PRINTMovie Review: Prometheus
In order to discover their past, scientists risk their future
Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox
June 9, 2012 | 9:57 a.m. CST
A scientific mission takes a turn for the worse in the newest alien installment from director Ridley Scott.
Set in the late 21st century, 17 crew members board the Prometheus with a mission that remains unclear at first. It is soon revealed that the motley crew of characters is on a mission to understand the findings of two scientists, Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green). The pair has discovered what they interpret to be a map to another planet containing life forms.
Related MovieIt becomes clear that Holloway and Shaw’s motives for discovery vary greatly from those of Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron) and her non-human counterpart, David (Michael Fassbender). Vickers and David stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Although their allegiances aren’t always clear, it is definite that they are not participating in the scientific nature of the mission.
Although often serious in matter, the film doesn’t fail to provide well-timed comedic relief and a bit of compassion despite the cruel disposition of many characters. Even a love story is briefly injected into the film with the discovery that two members of the crew are a couple.
Beautifully shot, the film scans from scenes of vast mountains to spectacular waterfalls. The score sets the mood throughout the movie and never fails to let audiences know something ominous is on its way.
Religious themes also play an important role in this film. Shaw, who wears a cross around her neck, frequently struggles with theories of creation. If the people they are looking for did create mankind, as they suspect, then what role does God play in her life?
An ending that leaves viewers wanting more has many convinced this film is the prequel to Scott’s earlier Alien films, although he denies it’s directly connected. Prometheus shares an untold story of the origins of mankind and breaks at a point that leaves humanity’s future uncertain.
Without much background or development of many complex characters, developing connections with them is hard. But beautiful cinematography and a few unexpected twists make this sci-fi film a good summer watch.
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