Ridley Scott's Prometheus

[Companion Cube]

Remember that Alien prequel everyone was so excited about? :v

This never happens.

Ridley Scott had been working on the Alien prequel, working happily and playing with ideas. He was talking to actors and he had a script from Damon Lindelof. Except that what he had wasn’t the Alien prequel, but something that had morphed from that into a completely new concept.

Ridley Scott says in a press release: “While Alien was indeed the jumping off point for this project, out of the creative process evolved a new, grand mythology and universe in which this original story takes place. The keen fan will recognize strands of Alien’s DNA, so to speak, but the ideas tackled in this film are unique, large and provocative. I couldn’t be more pleased to have found the singular tale I’d been searching for, and finally return to this genre that’s so close to my heart.”

The film is Prometheus, and Noomi Rapace, the original Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is the first lead signed on.

We don’t know much else. Fox is promoting the film as a science fiction epic, and it has a March 2012 release date (man, the old release calendar is just out the window, huh? I love it).

An original movie! Not a prequel! Possibly having some nerdlinger connection to the Alien films but a new thing! We don’t get that in Hollywood much anymore. First Avatar, then Inception, now Prometheus – things are looking up for original blockbuster scifi films.

Big props to Fox for rolling with this. Instead of getting the obvious prequel property they started with they’re getting something new. They’re taking a chance. I think it’s really important we all solemnly nod in the direction of the Fox lot and let those guys know we approve of this sort of stuff.

The question remains, though – will there ever be an Alien prequel? Is that a project that has moved to other hands, or has Prometheus essentially finished it for now?

Here’s the full release for those interested in such things:

Los Angeles (January 14, 2011) __ Twentieth Century Fox announced today that Ridley Scott
will direct PROMETHEUS, an original science fiction epic, for worldwide release on March 9,
2012. The initial draft of the script was written by Jon Spaihts (The Darkest Hour) from Scott’s
idea. Damon Lindelof (Lost, Star Trek) and Scott have since been working together on the
current version which has expanded the story into new directions.

Story details are being closely guarded so as not to spoil surprises for moviegoers, but Scott
explained the outlines of the film and its genesis as follows: “While Alien was indeed the
jumping off point for this project, out of the creative process evolved a new, grand mythology
and universe in which this original story takes place. The keen fan will recognize strands of
Alien’s DNA, so to speak, but the ideas tackled in this film are unique, large and provocative. I
couldn’t be more pleased to have found the singular tale I’d been searching for, and finally return
to this genre that’s so close to my heart.”

“In a world flooded with prequels, sequels and reboots,” said Lindelof. “I was incredibly struck
by just how original Ridley’s vision was for this movie. It’s daring, visceral and hopefully, the
last thing anyone expects. When I sat in a movie theater as a kid, feet raised off the floor for fear
that something might grab my ankles, I never dreamed in my wildest imagination I would one
day get to collaborate with the man responsible for it. Working alongside him has been nothing
short of a dream come true.”

Of the five major roles to be cast, Noomi Rapace is the first actor signed to star in the film. The
young Swedish actress landed the role of scientist Elizabeth Shaw after Scott saw her portrayal
of fictional Lisbeth Salander in the film The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo, for which she was
lauded by Time magazine as a 2010 Performance of the Year. Rapace starred in all three entries
of the breakout global franchise based on Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy of books (The Girl
Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest are the other two entries),
which have collectively grossed more than $212 million worldwide.

[Aaron]

Well I'd rather have an original movie then an Alien prequel anyways. I like the franchise and all but I'm getting tired of folks churning out sequels/prequels.

[Bounty]

That's excellent news. And, at the same time, a bit sad that people get excited for the simple fact that this isn't a pre-se-inter-whateverquel.

[Galvatron]

Thank Christ! I don't care if Scott was attached to it, an Alien prequel was a horrible idea.

Now, a decent sequel that ignores Alien Resurrection (at least), I'm all in favor of.

[Marcus Aurelius]

That's excellent news. And, at the same time, a bit sad that people get excited for the simple fact that this isn't a pre-se-inter-whateverquel.

