10 Things You Didn’t Know About Alien (1979)

Source: 20th Century-Fox

Alien (1979) is a classic science fiction horror film that has captivated audiences for over four decades. Directed by Ridley Scott, the movie follows the crew of the Nostromo spacecraft as they encounter a deadly extraterrestrial creature. Here are 10 fun facts about Alien that you may not know:

1. Alien Design

The Alien was designed by Swiss artist H.R. Giger, who won an Oscar for his work on the film. Giger’s design was inspired by his own artwork, which often featured biomechanical creatures and surreal landscapes.

2. Chestbursters!

The film’s iconic chestburster scene was shot in one take, much to the surprise of the cast. According to actor Veronica Cartwright, who played Lambert, the cast had no idea what was going to happen during the scene.

3. Alien Blood

The Alien’s blood was made from a mixture of milk, K-Y Jelly, and green food coloring. The mixture was chosen because it had a thick consistency and would stick to the actors’ skin.

4. Star Beast

The film’s original title was “Star Beast.” However, Ridley Scott disliked the title and asked writer Dan O’Bannon to come up with something better. O’Bannon suggested “Alien,” which Scott immediately liked.

5. Role Swap

The character of Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, was originally written as a male character. However, the filmmakers decided to cast a woman in the role, which was a groundbreaking decision at the time.

6. The Ship

The Nostromo’s design was heavily influenced by the work of artist Ron Cobb, who was hired to create concept art for the film. Cobb’s designs were inspired by real-world industrial equipment, such as oil rigs and submarines. The production team used these designs as a basis for the Nostromo’s interior and exterior, giving the ship a gritty, utilitarian look. The team also used scrap metal and other materials to create the ship’s exterior, further emphasizing its worn-out appearance.

7. Sounds

The film’s sound effects were created by recording various household items, such as frying pans and whisks, and manipulating the recordings.

8. Scary Design

The alien’s design was so disturbing that it was almost cut from the film. However, Ridley Scott fought to keep the creature in the movie, arguing that it was essential to the story. According to Scott, some of the executives at 20th Century Fox were concerned that the alien was too graphic and would turn off audiences.

9. Android Surprise

The character of Ash, played by Ian Holm, was revealed to be an android in a twist ending. This was one of the first instances of an android character in a science fiction film. According to Holm, he was originally cast in the role because of his ability to convey a sense of unease and ambiguity. Holm also noted that he was unaware of the twist ending until he read the script and had to work hard to conceal Ash’s true nature throughout the film.

10. The Score

The film’s score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who won an Oscar for his work on the movie. Goldsmith’s score is known for its haunting, otherworldly sound, which perfectly captures the film’s sense of dread and suspense. However, Goldsmith’s original score was heavily edited by Ridley Scott, who felt that it was too bombastic and overpowering. Goldsmith was reportedly unhappy with the changes, but the final score is still considered a classic of the genre.