after Ripley yells at Parker he falls in line from that point on. he and ripley are finally on the same page and they take down Ash together. when it's time to blow the ship - they split up and Parker tells ripley quite affectionately "Take care of yourself". its a simple line, but it shows that Ripley has finally earned Parker's respect. this both cements Ripley as the heroine and caps off Parker's character growth.
people forget it was ripley who was supposed to go into those tunnels. she only survived because Dallas overrode her and went himself instead. that was the one instance where ripley's by-the-book MO (which is the main reason she survived) would have gotten her killed. Note: in the script Ash actually objects to Dallas going into the tunnels and argues with him to send Ripley under the guise of protocol (Dallas reveals he's going into the tunnels to atone for sending Kane into the derelict). but really what ash is doing is realizing whoever goes into those tunnels isn't coming back - and sees this as an opportunity to get rid of Ripley - the biggest threat to completing his special order.
Love Ripley's searing intensity when she tells Parker to "Shut up!!" Awesome performances in this scene. I have seen this film many times, including in the theatre when it was released in 1979. The best Sci- Fi/Horror film ever made, imo. Thank you for this excellent analysis.
@@_shotzero It had just been released a few days earlier, but the cinema was packed - such was its reputation. It was very impressive on a large screen as you rightly say, but even 45 years later remains a tour-de-force with masterful acting and directing. Cheers!
Another wonderful analysis, and this scene is probably one of the best portrayals of someone taking the leadership role under pressure. It's also worth noting that Ripley was never the focus in the first half of the film, it was either Kane (who woke up first and got face hugged) or Dallas (who's the captain), it was only after they both died, Ripley started taking charge. This is actually very relatable, the definition of a reluctant leader and heroine. The other characters are also the perfect embodiment of other employees/people in times of crisis, Parker is the hothead who refuses to listen at first but actually cares (probably the most), Lambert is the one who's panicky and crying, which, honestly, I don't blame her, this would be a lot of people's reaction in real life too, so I never found this character annoying at all, and then there's Ash, having the most unemotional response and distant body language, the perfect example of a company man that is basically a corporate machine. The original Alien has resonated with me so much now I've started working (good thing it's not Weyland Yutani), and you can relate to this scenario and clearly see the film's corporate themes.
Ash is like that work snitch that no one likes and as things become more and more stressful he is revealed to be an uncaring corporate machine (literally)
I'm really loving these careful dissections of the movie. And this is one of my favorite scenes from Alien. Ripley:"Will you listen to me, Parker! Shut up!" Parker:"Let's hear it. Let's hear it." That part is just hilarious. Sadly you left out Ash mentioning that he was "still collating", a word which he already used in the earlier lab scene. Ripley:"You're what? Still collating? I find that hard to believe!" Ash:"What would you like me to do?" Ripley:"Just what you have BEEN doing, Ash... NOTHING!"
I keep being surprised by how small details like eye gaze directions need to be consistent or we notice something's off. Also, how much the emotion can be emphasised or the reverse, just by a profile vs front on orientation.
I do too and I've been in the industry for nearly two decades! We're going to do a deep dive into Mindhunter at some point: the interrogation scenes are excellent and I think it has a lot to do with subtle shits in eye lines.
Great analysis. Alien is still my favorite of the franchises' films, even though the sequel gets most of the kudos for being more action packed and better paced. The friction between Ripley and Parker is so well acted and filmed; it lends so much credibility to the setting crew dynamic, and the themes of corporate greed and corruption. It's fantastic, visceral, and gritty.
I could probably enjoy an entire movie of just the character shots, the sparring and tensions. A little action goes a long way, and to better effect when used wisely
Great video and succinct thesis you have here. I encourage you to continue these videos, as there are too few cinephile channels on YT that focus on the actual *visual storytelling* of filmmaking besides Red Letter Media, Every Frame a Painting (now discontinued), and maybe Thomas Flight.
Thanks for the kind words. Great to be included in such company!! Both Mel and Stu are filmmakers who make our living in the industry *as well* as being cinephiles. So we're scratching our own itch with these videos glad to hear they're helping others too!
Right?! This whole insane project was because I wanted to study the film better for my own work. And I started going through it and basically *every* scene is a masterclass. I basically started breaking down every scene one-by-one. I'm not sure Ridley has done better. I love Bladerunner - it was my first cinematic love - but I just find Alien gets better and better.
@@_shotzero Agreed, Bladerunner is brilliant and I've loved it right from it's cinematic release, having seen it 6 or 7 times, but Alien remains Ridley's masterwork. I thought Cameron's 'Aliens' was excellent, as did most, but after half a dozen viewings since 1986 I feel I have seen it enough. I thought I was a bit of a freak when it came to the original Alien, having seen it now 14 times over the years (yes, I began counting!) reading Alan Dean Foster's novel, and collecting numerous books with the film's design and artwork, including 'Giger's Alien', but I'm glad to see there are others who share my enthusiasm! Having watched this clip with your in-depth analysis, I am keen to watch it again, as it has been a few years now, so thank you! As you say, one appreciates the film's subtle nuances much more as one gets older. It truly is flawless.
