Alien: Screenplay Illustrated: Complete Illustrated Screenplay Book

With its bleak mix of science fiction and horror, Ridley Scott's Alien (1979) immediately became known for two things: Firstly, it was a potent, stark contrast to the escapist fairy tale of Star Wars. Secondly, whenever you mentioned "The Alien", nobody doubted that you were referring to anything but the most terrifying creature ever committed to screen. As well as launching the careers of director Scott, star Sigourney Weaver and macabre artist H. R. Giger, the film's screenplay (by Dan O'Bannon) was a tremendous accomplishment, and one that this book celebrates with loving detail. With a forward by Scott himself, the director is quick to note that the script "had been written in an very terse and lean way. The writing cut right to the bone, sucked you in, and never let you poke your head up".Ridley Scott authority Paul M. Sammon contributes an enticing introduction covering the film's production history, from its beginnings as "Star Beast" to its revolutionary angle of casting a woman as "the secret hero of the piece". Of definite interest to fans is the complete guide to cut scenes that follows the screenplay, and Sammon has made a superlative effort in compiling them in their most complete form. The mystery of whether there was a sex scene between Dallas and Ripley is solved here as well as presenting a wealth of long sought-after moments (Dallas in an Alien Cocoon, Ripley accusing Ash of protecting the Alien). Admittedly of limited interest to film buffs, for aficionados of this landmark sci-fi series at least this is a must purchase, and the best examination yet of this classic film. --Danny GraydonRead More