Although one of Ridley Scott’s most definitive films as a filmmaker is 1979’s AlienThe director completely flips the iconic sci-fi horror movie’s premise The Martian. While both of Scott’s science fiction films are about survival, Alien is a much darker film than the 2015 blockbuster. Written by Dan O’Bannon, Alien Centers on the crew of the NostromoA commercial space tug that comes across an abandoned spaceship. Instead of walking around the sad wreck, the crew members, including Sigourney Weaver’s righteous officer-turned-action-hero Ellen Ripley, end up going toe-to-toe. Aliens terrifying phaseugers and xenomorphs.
A critical and commercial success, the sci-fi horror flick spawned many more Alien movies, although Scott only directed the original film and its prequel trilogy, which includes Prometheus And Alien: Covenant. Although Ridley Scott is unfinished Alien Prequel trilogy is more philosophical at its core, the two installments are as dark as the original Alien. The filmmaker’s other classic sci-fi movie, 1982’s Blade Runneris a neo-noir film that is as harrowing as its source material. interesting, Scott’s adaptation of The Martian stands apart from the director’s other sci-fi projects‘ Tones and atmospheres.
Martian optimism was the opposite of alien space horror
Ridley Scott flipped the script on his classic sci-fi film when he made The Martian
Although Ridley Scott did not write or adapt The MartianThe Oscar-nominated director had to navigate a sci-fi story that took a vastly different approach to space than Alien. Based on Andy Weir’s novel, The Martian is a showcase for its Oscar-nominated star, Matt Damon, who plays Mark Watney, a botanist and mechanical engineer. Part of NASA’s Ares III team, Mark and his companions are tasked with exploring the surface of Mars. When a dust storm wreaks havoc on the surface of the Red Planet, Mark seemingly dies after being struck by debris while his team evacuates.
After the storm dissipates, Mark returns to the team’s surface habitat and realizes that he is unable to communicate with Earth’s mission control. Using all his scientific knowledge, The MartianS Mark Watney tries to survive on Mars for four years – until NASA’s next mission arrives on the less-than-hospitable planet. Although Mark’s situation is incredibly difficult, The Martian No echo Aliens dark, cynical approach to space survival. Instead, Scott’s 2015 film focuses on the power of teamwork and the inspirational idea of ​​never giving up, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Star Wars inspired Scott to make a space movie (but not as hopeful)
George Lucas’ Star Wars Was a Groundbreaking Sci-Fi Movie – But Far More Optimistic Than Alien
While promoting Alien: Romulus, Ridley Scott revealed that George Lucas Star Wars Made him want to pursue a sci-fi film of his own (via letterboxd). Alien Writer Dan O’Bannon had been shopping the script for what would become a groundbreaking sci-fi horror film for a while without much success. Initially, 20th Century Fox entertained the idea of ​​sinking money into a sci-fi endeavor like AlienHowever Star Wars Helped Alien Get made When it became a box office phenomenon in 1977. Needless to say, Scott eagerly signed on when asked to direct.
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Before directing AlienScott has only one feature film under his belt: the 1977 historical drama The Duelists. Although the genre has also defined the careers of filmmakers, Ridley Scott is now the most important sci-fi director in many ways, largely because Star Wars‘ Success allowed him to make Alien. It’s no surprise that the epic scope, inventive world-building, and mythological story structure of George Lucas’s space opera inspired Scott. What is somewhat strange, however, is that Star Wars is a much more hopeful film than Alien. luckily, Scott had to make an optimistic sci-fi film 36 years later.
The Martian remains one of the most inspiring blockbuster movies
Ridley Scott’s The Martian proves that a great movie doesn’t have to have dark themes
One of Ridley Scott’s best sci-fi movies, The Martian is also one of the most inspiring blockbuster films ever made. In addition to grossing $630.6 million at the worldwide box office, the film received high marks from critics for being thrilling and funny. at the golden globes, The Martian Even won the award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or ComedyWhich, based on Scott’s Alien And Blade Runner reputation, may have surprised some people who have yet to see the film. By putting heart, humor, and optimism first, The Martian Carved out a unique niche.
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Not only The Martian Marks a tonal departure for Scott, but the film also came on the heels of much darker deep-space survival films, like 2013’s Gravity and 2014s Interstellar. While Scott’s 2015 film definitely rode the same sci-fi wave as the movies, his approach to human persistence and resilience is vastly different. Survivors in their own right, Ellen Ripley and Dr. Mark Watney are two very different sides of the same Ridley Scott-directed sci-fi coin.
Source: Letterboxd