Do you mean excited in a positive or negative sense? Because I think there is very much reason to get excited every time Hollywood does something original, and I suppose this a very sneaky way of doing something original so that the studio execs still feel that it gets the +3 franchise bonus for marketing. Ridley Scott explicitly did not want to do a straightforward prequel originally and it looks like he is finally getting his way. Noomi Rapace is also a great choice for the lead actress, and Swedish actors usually survive the culture shock of doing things the Hollywood way surprisingly well.

[Bounty]

Excited in a positive sense.

[adam_grif]

It's hard for me to get excited about anything these days, but maybe this will pleasantly surprise me in the same way inception did. I'm actually kind of glad we didn't get an Alien prequel, I don't think it was at all necessary.

[Skylon]

It'll be nice to have Ridley Scott directing another sci-fi film. His first since Blade Runner. I look forward to this.

[TOSDOC]

The keen fan will recognize strands of Alien’s DNA, so to speak, but the ideas tackled in this film are unique, large and provocative.

This sounds like the production design will be partly inspired by Giger's work, anyway. Kind of like Species, but better. I had been looking forward to seeing if Ridley could defibrillate the Alien franchise, but I think with Ridley's new direction we could have another original movie for the genre out of Hollywood. What a very good thing that is. If it makes us think, that's always a bonus.

[Galvatron]

Gimme a Scott-helmed sequel instead. Preferably one that ignores Alien Resurrection.

[Srelex]

I'm vaguely disappointed that we're not getting a potential return to form for the Alien franchise, but at least now there's no risk of dragging it down even further. Curious to see what Scott's got in mind.

[PeZook]

I figured studios would be more willing to take risks what with Avatar making boatloads of monies. This is definitely good news...the movie still might fall flat, though, and we'll all get a return to yearly sequels/prequels/reimaginings

[Sarevok]

A big budget movie or video game that is not a remake or part of an established franchise ?

Color me pleasantly surprised.

[Marcus Aurelius]

I figured studios would be more willing to take risks what with Avatar making boatloads of monies. This is definitely good news...the movie still might fall flat, though, and we'll all get a return to yearly sequels/prequels/reimaginings

Don't forget Inception, which also earned pretty well. However, original ideas will always be seen as more risky considering how expensive film making has become, so even if this movie is successful, we will still get our yearly fix of franchise movies and remakes. The studios know full well that people are creatures of habit and want stories which are somewhat familiar in their setting, which has again been witnessed even in this very thread.

[Thanas]

Prometheus....what connection is there to the myth besides the name?

Ridley Scott is probably the only director who will have any kind of respect for the original source material...

[Marcus Aurelius]

Prometheus....what connection is there to the myth besides the name?

Ridley Scott is probably the only director who will have any kind of respect for the original source material...

The connection may be pretty superficial and that may just be the working name, which could change before the movie is released. So I wouldn't get your Greek mythology mode all fired up yet, Thanas.

Besides, what's wrong with Wolfgang Petersen? Apart form the fact that his best works are not quite on par with Ridley Scott? But then again, the latter has been quite inconsistent during the last 25 years, too. I still think Troy was a pretty successful adaptation of the myth for modern audiences, with just the right amount of compromises to make it work.

[Thanas]

Besides, what's wrong with Wolfgang Petersen? Apart form the fact that his best works are not quite on par with Ridley Scott?

I'll take Das Boot over any RS movie anyday.

But then again, the latter has been quite inconsistent during the last 25 years, too. I still think Troy was a pretty successful adaptation of the myth for modern audiences, with just the right amount of compromises to make it work.

Meh. It completely eliminated what I find the most interesting of the myth - the gods, their actions etc. Without that it was just another action movie. A well-done movie (especially the Director's cut), but not something that did the illiad justice.

