite of the series is Resurrection. The scene you used showing how the absence of sound is just as important as visuals and sound - when he was looking for Jonesie and got ate - was one of the most terrifying scenes I've ever seen.
My god I love your content, just always hits the spot! Subscribed!
So glad you’re enjoying it!
My headphones glitched out as they said the sound wasn’t right and I thought it was clever editing for about half a minute before realizing what happened.
Looking for good Alien vids to watch on Alien Day, this is the first one I clicked.
Very, VERY glad I did. Excellent analysis. Some of the sound design decisions that are so unsettling in Alien are obvious, but a lot are really subtly and not noticeable until you pointed them out (and sometimes, not even then). But all blends to, like you said, keep a motif and build tension.
Keep up the great videos. Love the voice. Perfectly balanced for the content. So many channels voices distract me from the content by either being too formal or not formal enough.
What I thought was great is that when the Nostromo crew begins searching for the xenomorph, Dallas says that Comms are open on all decks meaning everyone can hear everyone else wherever they are on the ship, allowing for the sounds to carry and for the characters to hear each other die.
The repetitive sounds, echoes, and heartbeats offer an auditory counterpart to the repeating elements of the Nostromo's prefabricated interior, and the ribs and vertebrae of Hans Giger's creations and environments.
It's interesting that sound has such power. I think because it is a force that in some way mechanically affects us outside of our rational control, it can be unnerving when it becomes an overwhelming force. Such as when masterfully crafted to awaken certain unconscious feelings. And that intrinsic loss of such rational control is what inevitably perturbs us.
An interesting example of how effective the sound is how it’s used in the trailer
I would like to point out an element of the sound design that never seems to get acknowledgement... And it's a sound that I have always found disturbing. It's present in a couple of scenes, but it really stands out as the film arrives at the final confrontation between Ripley and 'The Big Chap'. It's a distinctly... WET sound. I don't know if it's the sound of the creature drawing in breath because the film appears to suggest it may not require oxygen to "breathe"... But the sound conjures an image in my mind of an obstructed air passage. I also associate the sound with the creature's incessant drooling and the thick, viscous slime it secretes endlessly. Am I the only one to find that sound unsettling? It's absent from the rest of the films. I don't know; maybe this is unique to me, but this sound makes me think of the invasive nature of the creature's life cycle... That it's the product of rape. ORAL rape.
Yes, it's there when the Alien ambushes Parker and Lambert, it's like a wet fizzing sound mixed with the sound of something struggling to breathe in a foreign environment. Very unsettling.
Oral (mouth) or aural (ears)?
Empire of mind, my understanding of just watching any movie has improved with your videos! I Thank you for your outstanding analysis of the movies, I always watch the movie before I come an see your video on a particular movie I haven't seen!
Aw man, not only does this make me want to re-watch Alien... now I want to play Alien Isolation for the 100th time.
It sounds like one of those Patrick Bateman monologues about music, but this time it's about Alien. I can't stop thinking he might go: "The sound had a new sheen of consumate professionalism, that really gave the movie a great boost!"
Great video. I hoped you might touch upon the sound of the alien. Not the screech. But the creepy insect liquid buzzing it makes when it's not being stealthy any more. It is almost excited. I love it but not used in later films like the just visible human skull under the dome. Would love to hear your opinion on it.
This is one of the most comprehensive expressions of the importance of sound and editing that I've ever seen.
I remember seeing this film when it came out, in a very high quality theater, (University in Toronto) and have never literally jumped out of my seat during Ripley's escape, even though nothing had happened. It was just shear suspense!
Agreeing with previous comments on your exceptional quality. The talent on TH-cam is off the charts compared to regular TV and cable. Name a few TV shows that are worth even watching.
Thank you! And I agree: TH-cam over television any day.
TV has some serious competition now, and it's being made by Joe Bloggs and his computer at home. They need to pull their fingers out!
Excellent video btw! 👍
I only just today discovered this channel through the wonderful _Master and Commander_ review. I do hope you had a chance to see the movie _Annihilation_ in a theatre with a superior sound system. It too drew life from a compelling soundscape.
For sound design I cant recommend THX1138 enough. Walter Murch is acknowledge by many as the master of sound design. This film is elevated immensely by his work.
Fantastic video. I’d say the music over the end credits of Alien is just as important too; calmer and more peaceful, it helps you recover from the ride!
Normally when I discover a good chanel they grow a lot. I hope this is the case. Amazing work man.
Good stuff.
Too bad I wasn't alive when Alien hit the cinemas. Those stories sound fantastic haha
But once, years ago, I showed Alien to my ex and a friend, both of whom didn't know anything about it, and they freaked the fuck out in the chest-bursting scene. Needless to say, they haven't watched the film after that point to this day. lmao
Your content is excellent.
I saw Bladerunner 2049 at a theater with supreme sound. It was a great experience. My second viewing was a theater where the sound was messed up and you couldn't hear the dialog very well. Completely ruined the experience....I felt bad for folks watching it the first time. So I really get why they were worried about the screening of Alien with broken speakers.
I am just learning video editing and am planning on doing a review for Alien and I want to learn how to create the proper mood through audio editing. Great video and I agree sound is necessary to determine mood and atmosphere which is necessary for films that are supposed to play on the human psyche.
Like many respondents here, I have found your channel after watching your Master and Commander video. I applaud your in depth analysis and your thought provoking narratives. I have happily subscribed and am gradually chewing my way through your catalogue of videos.
As a retired theater projectionist and engineer, I can say that sound had always been a critical part of the presentation and was critical to the full enjoyment of the moviegoing experience. I spent long hours, late into many nights, to ensure my sound systems were properly tuned and balanced to successfully convey the full depth and range of the director's and editor's vision for the film. Unfortunately, sometimes today's theaters fall short of the standards I would have strived for when I was working in the industry.
