Thread:Gargoyle One/@comment-31377280-20180521011057/@comment-31377280-20180525104251

Aside from the astounding sets, the amazing atmosphere, the down-to-earth cast, the marvellous music, et cetera, Alien would still be great due to just how much there is to unravel thematically. If "2001: A Space Odyssey" asked what lie in store for humainty in the future, Alien answered, "Like today, but worse." Everyone's stuck with hazardous, low-pay jobs as the higher-ups endanger their workers to brutal outside forces for the sake of their own gain. Ash is as creepy as the alien for just how callous and manipulative he is, and there might be a nihilistic message in the form of his ability to replicate human behavior so well.It isn't all gloom, though.

I think the movie's message is a comparison of power over others to parenthood, and how we should take care in how we exercise that power. The Weyland-Utandi Corp is a mother of sorts to its workers (the ship A.I. is even called Mother), but it does not care for its children, and the alien is a similarly self-serving paternal entity. Ripley, however, serves as a sort of benevolent motherly role here in the form of saving the helpless Jonesy the cat, and this role is much more literal in the sequels (with her saving orphaned children and whatnot). Even before that, she was still a positive influence on the unfortuneate crew. It just goes to show that we all have the power to help others in some way, even in the worst and most extreme of situations. And we should help the weak, regardless of practical obligation.

Also, take a shot of something non-alchoholic for every discomforting sexual undertone in the movie.