MovieChat Forums > Alien³ (1992) Discussion > Why the hate?

Why the hate?

posted 8 years ago by esb90
68 replies | jump to latest

I just watched the 'Assembly cut' of A3 on blu ray earlier and it's a far better movie than the theatrical version in that the characters, (played by a fantastic British ensemble cast i might add), are given attention and development so naturally are more effecting due to the events of the film.

Anyway, this version reminded me of how underrated the film actually is... I can understand how the tragic deaths of Newt and Hicks were depressing to the fans of Aliens; understandably, but hey, did anyone actually watch "Alien" 1979? Almost all the characters on the Nostromo become unlikable by the time the creature takes it's first prey. We see the darkest side to their natures surface in survival mode. They're human: They fight, *beep* each other over, and everybody dies horribly besides Ripley and Jonesy. Is that not depressing? I love "Aliens," don't get me wrong, it's one of the most entertaining action movies and best sequels of all time; but it's roots were in space HORROR, therefore Alien 3 is more in line with the cruel and chaotic universe of the first film. James Cameron's sweet hollywood resolution "on Earth" ceases to be, and that's refreshing and brave when you think about it. And this cut should of been shown in theaters.

David Fincher's gone on record stating he "Hates" this movie. And "more than anyone else." Because he preferred Cameron's vision? Or because of the rough production and script re-writes? Or because he felt the stigma on his head for not pandering to the Aliens fan base? Or all the above? Amazingly, for a first feature, and one he despised, he does an illustrious job with photographing and directing the film (a perfect what's-to-come staple in his supreme talent if you ask me.)
It isn't as if the script is lacking in depth either...

The prisoners are lifers holding onto the only slither of 'humanity' they can achieve: that through religion. They are murderers, child molesters, thieves etc - and through fighting the creature with zero artillery and almost zero comradeship in an unlikely alliance to Ripley, they sort of redeem themselves. Ripley's only mission now is in avenging the dead by wiping out the creatures lineage for good and make sure the Weyland Company fail in ever obtaining the specimen. And she does... in a poetic ending she sacrifices herself. It's an honorable finale to the unwavering bravery of this amazing character. And most importantly: a big *beep* YOU to the Company.
I still prefer to watch the first 2 films, because A3 is bogged down in a dreary atmosphere and some murky scenes. But the film, (the Assembly cut at least), is logically a far better resolution to the franchise than most realize.
And let's just ignore the dire Alien Resurrection...that is the sequel that's best left forgotten.

[–] theguitarman18 8 years ago

The Assembly Cut is a great movie. It's not perfect, especially the third act could have been cleaned up a little. But it is suspenseful, very well acted, and it rivals the original Alien with its absolutely stunning photography. Cameron shoots very economically, he just gets the images the story needs and move on. What Ridley Scott and David Fincher (and their DPs) brought, is beautifully crafted shot after shot. For that alone, I feel Alien 3 deserves more recognition.

I understand that people who loved Aliens were bothered by the deaths of Hicks and Newt, but it brought the franchise back to the horror of the original. All bets are off and anyone can die. It works well within the universe that Alien and Aliens set up. It's an uncaring universe where most people care only about themselves.

Ripley was given so much more depth here. In this cold environment, where her last remaining loved ones are killed and she finds herself surrounded by the absolute worst of the worst, she has to decide to sacrifice her own life for the rest of humanity. A humanity that would never even consider doing the same for her. And she chooses to do it anyway, because it is her own humanity that is at stake otherwise. It is a tragic end, but also a hopeful one in that it signifies that there are still people left in that world that are willing to stand up for their fellow humans. (This is in the Assembly Cut of course, where Ripley has a choice. In the theatrical the queen comes bursting out and she couldn't have survived anyway.)

Aliens had a nicely manufactured story arc for Ripley. Give her a daughter, let her die, then she can rediscover her motherhood through this orphan child she finds. It works well in the context of the film, but it all remains rather artificial, and there's not much else to her character. Alien 3 has so much more depth if you're willing to look for it. Whether that depth was intended or is a happy accident, given the troubled production, is irrelevant. The end result speaks for itself. It is the best conclusion to an iconic character's story ever put to film.

[–] darkwave2000 8 years ago

I saw it opening weekend and liked it. I had read of all the production problems and knew they killed off Hicks and Newt, so, I was pleased with what I saw since I expected a total disaster. The special edition is even better. It fleshes out the characters more which helps when everyone has a shaved head and it's hard to tell who's who. All my geek friends at the time hated on it because it wasn't Aliens Part II, but, I thought it was a very bold sequel, an almost anti-sequel.

[–] prplayer 8 years ago

don't understand the low score either, for a third installment it's more than decent

so many movies, so little time

[–] stephenalienkissane 8 years ago

they killed off the sulaco which made everyone very sad

you do not punish someone for having big boobs!

[–] ravi02 8 years ago

I love "Aliens," don't get me wrong, it's one of the most entertaining action movies and best sequels of all time; but it's roots were in space HORROR, therefore Alien 3 is more in line with the cruel and chaotic universe of the first film.

But Alien 3 doesn't recreate that feeling as well, in my opinion. I liked the characters in Alien and I felt sympathy when they were being killed off one by one. In this film, the supporting cast are one-dimensional prisoners who look similar, run around screaming "f--k" a lot and we barely get to know them. There was also the element of surprise to the original as we'd never seen a creature like that realized onscreen. In 3, we already know what it does and the new element here is that it moves like a dog? At least in Aliens Cameron did new things with the creatures.

I would also argue that despite Aliens being an action movie, there was still horror elements. Ripley's nightmares at the start, the descent into the hive, Ripley and Newt being trapped with the facehuggers and the discovery of the Queen were all tense moments.

Just as I feel with Alien Resurrection, I respect things about Alien 3 - Weaver's performance and the haunting score - but for me, it suffers from a weak supporting cast and poor pacing that prevent it from being as good as the first two films.

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