Prometheus

Title: Prometheus
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Adventure
Starring:Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron
Director: Ridley Scott

Late to join the masses on this one, but isn't this unusual? For once I find myself not insulting a mainstream film that was well received but defending one that wasn't; a film that is layered with complexity despite it's two hour run time that requires you to pay attention so as to keep up. Events may seem to happen randomly but really, so much is occurring that you forget the subtle for the obvious, until of course the subtle becomes all that much more apparent. Looking around for opinions seem to reveal a number of supposed "plot-holes" that emerged either from a lack of attention being paid or mistaking simple unanswered questions as flaws. Truth be told, I found very few plot points that I couldn't explain, and usually I can't stand them, though certainly there are questions left to answer and there can very much be no doubt a sequel is on the way. Prometheus feels very much like a spiritual successor to 'Alien' (and not just in Rapace's ability to fit into the shoes left by Sigourney Weaver); not a prequel in so much as a standalone within the same universe, but Scott has learned from his work since, creating more than just a single creature but an entire complex moon in which to explore; taking us through the first steps on an alien planet where assumptions can quickly lead to death.

The story is relatively simple, taking the crew of the Prometheus on this voyage to a planet from where the origin of mankind may have originated. Led by the cold Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron), a disbeliever that there is really anything there and with her own agenda, she is only matched by the constantly questionable actions of David (Fassbender), a robot whose curiosity knows no bounds. Frequently found recklessly endangering the crew, he disregards their safety for the sake of his own intrigue, conducting experiments away from prying eyes. Then enter the host of scientists, not in the least the couple, Shaw (Rapace) and Charlie (Marshall-Green) who first made the discovery, who lead the quest in the belief that this race of beings hold the answers to the great questions of life. Though as you might expect it doesn't quite go as they planned, and if it did it wouldn't make much of an interesting film.

Those expecting an all out action romp, filled with blood and violence and scenes to make you squeal will likely be disappointed as this is one film that is heavy on the drama, though that's certainly not to say once it gets going that it feels slow. Quite the opposite in fact; with the agenda's of these four different groups of characters all colliding; a sense of ambiguity over who is really 'leading,' with each group defying orders from one another in order to pursue their own desires, so much happens that it becomes easy to miss the minor details. The script has been so meticulously crafted with important lines somehow resonating; short conversations demonstrating what kind of character he's crafted. Fassbender, in particular, never fails to be the most intriguing despite his lack of emotions – perhaps even because of his lack – as we constantly question his motives; his disregard even for self-preservation when exploring the alien construction, even if the eventual twist felt somewhat obvious from the beginning.

The build-up is gradual and constant; it's not as in 'Alien' where everything suddenly happens in the final moments, but steadily rising in tension as the film progresses. He's picked up some tricks from 'Avatar' as well in the use of special effects that once again prove that when it comes down to creating a world, he is the undisputed master, not to mention 'Blade Runner' in it's use of androids and light philosophising; pseudo-religious banter about the origins of man and our purpose. No, it might not reach the detail of character depth in Alien, or have quite as rich and vibrant a world as 'Avatar,' nor the intelligence of 'Blade Runner,' but contains a blend of all three. Some questions are answered but far more remain, and for that we'll just have to wait for the next installment.