Film: Prometheus
Writers: Jon Spaihts, Damon Lindelof
Director: Ridley Scott
Actors:Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, Logan Marshall-Green, Sean Harris, Rafe Spall, Emun Elliott, Benedict Wong, Kate Dickie, Patrick Wilson, Lucy Hutchinson
Distributors: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: 6/6/2012
A team of explorers discovers a clue to the origins of humankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.
Gut Reaction:
Out of the gate, “Prometheus” is beautiful. The scope is huge. As a science fiction nerd, it was everything I wanted from a film. Ridley Scott expanded the Alien universe and sent it in a new direction. Also, the film made me want to run home and watch “Alien” and see how the two films match up because “Prometheus” takes place 33 years before Alien.
Plot:
The plot is the weakest aspect to “Prometheus,” but isn’t that case with most science fiction films. This film pits the quest to meet the creator versus the quest to live forever. As with the original films the Weyland corporation is involved and there is a “hidden agenda.” Doesn’t someone always have a “hidden agenda” when you go looking for new life forms? The plot is very generic but what makes it special is how it ties together with the first Alien film and how all the pieces fall into place. Scott also leaves a small window open for another film.
What takes the story from generic to special is the philosophical debate about meeting your creator. What makes it unique is most of the discussions take place between an android named David and the humans on the ship. You almost feel bad for David because the humans keep telling him that he doesn’t understand. The film is more profound if you let “Prometheus” wrap around you.
Acting:
Michael Fassbender continues his dominance in his portrayal of the android life-form David. The rest of the cast was excellent but the way the film is framed, Fassbender is the standout. David becomes the most interesting character in the film because you can’t tell if he is evolving or not. This element makes you watch him more intently as the movie moves along.
The only downside to the acting in this film is they underutilized Charlize Theron’s character. Theron has some acting chops and could have brought the drama up a notch, but she was never called into action.
Cinematography:
Prometheus could be a silent film because it is so beautifully shot. Watching the opening montage in IMAX 3D is breath-taking. Scott sets up an amazing stage to take you out of your seat and into a different world. Scott has a way to make you feel comfortable with his super wide shots and then snatch that away and make you feel claustrophobic an unable to breathe with his close-ups.
Overall
For every ten bad science fiction movies you see, “Prometheus” makes it all worth it. Go see the film in IMAX and add another dimension to your movie-going experience.
