Ep 180 Alien

In space, no one can hear Lee complain, but we’re back on Earth, so get ready to hear our discussion on Ridley Scott’s “Alien”. A film in which John Hurt rehearses his guest appearance in “Spaceballs”; Tom Skerritt gives a masterclass in poor management (we’ve all worked for a useless prick); and Ian Holm performs cinema’s first self-bukkake. A fantastic, darkly epic film that perfectly straddles science fiction and horror, perhaps its greatest achievement is the thoroughly believable world (or worlds) it builds, allowing both its cast and the viewer to immerse themselves completely. Our discussion touches upon the sequels, which, whilst gradually conforming to the franchise fatigue of diminishing returns, having such a rich starting mythology to build upon, all throw up some real points of interest (particularly those films that continue Ripley’s story). Our conversation also encompasses the film’s creative origins in Alejandro Jodorowsky’s (tragically) aborted attempt to bring “Dune” to the silver screen. Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.