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Talk From Superheroes

Alien (with Nigel Grinstead)

·1 hr 7 min·5 clips
Why does the movie 'Alien' feature two different aliens, a robot, and a giant skeleton, yet somehow still work?
The episode begins with hosts Andrew Ivimey and Diana McCallum introducing their guest, comedian Nigel Grinstead, and noting their surprise at never having covered the original 'Alien' film before. They mention the upcoming 'Alien Romulus' film, set between 'Alien' and 'Aliens'. The discussion quickly dives into the film's absurd elements, such as the existence of two different aliens (the facehugger and the adult alien), a robot, and the giant engineer skeleton, yet acknowledges the film's success despite this complexity. The hosts praise the film's practical effects, including the alien design using shredded condoms for saliva, and the chestburster scene where a malfunctioning animatronic created a more realistic effect. They analyze the crew's dynamics, describing them as 'competence porn' where everyone is good at their jobs, akin to oil riggers in space. The film's visual storytelling is highlighted, particularly the use of V-shaped hallway intersections to create a sense of maze-like confusion. Critiques include the illogical focus of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation on the alien as a weapon over more valuable technology, and the overt nature of the android Ash. The hosts discuss Ridley Scott's directorial style, noting his eclectic filmography and approach to female leads. They also touch on the film's influence on franchises like 'Resident Evil', drawing parallels in aesthetic and corporate greed themes. The episode concludes with each host proposing changes to the film, such as having the alien catch on fire or adding a second alien for a twist ending.

As heard by us

A delayed Alien discussion finds fresh charge in creature speculation and the crew's unnervingly casual crisis management.

Alien lands as a notable gap in Talk From Superheroes' run, and the episode turns that delay into part of the hook. Andrew Ravimey and Diana McCollum come to the 1979 original after already covering Prometheus and Covenant, with Alien Romulus in the buildup.

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Why you'd press play

Press play when you want 1979's Alien talked through with the calm of a maintenance call.

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