# Alien

> 1979 film by Ridley Scott

**Wikidata**: [Q103569](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q103569)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alien

## Summary

*Alien* is a 1979 science-fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott, produced by 20th Century Studios and Brandywine Productions. It is renowned for its groundbreaking visual effects, suspenseful storytelling, and the introduction of the iconic Xenomorph creature. The film is part of the larger *Alien* franchise and has been widely acclaimed, receiving multiple awards and nominations, including an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

## Key Facts

- **Release Date**: May 25, 1979 (United States), October 25, 1979 (United Kingdom), November 2, 1979 (United Kingdom)
- **Director**: Ridley Scott
- **Production Companies**: 20th Century Studios, Brandywine Productions
- **Country of Origin**: United States, United Kingdom
- **Genre**: Science fiction, horror, thriller, adventure, fantasy, mystery, action, monster film, girls with guns
- **Runtime**: 117 minutes
- **Budget**: $11 million
- **Box Office**: $106.285 million (domestic), $81.900 million (international)
- **Awards**:
  - Academy Award for Best Visual Effects
  - Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film
  - Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress (Veronica Cartwright)
  - Saturn Award for Best Director (Ridley Scott)
  - BAFTA Award for Best Sound
  - Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation
- **Part of Series**: *Alien* franchise
- **Followed By**: *Aliens* (1986)
- **National Film Registry**: Inducted in 2002
- **Sitelink Count**: 82
- **Wikidata Description**: 1979 film by Ridley Scott

## FAQs

**What is *Alien* about?**
*Alien* is a science-fiction horror film that follows the crew of the commercial spacecraft *Nostromo* as they encounter a deadly extraterrestrial creature, the Xenomorph, after investigating a distress signal on a distant planet. The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, groundbreaking visual effects, and the iconic design of the Xenomorph.

**Who directed *Alien*?**
*Alien* was directed by Ridley Scott, an English filmmaker known for his work in science fiction and historical drama. Scott's direction in *Alien* is celebrated for its atmospheric tension and innovative visual style.

**What awards did *Alien* win?**
*Alien* won several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film, the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress (Veronica Cartwright), the Saturn Award for Best Director (Ridley Scott), the BAFTA Award for Best Sound, and the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.

**What is the significance of the Xenomorph in *Alien*?**
The Xenomorph is the primary antagonist in *Alien*, designed by Ridley Scott. It is a fictional extraterrestrial species known for its terrifying appearance and deadly nature. The Xenomorph has become an iconic figure in science fiction and horror genres.

**What is the *Alien* franchise?**
The *Alien* franchise is a science-fiction horror series that includes multiple films, comics, novels, and video games. The franchise began with the 1979 film *Alien* and has since expanded to include sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, exploring the ongoing conflict between humans and the Xenomorphs.

**What is the National Film Registry?**
The National Film Registry is a selection of films deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant by the United States Library of Congress. *Alien* was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2002, recognizing its impact on cinema.

## Why It Matters

*Alien* is a landmark film in the science-fiction and horror genres, known for its innovative visual effects, suspenseful storytelling, and the introduction of the iconic Xenomorph. The film's success has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations across various media. *Alien* is also significant for its contributions to the film industry, particularly in the areas of visual effects and sound design, which have set new standards for future films. The film's induction into the National Film Registry underscores its cultural and historical importance, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

## Notable For

- **Groundbreaking Visual Effects**: *Alien* won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, setting new standards for the industry.
- **Iconic Xenomorph Design**: The film introduced the Xenomorph, a terrifying extraterrestrial creature that has become a staple in science fiction and horror.
- **Award-Winning Direction**: Ridley Scott's direction earned him the Saturn Award for Best Director.
- **Cultural Impact**: *Alien* has had a significant influence on popular culture, inspiring numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations.
- **National Film Registry**: The film was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2002, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
- **Genre Diversity**: *Alien* spans multiple genres, including science fiction, horror, thriller, adventure, fantasy, mystery, action, monster film, and girls with guns.
- **Box Office Success**: The film grossed over $106 million domestically and $81 million internationally, making it a commercial success.
- **Critical Acclaim**: *Alien* has received widespread critical acclaim, with a high rating on various review platforms.

## Body

### Overview

*Alien* is a 1979 science-fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and produced by 20th Century Studios and Brandywine Productions. The film is set in the future and follows the crew of the commercial spacecraft *Nostromo* as they encounter a deadly extraterrestrial creature, the Xenomorph, after investigating a distress signal on a distant planet. *Alien* is renowned for its suspenseful atmosphere, groundbreaking visual effects, and the iconic design of the Xenomorph.

