The Shocking Use of Authentic Animal Guts in the ‘Alien’ Scene is Repugnant

The Big Picture

The practical effects used in the creation of Alien's Xenomorph egg were distressing, vile, and real, but necessary to achieve the premium quality of the film.

H.R. Giger's design of the egg blended the elements of moist organic material and cold industrial steel, producing an unsettling and horrifying visual appeal.

The egg prop, constructed for practical use, featured the interior comprised of sheep intestines and a cow's stomach. Director Ridley Scott actively participated in its preparation to heighten its authenticity.

1979's sci-fi marvel, Alien, stands as an unparalleled icon in the horror cinema genre. Directed by Ridley Scott, this film not only revolutionized artistic and cultural conventions but also pioneered practical special effects that would influence the industry for decades. The approach taken by Scott and his crew to bring the slimy, grotesque lifeforms of the Alien universe to life set a precedent for the practical effect-driven horrors of the '80s, serving as a direct inspiration for classics like The Thing. Despite the distressing and vile nature of these techniques, they were essential in achieving the timeless quality of the film. The combination of time restraints, a modest budget, and technological limitations of the late '70s made practical effects the only viable option, as computer-generated effects were not yet feasible. The use of practical effects, when executed with care and creativity, immerses viewers in a way that CGI cannot replicate. Alien's iconic moment, in which Dr. Kane discovers the Xenomorph egg, showcases the effectiveness of these sticky, stinky props.

Alien (1979)

How Was the Xenomorph's Egg in 'Alien' Designed?

The Xenomorph's egg is not your typical egg but rather a living organism that marks the beginning of the Xenomorph life cycle. A symbiotic relationship exists between the egg and its inhabitant, the Face Hugger, which is the second organism in this cycle. The egg's prominence in the film's artwork and promotional material, alongside the Xenomorph and the Face Hugger, has solidified its status as an iconic symbol of the Alien franchise. Ridley's choice to collaborate with the renowned and uniquely terrifying artist H.R. Giger played a significant role in establishing this recognition. Giger's distinct style combined elements of fear and eroticism, merging organic matter with industrial steel in a way that was both wet and cold. His depictions of the Xenomorph life forms, with their intricate anatomy and sexually suggestive features, created a compelling and disturbing contrast that captivated audiences. These contrasting motifs, including body parts resembling reproductive organs, are what define the mesmerizing and chilling aura of the Xenomorph and its various stages of development.

As Entertainment Weekly reports,

'Alien's Egg Prop Was Very Real

, initially, Giger designed the Xenomorph egg to resemble a female reproductive organ that would give birth to the Face Hugger, symbolizing the natural cycle of life, conception, and gestation. However, the producers were concerned that this portrayal would push the boundaries of the film's sexual implications too far and repulse the audience. Consequently, the concept was altered to represent the holy conception, where the top of the egg blossoms out from a cross, giving birth to the parasitic Face Hugger. This creature is viewed as an infernal angel delivering the final form of the Xenomorph. The Face Hugger ultimately finds an unfortunate host to impregnate with its "perfect organism," mirroring the life cycle of Christ in its own distinct way. This sets the stage for the creation of one of the stickiest, gooiest, and most repulsive practical props in the history of cinema.