Taking you back to the intricate development of the movie Alien the documentary Memory: The origin of Alien gives the audience an intense view from idea, to revelation and conformation through art, past films, drawings, paintings to script and putting it all on film. It was nice taking a trip back in time with one of my favorite films, and even if you are not a fan of the movie Alien, the production many turn you on to it.
Most everyone knows the story of the seven astronauts who while in space land on an unchartered planet only to find that alien beings had taken refuge on the sphere. During their exploration of their former habitat, one of the seven gets infected and spawns a creature that holds the whole crew in jeopardy by the ugly jaw snapping beast.
A project of Ridley Scott, the movie Alien and this documentary is perfect for budding filmmakers to take heed and follow the formula. In the hour and a half you’ll find how the film was conceived and it has some nice surprises. It will take you into the symbolism, the center of creativity and finally into how one of the most innovative and iconic scenes was created.
Leading the speakers Diane O’Bannon, wife of the writer Dan O’Bannon, give the insider talk on the how her husband created the characters, the deep seeded aliens and the many other elements needed to bring the Science Fiction horror film to the screen. She’s not only knowledgeable of what went into the project, but also give insight on the man who brought “mother” to the screen.
Memory the Origin of Alien has not been rated by the MPAA, but does contain some thematic elements that show gruesome gore.
FINAL ANALYSIS: If you are a fan or a budding filmmaker it a must. (4 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Diane O’ Bannon, Veronica Cartwright, Roger Christian, Roger Corman, Ben Mankiewicz,
Directed and written by: Alexandre O. Philippe
Genre: Documentary
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 1 hr. 35 min.
Opening Date: October 4, 2019
Distributed by: Screen Media Films
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