For example:

Achilles sing, O Goddess! Peleus' son;
His wrath pernicious, who ten thousand woes
Caused to Achaia's host, sent many a soul
Illustrious into Ades premature,
And Heroes gave (so stood the will of Jove) 5
To dogs and to all ravening fowls a prey,
When fierce dispute had separated once
The noble Chief Achilles from the son
Of Atreus, Agamemnon, King of men.
Who them to strife impell'd? What power divine? 10
Latona's son and Jove's. For he, incensed
Against the King, a foul contagion raised
In all the host, and multitudes destroy'd,
For that the son of Atreus had his priest
Dishonored, Chryses. To the fleet he came 15
Bearing rich ransom glorious to redeem
His daughter, and his hands charged with the wreath
And golden sceptre of the God shaft-arm'd.
His supplication was at large to all
The host of Greece, but most of all to two, 20
The sons of Atreus, highest in command.
Ye gallant Chiefs, and ye their gallant host,
(So may the Gods who in Olympus dwell
Give Priam's treasures to you for a spoil
And ye return in safety,) take my gifts 25
And loose my child, in honor of the son
Of Jove, Apollo, archer of the skies.
At once the voice of all was to respect
The priest, and to accept the bounteous price;
But so it pleased not Atreus' mighty son, 30
Who with rude threatenings stern him thence dismiss'd.
Beware, old man! that at these hollow barks
I find thee not now lingering, or henceforth
Returning, lest the garland of thy God
And his bright sceptre should avail thee nought. 35
I will not loose thy daughter, till old age
Steal on her. From her native country far,
In Argos, in my palace, she shall ply
The loom, and shall be partner of my bed.
Move me no more. Begone; hence while thou may'st. 40
He spake, the old priest trembled and obey'd.
Forlorn he roamed the ocean's sounding shore,
And, solitary, with much prayer his King
Bright-hair'd Latona's son, Phoebus, implored.
God of the silver bow, who with thy power 45
Encirclest Chrysa, and who reign'st supreme
In Tenedos and Cilla the divine,
Sminthian Apollo! If I e'er adorned
Thy beauteous fane, or on the altar burn'd
The fat acceptable of bulls or goats, 50
Grant my petition. With thy shafts avenge
On the Achaian host thy servant's tears.
Such prayer he made, and it was heard. The God,
Down from Olympus with his radiant bow
And his full quiver o'er his shoulder slung, 55
Marched in his anger; shaken as he moved
His rattling arrows told of his approach.
Gloomy he came as night; sat from the ships
Apart, and sent an arrow. Clang'd the cord
Dread-sounding, bounding on the silver bow. 60
Mules first and dogs he struck, but at themselves
Dispatching soon his bitter arrows keen,
Smote them. Death-piles on all sides always blazed.

If you attempt to turn this into a normal, non-mythical movie you loose the very qualities which make the Illiad so impressive.

[Marcus Aurelius]

Besides, what's wrong with Wolfgang Petersen? Apart form the fact that his best works are not quite on par with Ridley Scott?

I'll take Das Boot over any RS movie anyday.

Das Boot has excellent script and acting, the latter of which is for no small part probably thanks to Petersen as much as the actors themselves, but visually I prefer RS for the most part. Even his first feature The Duellists shows considerable talent in that department and I can recommend it if you haven't seen it yet. Plus it has awesome acting on top of it, too.

But then again, the latter has been quite inconsistent during the last 25 years, too. I still think Troy was a pretty successful adaptation of the myth for modern audiences, with just the right amount of compromises to make it work.

Meh. It completely eliminated what I find the most interesting of the myth - the gods, their actions etc. Without that it was just another action movie. A well-done movie (especially the Director's cut), but not something that did the illiad justice.

I don't think it's an action movie at all. It's a classic character movie with lots of action, but not a self-serving action movie. The center is always in the characters and in the tragic end of the city itself. It mostly avoids the fantastic elements of the mythology, which may appear to be a bit of a bummer, but considering the dangers going the other way, I can't really blame them. They quite clearly did not want to do a fantasy movie and wanted to go as far from the "Xena style" as possible. In other words, preserving the gods and fantasy stuff in the mix without it becoming cheesy would have required exceptional talent from both the writer and the director, and I'm glad they didn't even try, because the chances of epic failure would have been high. It's not a coincidence most fantasy movies have happy endings and light adventure style.

[Thanas]

I think we just have to agree to disagree on the last part then.

[Marcus Aurelius]

I think we just have to agree to disagree on the last part then.

Yeah. I don't say that it would have been impossible to make a good movie based on Iliad that is more faithful to the original with all its mythological elements, but it would have been much more difficult.

[TOSDOC]

I know the mythological elements to these stories are so important, but I thought highly of Troy for leaving the gods out altogether--it made for an interesting twist, compared to, say, Clash of the Titans.

