Xenomorphs Without H.R. Giger Explored - The Original Screenplay Comic Of The Alien Movie | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The comic "Alien: The Original Screenplay" is an exciting adaptation with key differences from the original film.

Key Insights

• 😱 Daniel O'Bannon's original screenplay adaptation captures the essence of horror while exploring themes of survival, curiosity, and human conflict in isolated environments.
• 🥺 The crew members, though skilled, are deeply flawed, leading to poor decisions that increase tension and ultimately contribute to their downfall.
• 🤑 The depiction of alien life in the comic suggests an evolved and intelligent species that differs from the Xenomorphs of the film, showcasing a rich backstory through hieroglyphics explored by the characters.
• 😱 The atmospheric setting of the planetoid plays a critical role in escalating the horror elements, rendering the environment as hostile and unpredictable, paralleling the themes of exploration and isolation in the story.
• 😨 Unlike the film, the comic presents a more protagonist-driven narrative where the main characters make decisions based on their personal motivations and fears, instigating dramatic confrontations among themselves.
• 🥺 The portrayal of technology in the comic illustrates both its potential and limitations, as the crew's reliance on their ship's systems leads to moments of fate that determine their survival.
• 😍 The pacing of the comic offers a different horror experience, filled with graphic scenes, yet hints at rushed elements that might detract from character development and emotional impact.

Transcript

the original screenplay comic of the alien movie hi I'm Simon kandlish and welcome to marvelous videos Dark Horse Comics alien the original screenplay is a comic book adaptation of the first ever screenplay of the alien film writer Daniel Bannon wrote a nearly 60-page rough draft for the film which would later be known as Ridley Scott's alien or Ja... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What does the crew of the Snark discover about their location when they wake from cryosleep?

Upon waking from cryosleep, the crew of the Snark is shocked to discover that they are not on a direct course back to Earth as expected. Instead, they find themselves in an empty space, with no indication of their home planet’s presence, realizing they are far from their destination and isolated in an unknown region of space.

Q: How does the comic differ from the film regarding the portrayal of aliens?

In the comic adaptation, aliens are depicted as intelligent beings capable of forming a civilization with their own hierarchy, culture, and language. This contrasts sharply with the film where aliens, specifically the Xenomorphs, are portrayed primarily as aggressive killers focused on survival and reproduction, lacking a coherent societal structure.

Q: What roles do the characters play, and how do they affect group dynamics?

Each character plays a distinct role that shapes group dynamics: Captain Standard is an optimistic leader, First Officer Roby embodies caution, while Broussard, the glory hound, seeks adventure. Their conflicting motivations and decisions often lead to tension, as different survival strategies come into play, particularly regarding the alien threat and their landing on the planetoid.

Q: What major conflict arises after the alien attaches to Broussard?

When an alien creature attaches to Broussard's face, a major conflict erupts over whether to bring him back to the ship for help or risk contaminating their environment with the unknown organism. Roby's skepticism of Captain Standard’s decisions highlights the tension amongst the crew as they grapple with the threat to their safety versus the hope of saving a crew member.

Q: How does the crew’s exploration of the alien spacecraft heighten the suspense?

The crew's exploration of the alien spacecraft builds suspense as they confront both their curiosity and fear of the unknown. They find eerie reminders of an alien presence, including a dead alien, which raises questions about what lurks in its past, ultimately complicating their decision to return to their ship and further escalating the horror of their situation.

Q: What crucial difference in time travel between the comic and the movie is highlighted?

The comic presents a scenario where the crew is aware of their time to return home, indicating they will arrive at the colonies in approximately 250 years, significantly shorter than Ripley's 57 years in the movie. This stark difference affects their urgency and decisions regarding survival against the alien threat.

Q: How does the climax of the comic differentiate from the film's plot structure?

The comic features a tight time frame where the characters must eliminate the alien threat before the ship's oxygen runs out within six hours, adding a layer of urgency. In contrast, the film allows for a slower buildup with a more passive alien threat lurking, leading to an eventual confrontation without the time pressure presented in the comic.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The comic "Alien: The Original Screenplay" adapts the nearly 60-page rough draft by Daniel O'Bannon, providing insights into the crew of the spaceship Snark and their encounter with alien life on a mysterious planetoid.

• Major character developments are presented, such as Captain Standard’s leadership, First Officer Roby’s caution, and Broussard’s adventurous nature, setting the stage for conflicts and decisions that lead to dire consequences.

• Key differences from the 1979 film include variations in the alien's reproductive cycle and a more civilized portrayal of the alien species, emphasizing an intelligent and structured community rather than mindless killers.