### Production and Release

*Alien* was released on May 25, 1979, in the United States, October 25, 1979, in the United Kingdom, and November 2, 1979, in the United Kingdom. The film was produced by 20th Century Studios, an American film studio owned by The Walt Disney Company, and Brandywine Productions, an American film production company known for its *Alien* film franchise. The film's budget was $11 million, and it grossed over $106 million domestically and $81 million internationally, making it a commercial success.

### Awards and Recognition

*Alien* has received numerous awards and nominations, highlighting its impact on the film industry. The film won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, recognizing its innovative visual effects that set new standards for the industry. It also won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film, the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress (Veronica Cartwright), the Saturn Award for Best Director (Ridley Scott), the BAFTA Award for Best Sound, and the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. These awards underscore the film's excellence in various aspects of filmmaking, from direction to sound design.

### Genre and Themes

*Alien* spans multiple genres, including science fiction, horror, thriller, adventure, fantasy, mystery, action, monster film, and girls with guns. The film's blend of these genres creates a unique and suspenseful atmosphere that has captivated audiences for decades. The themes of isolation, survival, and the unknown are central to the film's narrative, making it a compelling exploration of human fears and the mysteries of the universe.

### Xenomorph and Creature Design

One of the most iconic aspects of *Alien* is the design of the Xenomorph, the extraterrestrial creature that serves as the primary antagonist. The Xenomorph was designed by Ridley Scott and has become a staple in science fiction and horror genres. Its terrifying appearance and deadly nature have made it one of the most recognizable and feared creatures in cinema history. The Xenomorph's design and the film's visual effects have set new standards for creature design in the film industry.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy

*Alien* has had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations across various media. The film's success has led to the creation of the *Alien* franchise, which includes multiple films, comics, novels, and video games. The franchise explores the ongoing conflict between humans and the Xenomorphs, expanding on the themes and ideas introduced in the original film. *Alien* has also influenced other films and media, setting new standards for visual effects, sound design, and storytelling in the science fiction and horror genres.

### National Film Registry

In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, *Alien* was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2002. The National Film Registry is a selection of films deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant by the United States Library of Congress. The induction of *Alien* into the National Film Registry underscores its importance in the history of cinema and ensures its preservation for future generations.

### Related Entities

*Alien* is part of the larger *Alien* franchise, which includes multiple films, comics, novels, and video games. The franchise began with the 1979 film *Alien* and has since expanded to include sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, exploring the ongoing conflict between humans and the Xenomorphs. The film is also related to other entities, such as the production companies 20th Century Studios and Brandywine Productions, and the director Ridley Scott.

### Technical Details

*Alien* has a runtime of 117 minutes and was produced with a budget of $11 million. The film's visual effects and sound design have set new standards for the industry, contributing to its critical and commercial success. The film's technical details, such as its runtime and budget, provide insight into the production process and the resources required to create a film of this scale and quality.

### Conclusion

*Alien* is a landmark film in the science-fiction and horror genres, known for its innovative visual effects, suspenseful storytelling, and the introduction of the iconic Xenomorph. The film's success has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations across various media. *Alien* is also significant for its contributions to the film industry, particularly in the areas of visual effects and sound design, which have set new standards for future films. The film's induction into the National Film Registry underscores its cultural and historical importance, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-alien-1979)
2. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1980)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. The Movie Database
5. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
6. Alien. Rotten Tomatoes
7. IMDb
8. [Jean Giraud, the Comic-Book Artist Known as ‘Moebius,’ Dies at 73](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/14/books/jean-giraud-the-comic-book-artist-moebius-dies-at-73.html)
9. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078748/releaseinfo)
10. [Source](http://www.sfi.se/sv/svensk-filmdatabas/Item/?itemid=8376&type=MOVIE&iv=Basic)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078748/locations)
13. BBC Things
14. Box Office Mojo
15. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0078748/)
16. Kinopoisk
17. [Source](https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/alien-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0yotgxodk)
18. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/alien/)
19. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
20. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
21. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2010&s_month=12&e_year=2010&e_month=12&pageID=1)
22. film distribution certificate
23. [Source](http://www.mecd.gob.es/cultura-mecd/areas-cultura/cine/industria-cine/calificacion/calificacion-por-meses.html)
24. [Source](http://infoicaa.mecd.es/CatalogoICAA/Peliculas/Detalle?Pelicula=499051)
25. [Source](https://www.kmrb.or.kr/data/searchMovieView.do?rcv_no=2018444)
26. Bechdel Test Movie List
27. mymovies.it
28. The Feminist Film Guide
29. Alien
30. [Source](https://repertoire.cinema.mcc.gouv.qc.ca/film/letranger-le-8eme-passager-17745/)
31. [Source](https://www.rcq.gouv.qc.ca/RCQ212AfficherFicheTech_a.asp?intNoFilm=17745)
32. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/90455)
33. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Alien-3VZVJ6D)
34. TheTVDB
35. Trakt.tv
36. FilmVandaag.nl