Who's Seen Prometheus?



I'm always happy when a new science fiction movie comes out, because they're few and far between. Prometheus has been a long time in the making, the first origins began in the early 2000s. After many incarnations, it finally came out recently, made at an estimated cost of $120-130 million (Director Ridley Scott had asked for $250 million).

My friend the movie critic Leonard Maltin, who would be the first to admit that science fiction is not his favorite genre, liked and recommended the film saying it was “big, impressive… well-cast.” He did have issues with the ending. See his review here. On the Rotten Tomatoes Site, it's pulling a 74% “liked it,” from both critics and audiences.

Don’t worry, no spoilers here.

I love Ridley Scott, one of the greatest living directors (Alien, Gladiator Blade Runner, Thelma and Louise to name a few of his best). And the visuals are amazing. There is one scene that I guarantee no one will be able to forget, involving the main character, the lead scientist played by Noomi Rapace. I did have questions about the script. These are not the thoughtful questions that make you wonder about the universe, but much more in the shattering of the “suspension of disbelief” category. Sometimes these involved motive, possibly the result of unforeseen edits and group decisions, but they are still troublesome. The ones that really bother me are the too-easy stupid crew moments such as why take off your helmet when you're in an alien environment full of flesh-burning slime?

But I'm willing to forgive this in lieu of wonderful elements such as the Keir Dullea quality of Fassbinder, the robot. I don’t think this is a coincidence. Most critics note how Fassbinder’s robot, named David, is modeled after Lawrence of Arabia, as stated in the film. But Dullea is much more reminiscent of David, the main character on the ship in 2001, A Space Odyssey, his wiry body, bony face, handsome but also creepy, and his icy, detached demeanor, stripped of messy emotions. It’s an homage, I suspect, to the classic science fiction film and the brilliance of Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke.



Fassbender


Dullea


A sequel is most certainly on its way, assuming the high box office numbers continue. Scott has said he would need two sequels to link up to the Alien film, so maybe we’ll get lucky.

What did you think of Prometheus? Like? Hate? Or…?




12 comments:

shokkou said...

I saw it in IMAX 3-D and loved it! Gorgeous movie, interesting premise. Fassbinder reminded me of the character of Roy Batty from my favorite Ridley Scott movie, Blade Runner.

tara said...

I'm a huge fan of Ridley Scott movies and totally wished he had directed Snow White and the Huntsman, because it could have been SO MUCH BETTER with him in the reigns.

For Prometheus, I enjoyed it for the most part. There were a few plot holes and such, and the script was all right, but it was a stunning film to watch.

I'm not a huge sci fi fan either, but sometimes there's movies that come along that are just enjoyable to watch, like this one.

slcard said...

I haven't seen this movie yet, but it looks fascinating and, indeed, well cast. I'm not a fan of horror, but ALIEN sat right at my threshold, so I think I could handle this one. Plus I love science fiction and Ridley Scott always impresses me. You have me very intrigued. I love the title and how it appears the movie uses the symbolism of the Greek myth of the Titan (suffering for striving to improve the human condition).

Thanks for the review. I think you've put this one on my list to see!

Unknown said...

The last movie I saw was The Avengers, and before that The Hunger Games. I have a little trouble remembering the last really good science fiction movie I have seen on the big screen. I'm definitely pumped to make Prometheus my next movie to see!

Derek J Rogers said...

Based on your review, I can't wait to see it! Thanks for breaking down the pros and cons like only a true writing pro can.

Unknown said...

You've definitely piqued my interest 00 despite my decided distaste for flesh-burning slime.

devonandheather said...

Prometheus is a visually stunning movie and I liked the overall storyline. Although I left confused about how the very first scene tied into the rest of the movie.

Lissa Price said...

Tara, I agree with you about Ridley, if he had directed SNOW WHITE.

Devonandheather, the first scene was the beginning of our earth. I don't think I can post links here but if you google "Prometheus beginning" you'll find a site called cinema blend that answers these questions. Plenty of spoilers there, so it's only for people who have seen the film.

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed it! I was actually fortunate enough to see it right on the heels of a screening of "Alien'" in NYC that featured a Q&A with Tom Skerritt. He talked about his experience in filming and working with Ridley Scott, so it provided a spectacular foundation for "Prometheus."

On a completely different note, Michael Fassbender is one of my favorite actors currently, and he didn't disappoint.

In general, also, it's exciting to me to see a sci-fi film gain so much popular momentum. I grew up a Trekkie, and have seen few sci-fi movies that I wasn't fascinated with. It's only really now that popular culture is starting to embrace the nerdiness, and "Prometheus" is a great addition to that trend!

Lissa Price said...

Good way to see it! Agree with you about Fassbender, he steals the show.

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