In this episode, the hosts are joined by Matt Singer, a film critic and journalist, to discuss the troubled production of David Fincher's 'Alien³'. They delve into the standout performances in the movie, the slime and moisture on the alien, HR Geiger's influence, and the chaotic development and production process of the film. They also touch on the design and animation of a robot, explore the character of Bishop, and discuss the challenges and legacy of 'Alien³'.
Alien 3 challenges audience expectations by killing off beloved characters, setting a somber and bleak tone.
David Fincher's background in film and music videos laid the foundation for his directorial debut with Alien 3.
The development of the Alien 3 script was a complex process, resulting in a dark and challenging story.
Fincher's directorial debut with Alien 3 showcased his bold and controversial vision, solidifying his reputation as a filmmaker.
Alien 3 explores themes of guilt, sacrifice, and survival in a bleak and hostile world.
Siskel and Ebert had a significant impact on the evolution of film criticism, shaping its landscape and popularizing it on television.
Deep dives
The Dark and Controversial Themes Explored in Alien 3
Alien 3 delves into dark and controversial themes, challenging audience expectations. It begins by killing off beloved characters from the previous film, setting a somber and bleak tone. The movie has a contemptuous attitude towards the studio system and humanity as a whole. It refuses to provide a happy ending or any hope, portraying a world filled with despair. Alien 3 is often cited as an example of the most disrespectful thing a movie can do to its characters, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
David Fincher's Experiences Leading up to Alien 3
David Fincher's background in film and his early career in music videos set the stage for his directorial debut with Alien 3. Growing up in Marin County, California, Fincher developed his artistic talent and passion for movies from a young age. He honed his skills as a cinematographer at ILM and worked on films like Return of the Jedi. After leaving ILM, he ventured into music videos, where he gained recognition for his technical prowess and distinctive visual style. Fincher's experience with music videos and his reputation as a great shooter landed him the opportunity to direct Alien 3.
The Evolution of the Alien 3 Script and Production
The development of the Alien 3 script was a complex and ever-changing process. Initially, a treatment was created that would have focused on Hicks as the protagonist and pushed Ripley to a secondary role. However, this idea was scrapped, and various scripts and revisions were made by different writers, including William Gibson. The final script would bring Ripley back to the forefront, but with a dark and challenging story that subverted audience expectations. The production of Alien 3 faced numerous challenges, resulting in a revolving door of directors and creative decisions. Ultimately, the project landed in the hands of David Fincher, who would bring his unique vision and storytelling style to the film.
The Bold and Controversial Vision of David Fincher in Alien 3
David Fincher's directorial debut with Alien 3 showcased his bold and controversial vision. He was unafraid to challenge expectations and take risks with the narrative and characters. The film's dark and somber tone, bleak outlook on humanity, and refusal to provide a happy ending were all signature Fincher elements. Despite its polarizing reception, Alien 3 solidified Fincher's reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual style and a willingness to push boundaries. The movie set the stage for his future work, as he continued to explore dark, psychological themes and push the limits of storytelling.
Main Idea 1
The film Alien 3 follows Ripley, who finds herself trapped on a prison planet with a lethal alien creature. The majority of the film focuses on the survival of Ripley and the other prisoners as they navigate the tense and dangerous environment.
Main Idea 2
Ripley's bald head serves as a powerful visual symbol of her transformation and impending death. She discovers that she is pregnant with an alien queen, adding to the complexity of her predicament. The film explores the themes of guilt, sacrifice, and survival in a bleak and hostile world.
Main Idea 3
The movie showcases David Fincher's distinct visual style, with his use of low camera angles, dark lighting, and atmospheric settings. The film's slow pace and grim environment reflect the characters' desperate situation and convey a sense of tension and unease.
Main Idea 4
Alien 3 features a talented ensemble cast, including Sigourney Weaver, Charles Dance, and Charles S. Dutton. Each actor delivers strong performances, bringing depth and complexity to their characters in a story driven by their struggle for survival.
The Legacy of Siskel and Ebert: A Comprehensive Look at Their Impact on Film Criticism
This podcast episode delves into the lasting influence of Siskel and Ebert, two celebrated film critics. It explores their unique approach to reviewing movies and their role in popularizing film criticism on television. The episode discusses their complicated legacy, which includes both praise and criticism for their simplified rating system. Additionally, it touches upon their collaboration and the dynamic between them. The episode also explores the evolution of the show after the departure of Roger Ebert. Overall, it offers an in-depth examination of Siskel and Ebert's contribution to the world of film criticism.
Examining the Lesser-Known Films Championed by Siskel and Ebert
This podcast episode highlights the movies that Siskel and Ebert promoted and praised, going beyond their popularized reviews. It focuses on a selection of lesser-known films that they recommended, such as 'Who Dreams' and 'Dark City.' The discussion explores how Siskel and Ebert's support gave these films recognition and helped shape their reputation. The episode also dives into the critical discourse surrounding Siskel and Ebert's reviewing style and how it impacted their ability to champion underappreciated films. It provides insights into their approach to film criticism and the impact they had on the industry.
The Evolution of Film Criticism through the Eyes of Siskel and Ebert
This podcast episode traces the evolution of film criticism, focusing on the role of Siskel and Ebert in shaping its landscape. It delves into their unique style of critiquing movies on television and the impact they had on the perception of film criticism as a whole. The episode examines the challenges they faced in condensing their reviews into concise segments and the criticism they received for their simplified rating system. It also highlights their ability to bring nuanced discussions to a broader audience and their influence on subsequent generations of film critics. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive look at the changing face of film criticism through the lens of Siskel and Ebert.
The time has come for us to talk about one of the most successful, most influential, most respected American filmmakers of the past 30 years. That’s right, we’re talking about the director of ALIEN3, David “Da Finchman” Fincher! We’re kicking off “The Curious Pod of Benjamin Buttcast” in style, pressing play on our Alien Quadrilogy Blu-Ray with guest Matt Singer - and you better believe we’re watching the “extended cut” in “Mu-th-ur Mode”! Join us as we give some light background on young “Dave” Fincher, alleged neighbor of George Lucas and director of Madonna music videos and smoking fetus PSAs. We’re going long on the troubled production of ALIEN 3 - a franchise film that has such disdain for its audience that we can’t help but love and respect it. No Newt? NO PROBLEMO. Do you want to do the dance with Charles Dance? So do we!
