Celebrating 45 Years of 'Alien': Echoes of Terror in the Depths of Space

"In space, no one can hear you scream."

The iconic line from the movie "Alien" first appeared in June 1979. Despite this, science fiction enthusiasts, as shown by their love for "Star Wars" and the celebration of "May the Fourth", consider the film's unofficial anniversary to be this weekend. To honor the original movie's setting on the mysterious moon LV-426, a re-release is planned for April 26.

One of the most unforgettable experiences I had was when I spent a night (and early morning) watching director Ridley Scott’s space thriller "Alien" 45 years ago. It made me realize how much movies and the movie-watching experience have evolved over the years.

I decided to catch "Alien" during its opening weekend with my older brother, even though we didn't know much about it. Back then, we relied on reviews from our local newspaper, the Los Angeles Times, since the Internet wasn't around. However, the critics' opinions didn't always match our teenage tastes.

When we drove to Avco cinemas in Westwood near UCLA, we couldn't miss the long line of people waiting to buy tickets. Unfortunately, there were no advance sales available, and you couldn't pick your preferred reclining seat online.

Surprisingly, the movie we watched (spoiler alert) turned our expectations upside down. The female crew member, Ellen Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver), emerged as the ultimate survivor, while the captain, portrayed by Tom Skerritt, was one of the first to go.

Yaphet Kotto, Sigourney Weaver and Ian Holm in "Alien."

Yaphet Kotto, Sigourney Weaver and Ian Holm in "Alien."

We were planning to watch a movie at 10:30 p.m. at 20th Century Fox. Unfortunately, by the time we got to the box office, the showing was already sold out. We ended up buying tickets for the 1 a.m. showing instead. We didn't have the chance to call home and let my mom know about the change in plans.

The film was intense from the start, especially with the stomach-turning scene of the alien's entrance that had the full audience hooked. The tension kept building up, leading to what turned out to be the funniest moment I've ever experienced in a theater.

Towards the end, as the Ian Holm character was revealed to be an android in a chaotic and violent scene with white fluid spurting everywhere, a young woman had seen enough and started running towards the lobby. Her date, a young man, called out to her saying, "It's just a robot," but she didn't stop and replied, "I don't care if it's a f—ing rubber band!" This tension-breaker had the whole theater bursting into laughter.

After the movie ended, we walked out into the empty streets, which were completely deserted at 3 a.m. It felt like a long walk back to our car. Little did I know at the time that poor Ripley would face more horrors and encounters with xenomorphs in future sequels. The "Alien" franchise would continue with the upcoming release of "Alien: Romulus," the seventh movie in the series set between the original and the acclaimed 1986 sequel directed by James Cameron.

Even though some aspects of the first "Alien" movie may seem ridiculous now, the experience remains vivid in my memory. Waiting in line for the movie surely added to the sense of excitement and anticipation.

In today's world, Hollywood has been trying hard to recreate the special feeling of going to the movies. However, back in the 1970s, iconic films such as "Jaws," "Star Wars," and "Alien" seemed to effortlessly capture that magic, eliciting screams of joy or fear that have stayed with audiences through the years.

"Alien" is coming back to certain theaters on April 26, with a rating of R.

Editor's P/S:

The enduring legacy of "Alien" lies not only in its groundbreaking horror but also in its transformative impact on the cinematic experience. The film's visceral intensity, coupled with the communal thrill of watching it in a crowded theater, created an unforgettable moment that has shaped generations of moviegoers. The upcoming re-release offers a chance to revisit this iconic masterpiece and relive the excitement of its original release.

Moreover, "Alien" serves as a testament to the enduring power of original storytelling. Despite the advancements in technology and special effects, the film's simple yet terrifying premise and its unforgettable characters continue to resonate with audiences today. The franchise's longevity is a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-crafted horror film that transcends time and remains a benchmark in the genre.