Travis Simpkins

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Prometheus (2012): The Ancient Alien Origins of Mankind

Directed by Ridley Scott, Prometheus (2012) was conceived as a prequel to his 1979 hit film, Alien. Although the idea for the film had been floating around for a dozen years, it actually came about at the right time. Technical 3D innovations, as well as leaps and bounds in CGI imaging, make Prometheus an aesthetic marvel to behold. The story follows fascinating elements seen in ancient art on Earth that lead explorers to a faraway planet which may hold the secrets of the origin of mankind. Their deadly discovery is not what they expected to find. The historical tie-in makes the plot doubly interesting. Scott's direction is spot-on, and the cast is good, including Charlize Theron, Guy Pierce, Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender.

Prometheus. 2012: Alien Prequel

Prometheus. 2012: Alien Prequel. Charlize Theron

Prometheus. 2012: Alien Prequel

Prometheus. 2012: Alien Prequel. Charlize Theron

Prometheus. 2012: Alien Prequel

Prometheus. 2012: Alien Prequel. Charlize Theron

Prometheus. 2012: Alien Prequel

Prometheus. 2012: Alien Prequel. Charlize Theron

Prometheus. 2012: Alien Prequel

Prometheus. 2012: Alien Prequel. Charlize Theron

The Innocents (1961): Deborah Kerr, Ghosts and Gothic Horror

Directed by Jack Clayton, and co-written by Truman Capote, The Innocents (1961) was largely based on Henry James' 1898 Novella, "The Turn of the Screw." The story concerns a pretty governess, charged with caring for two young children at a lavish English countryside estate, who soon comes to suspect that the house and grounds are haunted. Freddie Francis brilliant cinematography provides most of the psychological scares. Deborah Kerr is excellent in the lead role. Michael Redgrave briefly co-stars.