Thank you again for the superb content. I look forward to your next release.
Incredible video !
Greeting from Belgium 👍
Alien is a true gem indeed. It is one of a kind. Everything about it. Could get under your skin. The xenomorph is the perfect creature. In space. No one can hear you screm.
I was just conceptualizing an essay for sound in Alien! But my gosh I'm not sure I can beat this. Wonderful job :)
This is why Ridley Scott was one of the great directors.
I've been fascinated by ALIEN since 1979 when it first appeared in theaters. The way the derelict looked inside and out ( industrial design equated with biology) and the xzenomorph- definitely alien, definitely destructive. Giger was astounding in his concepts.
This is all great, but I do wish there was a more even soundtrack for the film. It gets super annoying adjusting the sound up and down and up and down at night in my apparent watching this fuckin movie man
1979 was the year that TWO of the BEST SOUND films EVER, were released.
Apocalypse Now
and
Alien.
Alien wasn't even nominated for an Oscar for Best Sound.
How F'd is THAT ? lol
In my opinion pretty much every movie relies very heavy on sound. I couldn't imagine being deaf and also drawn into a movie.
And horror especially. I fully agree to your points. A couple of weeks ago there was a mosquito in my room, I heard over 2-3 days straight this awfull humming noise constantly, but could not see the insect, no matter what I tried. This became really terrifying and at some point I wasn't even sure if I'm not imagining the noise. That's pretty much how horror works and boy, is it effective
You need to explore the silent films of 100+ years ago.
I had vivid nightmares, not continuously but off and on up to twenty years later. Still the only horror films I will watch.
Awesome analysis and video... It goes to my list!!! Thanx!!!
Once again you hit the nail very squarely on the head. Well done!
Thank you!
I was ten in 1979, and the trailers alone scared the hell out of me.
I think you need to give the sound designer credit in this video!
You're more afraid of the howl of a wolf than the actual wolf?
Apparently he's never encountered a wolf.
The montage/slow spelling out of the word, 'S U C K' had me dying.
You're analysis on the importance of sound design-and the lack of sound: silence-in the original ALIEN film is what builds up the tension as one by one each crew member is hunted down by the ultimate and formidable apex predator. ...until the last remaining survivor is left to tell the tale.
I've actually never seen Alien. I'm going to have to watch it now! Thanks Empire!
Also, if you did a video on The Brothers Karamazov I would trip and watch it the instant I got the notification about it.
14:50 and the reason Aliens works is because, and this is genius, they shift genre; it's not a horror film, its a war movie highlighted by scary elements.
Subscribed, and thank you for the excellent content 🙏
Well, this channel is insanely good. Please do a video on At The Mouth Of Madness!
foley artists deserve more credit
Hey I have a question for you, how do come up with what topic you plan on doing and how do my you do the research to find the info great channel too man keep it up
Basically I just make videos on stuff I find interesting and that I think other people might find interesting. This whole channel is basically my shower thoughts. As far as research goes, it depends. I do the usual Googling, I look for vids on TH-cam, and I consult my own library of books to reference philosophy, literature, etc. Hope that helps. Thanks for the encouragement!
@@EmpireoftheMind well thank you for replying most people dont do that alot means so much
This is why whenever I was a kid, if a scary scene was on I covered my ears, not my eyes. It's the sound that gets you. I have eyelids for a reason anyway
While sound is important, and often overlooked, have to say the scariest part of Alien is in fact the design of the Alien itself. It does stand on its own, as it is a work of art by H.R. Giger, actually the impetus of the film. One of the few films I can think of based on a work of visual art. Its visage alone is terrifying. Taps into our psyches, fears of parasites and such. I heard Stanislav Grof, the notorious psychiatrist, speak once on Giger, who was one of his patients. Through holotropic breath work they traced back many of Giger’s fears and issues to his birth, during which he was being strangled by the umbilical cord. The lingering, subconscious after effects of a traumatic birth. Positing this could be the source of Giger’s fascination with auto erotic asphyxiation, and the inspiration behind his horrifically hypnotic artwork, which often has sexual overtones.
7:20 S&$T! I'm not sure if I've listened the director's commentary on Alien. BTW If you haven't seen it, the Bluray looks incredible, one of the best cleanup jobs I've ever seen.
You videos are amazing!
Quality of analysis, A1? Yes, seems to be much good work was put into its production. Many thanks for your posting.
It's ironic that sound is the theme of this feature..
" in space, no one can hear you scream"
Master & Commander review
Great!
Brilliant film.
The first Alien movie had so much good stuff going on there - not only the sound, but the visuals - the lighting, the impressive sets, heck, just the sheer beauty of space shown in the opening shot. It shows what fierce competition can do to moviemaking. By that I mean, unmistakenly, competition with Star Wars. Back in the late 70's, after Star Wars came out and became a huge success, EVERYONE wanted to - had to - make a space movie of some kind. It was the latest craze. Most space films that immediately followed Star Wars were total crap (Laserblast, anyone?). But some that had big budgets available, like Star Trek: The Motion Picture and The Black Hole, went out of their way to make space look as BEAUTIFUL as possible and try to outdo the visual effects of Star Wars, even if the story was bland. Alien's effects and sets were beautiful (the Nostromo was impressive, inside and out!), and had characters we cared about, and was a GOOD scare too!
14:36 Goddamn right.
Also, subscribed!
How funny, I rewatched Alien about a month ago (I don't know how many times I've watched it) and was struck by the sound. It's not that I wasn't aware before that of how important Alien's sound was, but I think I thought about it as being more iconic than cinematically brilliant. It dawned on me during that watching that it really is a masterpiece of sound, that the film experience is in many ways as much an experience of sound as it is of visual and narrative.