It started in 1979, when something strange came on board the Nostromo. Alien changed the face of horror and science fiction, launching a franchise that has spawned six movies and two crossover features. It has also played host to some of cinema’s greatest directors: James Cameron, David Fincher, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet; but the very first was Ridley Scott.
From chest-bursting horror to an awesome heroine, Scott started his career on a high (Alien was only his second feature film as director). It would take 33 years for Scott to return to the franchise, with the prequel series, starting with Prometheus.
The second instalment in the prequel series is Alien: Covenant, your Sunday night movie this weekend. As Scott returns once more to the space terror that launched his career, we take a look back at five of his greatest hits.
Alien (1979)
Following his feature film debut, historical drama The Duellists, Ridley Scott changed direction and headed into space. Tautly paced and terrifying, the film gave horror a new face. It also launched the career, not only of Scott, but of Sigourney Weaver and her alien-ass-kicking heroine Ripley.
Blade Runner (1982)
If you were in any doubt as to Scott’s sci-fi cred (although why would you be?), this movie wipes the doubt from your mind. Based on a novel by Philip K. Dick, Blade Runner’s stunning visual set pieces and noirish plot made it a massive cult hit. It finally got a sequel 35 years later, with the directing reins handed over to Denis Villeneuve.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
With an award-winning script by Callie Khouri and heartfelt performances from Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, this female-led film remains an important milestone in Hollywood cinema and one of its best road trip movies.
Gladiator (2000)
“Are you not entertained?” Yes, yes, we were. Russell Crowe led this rousing swords-and-sandals epic, which proved yet again that Scott could handle all kinds of action and still pack it with an emotional punch.
The Martian (2015)
Everyone was a bit baffled when The Martian won a Golden Globe for Best Picture Comedy/Musical instead of Drama. Regardless, it deserved to be called an award-winning film and Matt Damon’s endearing performance had light-hearted moments that uplifted the film’s darker tones. It’s also been declared one of the most scientifically accurate movies in Hollywood.
Return to the Alien franchise with Ridley Scott in Alien: Covenant, your #SundayNightMovie on 18 March at 20:30 on M-Net