Rent Alien 3 (1992)

An incredible film wrought out of one of the most contentious studio mismanagements imaginable - Alien 3 review by TB

Firstly, I need to make one thing clear: this review is for the Assembly Cut ONLY. This in no way relates to the theatrical cut, which is in many ways a complete & utter mess, despite the fact that there are many parts in it which make the Assembly Cut brilliant.

After the masterpieces of Alien/Aliens, anticipation was at fever pitch for where the next film would go. And this was something that absolutely was a driving factor in the herculean problems that this production would face. I don’t want to detail too much more of the events, because this is a review of the film, but I would firstly say that the treatment David Fincher received by 20th Century Fox was absolutely despicable and finally the fact that despite all of this, he was able to still create something which, whilst it has its problems, is an incredible film really is a miracle.

Following on from the events of Aliens, Ripley crash lands onto a prison planet, with herself the only survivor. Whilst she is waiting to be rescued, the prisoners slowly start dying in mysterious circumstances until it is clear that there was also an Alien on board as well. Ripley also finds out that she has been compromised as well, so formulates a plan with the prisoners to take on the alien.

In many ways, I actually really respect the angle that the script writers and studio wanted to go in. Of course, there is a very large part of me that did want James Cameron to continue on his world and I have no doubt that what he could have produced would have been incredible. But as a close friend who introduced me to the Alien world said quite rightly, that isn’t what these films are about. In this world, as much as we are glad and routing for the humans and eventually Ripley to survive, there is also unimaginable terror & slaughter, often of people who are not “evil” in the typical sense of the word.

Alien 3 is in that sense both bold but also unbelievably brave in its creative choices. What other franchise would in the first 5 minutes kill off two of the most beloved characters from the previous film? And then subject its leading lady to being brutally injured, forced to shave her head and then surround her with the worst of humanity? This really makes you uncomfortable but also forces you to follow her whilst dealing with all this, as well as the horrific trauma she has.

Production wise, as much there are certain plot holes you could drive a bus through, it is also brilliant. Elliot Goldenthal’s soundtrack is a work of genius & the fact that it was recorded during the LA riots really impacted on the oppressive tone. The sets & lighting amazing, plus the use of religion as firstly a salvation then finally a metaphor for what the prisoners feel is their 2nd coming extremely well-used as well.

But the performances are also exceptional. My own favourite was Charles Dance as Clemens. I really enjoyed his story arc, as well as his way of being able to be a guide & comfort for Ripley. There is also a huge pleasure in watching him face off repeatedly against Brian Glover, the level of hatred between them palpable. Charles S. Dutton is also fantastic, plus is able to bring personal pain from his own brutal experiences inside. Finally, Sigourney Weaver is absolutely amazing, but not just for her performance. There are many reports of her in her role as producer defending Fincher against an onslaught of bile, including being sacked twice by Fox. It is in many ways down to her that the film succeeds in the way it does.

I love this film, not because of but in spite of its issues. Fincher did an incredible job & my only wish is that he actually had been allowed to complete his vision. One look at his slate following Alien3 shows what a masterpiece this could have been. But we are very lucky we have this instead.