@@ClockworkGearhead Dany, Arya, Mikasa, Leelo, Tifa, Ellie, Mariko, Furiosa, Katniss, Starling, Mulan, The Bride, Mare, Ashoka, Hermione, list goes on and on. If anybody needs to grow up in understanding strong female leads it's you.
Everything you do needs to be 20 minutes in length at minimum. If you make these longer people will consider them more information dense. Full on little kid pointing at two glasses that have the same amount of water but one of them is skinnier and there for taller.
Great insight! There's a callback to this scene in ALIENS right after the midpoint. Ripley takes command what's left of the team, including Hudson, who plays a combo of Parker and Lambert. My co-host Jim and I talked about it on our Jim and Rob Over-Analyze Movies livestream a couple of months ago - ua-cam.com/users/liveNERugX2WLNY
not a wannabe analysis but a analysis standing on its own. How easy it is to fall when you try your next movie. I am 59 I seen analysis but you are like a crocodile biting at the core. We all like Aliens 1 a scary movie that makes you wonder what comes next and next in that movie. The crew has a plan. But the problem .... I am a half engineer and I know some physics and chemistry is how large the alien could get in such a short time eating what? The ships hull? THey say it contains poly sacharides. I mean you can not ask too much of hoolywood. But very scary movie would be more scary if realistic. The scary story telling in Alien 1 and this blue collar element of grunts walking around saying we need to dry dock. Naah it is just their manimulative answer to get closer to home. And so on. From a technician / engineer point of view the entire story is the strongest part of alien 1 so strong that even if it has holes it still carry.
after Ripley yells at Parker he falls in line from that point on. he and ripley are finally on the same page and they take down Ash together. when it's time to blow the ship - they split up and Parker tells ripley quite affectionately "Take care of yourself". its a simple line, but it shows that Ripley has finally earned Parker's respect. this both cements Ripley as the heroine and caps off Parker's character growth.
Lovely comment. And I mean that because it's about the connection between Parker and Ripley!
people forget it was ripley who was supposed to go into those tunnels. she only survived because Dallas overrode her and went himself instead. that was the one instance where ripley's by-the-book MO (which is the main reason she survived) would have gotten her killed.
Note: in the script Ash actually objects to Dallas going into the tunnels and argues with him to send Ripley under the guise of protocol (Dallas reveals he's going into the tunnels to atone for sending Kane into the derelict). but really what ash is doing is realizing whoever goes into those tunnels isn't coming back - and sees this as an opportunity to get rid of Ripley - the biggest threat to completing his special order.
I did not know that! Thanks :)
Love Ripley's searing intensity when she tells Parker to "Shut up!!" Awesome performances in this scene. I have seen this film many times, including in the theatre when it was released in 1979. The best Sci- Fi/Horror film ever made, imo. Thank you for this excellent analysis.
Jealous you got to see it in theatres! That would’ve been something.
@@_shotzero It had just been released a few days earlier, but the cinema was packed - such was its reputation. It was very impressive on a large screen as you rightly say, but even 45 years later remains a tour-de-force with masterful acting and directing. Cheers!
Another wonderful analysis, and this scene is probably one of the best portrayals of someone taking the leadership role under pressure. It's also worth noting that Ripley was never the focus in the first half of the film, it was either Kane (who woke up first and got face hugged) or Dallas (who's the captain), it was only after they both died, Ripley started taking charge. This is actually very relatable, the definition of a reluctant leader and heroine. The other characters are also the perfect embodiment of other employees/people in times of crisis, Parker is the hothead who refuses to listen at first but actually cares (probably the most), Lambert is the one who's panicky and crying, which, honestly, I don't blame her, this would be a lot of people's reaction in real life too, so I never found this character annoying at all, and then there's Ash, having the most unemotional response and distant body language, the perfect example of a company man that is basically a corporate machine. The original Alien has resonated with me so much now I've started working (good thing it's not Weyland Yutani), and you can relate to this scenario and clearly see the film's corporate themes.
I love how Parker refuses to let Ash go with him too. He's creeped out/suspicious of him; the whole crew probably is by that point.
Ash is like that work snitch that no one likes and as things become more and more stressful he is revealed to be an uncaring corporate machine (literally)
no no, I can manage, Ash lol
I'm really loving these careful dissections of the movie. And this is one of my favorite scenes from Alien. Ripley:"Will you listen to me, Parker! Shut up!" Parker:"Let's hear it. Let's hear it." That part is just hilarious.
Sadly you left out Ash mentioning that he was "still collating", a word which he already used in the earlier lab scene. Ripley:"You're what? Still collating? I find that hard to believe!" Ash:"What would you like me to do?" Ripley:"Just what you have BEEN doing, Ash... NOTHING!"
