Alien = Auteur

Question 1

Can Alien be the work of an auteur if it is his second film?

Answer 1

• It is hard to argue it is the product of an auteur if it is his second film however if their signature style is present throughout his body of work
• However, Ridley does have a motif of certain themes present within his work
• Scott created storyboards for his extensive filmmaking process which reflects his meticulous attention to detail which highlights his auteurial stamp

Question 2

What are the elements of an auteur?

Answer 2

• Andrew Sarris developed Francois Truffaut’s auteur theory of ‘A certain tendency of French Cinema’ which argued that the director is the true author of a film.
• Andrew Sarris’ criteria for an auteur is:
  1. Technical Competence
  2. Distinct Style
  3. Interior Meaning

Question 3

Does the film have interior meaning?

Answer 3

• Alien contains interior meaning which come across through Scott’s stylistic choices which explores corrupt corporations, artificial intelligence and the vulnerability of humanity which reflects Scott’s theme across his work of institutions and power
• Scott explores the contrast between humans and machinery which is enhanced by his meticulous attention to set design
• Furthermore, Scott subverts gender roles across his later films which is prominent in Alien showing his strong and intelligent female protagonist

Question 4

Was Ridley Scott technically competent?

Answer 4

• Scott directs every frame with attention to detail focussing on slow and intense shots, he used control over pacing which leads to a quiet buildup of tension rather than revealing the Alien
• Scott also designed the set design to heighten the realism of the Nostromo to make it appear lived in to reflect the oppressive and mechincal nature of the ship. This immerses the viewer in the world which is characterised by the stark and minimalist aesthetic which creates dread. This is then contrasted by the vast and desolate alien environment which is a contrast to the sleek, technological environment of Nostromo. This highlights the unpredictability of humans exploring the unknown, otherworldly forms

Question 5

Does Ridley Scott have a distinct style across his body of work?

Answer 5

• Ridley scott is known for his detailed compositions and attention to set design. He utilises lighting, shadows and smoke to create visual depth. He also focusses on visual cues rather than dialogue to build tension as seen in Alien’s stretch of long silence
• He also builds immersive otherworldly environments
• He focusses on themes such as humans battling the coldness of technology and corporations

Question 6

What did Pauline Kael argue?

Answer 6

• Pauline Kael was a prominent film critic who opposed the auteur theory arguing that films are collaborative effort rather than solely the product of a director’s vision

Question 7

Who else can Alien be contributed to?

Answer 7

• Several other creative forces can be credited for Alien.
• Dan O’Bannon wrote the original script which introduced the core ideas of Alien such as the facehugger, chestburster, technology and corporation betrayal
• HR Giger created the design of the xenomorph alien and it’s stages such as the chestburster which includes phallic and sexually suggestive imagery. This had a unique biomechanical style

Question 8

What are Ridley Scott’s key auteurial elements?

Answer 8

• Immersive would buildings with meticulous attention to detail of mise en scene. Groundbreaking visual storytelling which creates atmosphere with lighting and shadows to reveal the scale of the environment. He utilises a pure cinematical approach
• Theme exploration of biological horror such as reproduction and violation and motifs of individuals against institutions