Alien has stood the test of time better than most films ever made. Whether it’s the tense direction, the beautifully horrific production design, the incredible cast, or just the terror that is the xenomorph, Alien has established itself as a stalworth in both the horror and science fiction landscapes. One element that often gets overlooked is the subtext of the film. While the rape allegory is quite evident (with the penis-like xenomorph both penetrating the man and the forceful “birth” scene being just two examples), the text I’ll be discussing today is the relation between the film and the fears of the blue-collar working class.
While this may not be the most apparent connection upon first viewing, the evidence is clear as to the intentions of director Ridley Scott and writer Dan O’Bannon. From the first conversation, the characters have the audience is aware of their social standings and motivations. And as the film progresses and intrigue is replaced by horror, the thematic resonance of the crushing weight of capitalism upon the working class becomes one of the strongest stances the film takes.
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