Wonderful catch on 'Still Collating'. Will have to bring that up in Alien week 2025!
I keep being surprised by how small details like eye gaze directions need to be consistent or we notice something's off. Also, how much the emotion can be emphasised or the reverse, just by a profile vs front on orientation.
I do too and I've been in the industry for nearly two decades! We're going to do a deep dive into Mindhunter at some point: the interrogation scenes are excellent and I think it has a lot to do with subtle shits in eye lines.
Great analysis. Alien is still my favorite of the franchises' films, even though the sequel gets most of the kudos for being more action packed and better paced. The friction between Ripley and Parker is so well acted and filmed; it lends so much credibility to the setting crew dynamic, and the themes of corporate greed and corruption. It's fantastic, visceral, and gritty.
When I was younger, Aliens was my fave for those reasons - faster, action, quotable. But as I’ve aged, I just get more and more impressed by Alien.
I could probably enjoy an entire movie of just the character shots, the sparring and tensions. A little action goes a long way, and to better effect when used wisely
Great video and succinct thesis you have here. I encourage you to continue these videos, as there are too few cinephile channels on YT that focus on the actual *visual storytelling* of filmmaking besides Red Letter Media, Every Frame a Painting (now discontinued), and maybe Thomas Flight.
Thanks for the kind words. Great to be included in such company!! Both Mel and Stu are filmmakers who make our living in the industry *as well* as being cinephiles. So we're scratching our own itch with these videos glad to hear they're helping others too!
Right? This channel found a market niche. Lots of subscribers inbound!
Good stuff. Ridley's shot choice in Alien is phenomenal.
Right?! This whole insane project was because I wanted to study the film better for my own work. And I started going through it and basically *every* scene is a masterclass. I basically started breaking down every scene one-by-one.
I'm not sure Ridley has done better. I love Bladerunner - it was my first cinematic love - but I just find Alien gets better and better.
@@_shotzero Agreed, Bladerunner is brilliant and I've loved it right from it's cinematic release, having seen it 6 or 7 times, but Alien remains Ridley's masterwork. I thought Cameron's 'Aliens' was excellent, as did most, but after half a dozen viewings since 1986 I feel I have seen it enough.
I thought I was a bit of a freak when it came to the original Alien, having seen it now 14 times over the years (yes, I began counting!) reading Alan Dean Foster's novel, and collecting numerous books with the film's design and artwork, including 'Giger's Alien', but I'm glad to see there are others who share my enthusiasm!
Having watched this clip with your in-depth analysis, I am keen to watch it again, as it has been a few years now, so thank you! As you say, one appreciates the film's subtle nuances much more as one gets older. It truly is flawless.
wow, this is great content, holy moly...
Filmmakers of these dark days: THIS is how to write a strong woman.
Explain the difference, because I see none and believe weak egos would cry nowadays too.
@@paulapaulapaul9644 The difference is mature moral standing, not one-up-ism. You'll understand when you get older.
See.
plenty of strong women in modern film
@@ClockworkGearhead Dany, Arya, Mikasa, Leelo, Tifa, Ellie, Mariko, Furiosa, Katniss, Starling, Mulan, The Bride, Mare, Ashoka, Hermione, list goes on and on. If anybody needs to grow up in understanding strong female leads it's you.
My childhood movie. Awesome analysis. You have a new subscriber.
Welcome aboard!
The best scene in the film. My only criticism of the film is that we should have seen more of this.
The tension amongst the crew?
love it
Everything you do needs to be 20 minutes in length at minimum. If you make these longer people will consider them more information dense. Full on little kid pointing at two glasses that have the same amount of water but one of them is skinnier and there for taller.
Will you listen to me parker ! SHUT UP !
Great insight! There's a callback to this scene in ALIENS right after the midpoint. Ripley takes command what's left of the team, including Hudson, who plays a combo of Parker and Lambert. My co-host Jim and I talked about it on our Jim and Rob Over-Analyze Movies livestream a couple of months ago - ua-cam.com/users/liveNERugX2WLNY
not a wannabe analysis but a analysis standing on its own. How easy it is to fall when you try your next movie. I am 59 I seen analysis but you are like a crocodile biting at the core. We all like Aliens 1 a scary movie that makes you wonder what comes next and next in that movie. The crew has a plan. But the problem .... I am a half engineer and I know some physics and chemistry is how large the alien could get in such a short time eating what? The ships hull? THey say it contains poly sacharides. I mean you can not ask too much of hoolywood. But very scary movie would be more scary if realistic. The scary story telling in Alien 1 and this blue collar element of grunts walking around saying we need to dry dock. Naah it is just their manimulative answer to get closer to home. And so on. From a technician / engineer point of view the entire story is the strongest part of alien 1 so strong that even if it has holes it still carry.