Even his first feature The Duellists shows considerable talent in that department and I can recommend it if you haven't seen it yet. Plus it has awesome acting on top of it, too.

Especially Keith Carridine's horse, when he's talking to his fiancee. That was a brilliant ad-libbed scene.

[Sarevok]

I know the mythological elements to these stories are so important, but I thought highly of Troy for leaving the gods out altogether--it made for an interesting twist, compared to, say, Clash of the Titans.

I disagree. The original myth is considered a superb story that stood the test of time again and again.

So if you have the immense visual effects and budget of a hollywood production crew why would you prefer making a generic action movie with swords and horses ? When you could at least try to bring to life a classic mythological tale ?

[TOSDOC]

So if you have the immense visual effects and budget of a hollywood production crew why would you prefer making a generic action movie with swords and horses ? When you could at least try to bring to life a classic mythological tale ?

To tell a different kind of story, one from a historical perspective. Troy in my mind was in the same venue as Antoine Fuqua's King Arthur, meant to treat the legends as if they were actual people in history. These directors are playing "Let's Pretend" with history vs. legend, sure, but what they are exploring are what these people in history were thinking and feeling at the time, what their motivations were for the present and the future. What was intriguing about Achilles in Troy was his obsession with being remembered throughout history. That's a very human feeling, and one I can recently share after becoming a father. Do you want to be in the history books, or are you content with your current lot in life and how only those in your immediate surroundings are affected by who you are and what you do?

Personally I think if Troy had treated the gods as they were protrayed in Clash of the Titans, it would have detracted from the story Ridley was trying to tell, the human aspect and motivations. It would also have added significantly to the running time and dragged the film down as a result--scripts and editing matter. Do I think the Iliad needs to be put to film as written? SURE! I think a great way to do it is if the gods were subtly in the background, kind of like Maximillian Schell's devil in Needful Things. Ever since I read this review of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, (http://www.coldfusionvideo.com/archives ... rrow-2004/) it convinced me that any story that a director wants told, can be told. To be truly entertaining, it's all in the hands of the writers, not just the special effects. People are able to take stories like the Iliad and Odyssey word for word now and put them to film just as Sky Captain was--the technology is there now. But it just wasn't what Ridley wanted to do, not the story he wanted to tell.

[Thanas]

So if you have the immense visual effects and budget of a hollywood production crew why would you prefer making a generic action movie with swords and horses ? When you could at least try to bring to life a classic mythological tale ?

To tell a different kind of story, one from a historical perspective. Troy in my mind was in the same venue as Antoine Fuqua's King Arthur, meant to treat the legends as if they were actual people in history. These directors are playing "Let's Pretend" with history vs. legend, sure, but what they are exploring are what these people in history were thinking and feeling at the time, what their motivations were for the present and the future. What was intriguing about Achilles in Troy was his obsession with being remembered throughout history. That's a very human feeling, and one I can recently share after becoming a father. Do you want to be in the history books, or are you content with your current lot in life and how only those in your immediate surroundings are affected by who you are and what you do?

If you think that Troy was in any way faithful to how ancient people felt about their times, then sorry, you are mistaken. It is more interesting about how we feel people should think instead of a perspective on ancient things.

Personally I think if Troy had treated the gods as they were protrayed in Clash of the Titans, it would have detracted from the story Ridley was trying to tell, the human aspect and motivations.

Troy was not Ridley Scott.

It would also have added significantly to the running time and dragged the film down as a result--scripts and editing matter. Do I think the Iliad needs to be put to film as written? SURE! I think a great way to do it is if the gods were subtly in the background, kind of like Maximillian Schell's devil in Needful Things.

How does that work if you have gods directly fighting on the front lines?

[Sarevok]

Are you saying dropping the mythological elements was acceptable because it made Troy more historically accurate ? Troy, of all movies historically accurate ?

In the end Troy (2004) is just a dumb action movie with little resemblance to what historically may have happened (no one knows much anyway but lets not digress). At least a faithful adaption of the myths would have made sure we got a modern film adaption of Homer's tales. Troy as it stands today is just an action movie that takes a few names of an old classic story. Not as bad as that Romeo and Juliet story starring Leonardo DiCaprico but in the same vein.