“Alien” is a science fiction horror film released in 1979. Directed by Ridley Scott and written by Dan O’Bannon, it tells the story of the crew of the space tug Nostromo. They encounter a dangerous alien creature on a distant planetoid and have to fight for their lives. The film stars Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, and Yaphet Kotto. It was produced by Brandywine Productions and distributed by 20th Century-Fox. The alien designs were created by Swiss artist H. R. Giger, and the human settings were designed by Ron Cobb and Chris Foss.
Although it received mixed reviews initially, it was a box-office hit and won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, three Saturn Awards, and a Hugo Award. The success of “Alien” led to a franchise including more films, books, video games, and toys. Sigourney Weaver’s character, Ripley, became central to the sequels “Aliens” (1986), “Alien 3” (1992), and “Alien Resurrection” (1997). There were also crossover films with the Predator franchise and prequels directed by Ridley Scott, with “Alien: Romulus” was released in August 16, 2024.
Where Was “Alien” Filmed?
“Alien” was filmed over 14 weeks from 5 July to 21 October 1978. The movie was shot mainly at Pinewood Studios and Shepperton Studios near London. Some of the work, especially with models and miniatures, was done at Bray Studios in Berkshire. The production faced a tight schedule due to a low budget and pressure from the studio, 20th Century-Fox.
Main Filming Locations
Pinewood Studios: Most of the film was shot at Pinewood Studios, which is located near London. Pinewood Studios was used for building the main sets, including the Nostromo and the derelict spacecraft. This studio was essential for creating the film’s detailed and realistic sets.
Shepperton Studios: Another important location was Shepperton Studios, also near London. This studio was used for filming many live-action scenes. It was equipped to handle large sets and complex scenes, which were crucial for the film’s production.
Bray Studios: Model and miniature work for “Alien” was done at Bray Studios in Berkshire. This studio was known for its use in horror films and helped with creating the small-scale models of the Nostromo and other spacecraft. Bray Studios has since closed down, and its future is uncertain.
Acton Lane Power Station: The alien egg chamber, where Kane (John Hurt) encounters the Facehugger, was built in the disused Acton Lane Power Station in west London. This location was perfect for creating the eerie and dark atmosphere needed for the scene. The power station has been demolished since then.
Filming Challenges: The production team faced several challenges. They built three main sets: the alien planet’s surface, the Nostromo’s interiors, and the derelict spacecraft. Art director Les Dilley created small models based on H. R. Giger’s designs, which were then scaled up. They used sand, plaster, and other materials to create the desert landscape. The space suits worn by actors were thick and made them very hot. Nurses with oxygen tanks had to be on set to help the actors deal with the heat.
Special Effects: To show the Nostromo’s computer screens, CGI was used because it was simpler. For the exterior shots of the Nostromo, a large 58-foot landing leg was built to make the ship look bigger. Children were used in smaller space suits to make the sets look larger, and this method was also used for scenes with the dead alien. The children had to deal with heat in their suits, and oxygen systems were added to help them.
Sigourney Weaver’s Experience: Sigourney Weaver, who played Ripley, discovered she was allergic to cat hair mixed with glycerin used to make the actors look sweaty. Removing the glycerin allowed her to continue working with the cats.
Changes to the Ending: The film was originally supposed to end with the Nostromo’s destruction and Ripley escaping in the shuttle Narcissus. However, Ridley Scott added a “fourth act” where Ripley faces the alien on the shuttle. Although Scott wanted the alien to kill Ripley and make a final log entry in her voice, the producers rejected this idea, believing the alien should die at the end of the film.
“Alien” used several important filming locations to create its unique look and feel. From Pinewood and Shepperton Studios to Bray Studios and the Acton Lane Power Station, these places helped bring the film’s terrifying and atmospheric world to life.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Alien
Q: Where was “Alien” (1979) filmed?
A: “Alien” was filmed primarily at Pinewood Studios and Shepperton Studios near London, England. The film also used Bray Studios in Berkshire for model and miniature work. The alien egg chamber scenes were shot in the disused Acton Lane Power Station in west London.
Q: When was “Alien” (1979) filmed?
A: Filming for “Alien” took place over a period of 14 weeks, from July 5, 1978, to October 21, 1978. The production team worked on building sets and filming scenes within this timeframe.
Q: What were the main filming locations for “Alien” (1979)?
A: The main filming locations for “Alien” included Pinewood Studios for most of the primary sets, Shepperton Studios for live-action scenes, Bray Studios for model work, and the Acton Lane Power Station for the alien egg chamber scenes.
Q: When was “Alien” (1979) released?
A: “Alien” premiered on May 25, 1979, as the opening film of the fourth Seattle International Film Festival. It was released widely in the United States on June 22, 1979, and in the United Kingdom on September 6, 1979.
Q: Why was the filming location significant for “Alien” (1979)?
A: The choice of filming locations was significant because they provided the right atmosphere and set designs needed for the film’s unique look. Pinewood and Shepperton Studios allowed for the construction of detailed sets, while the disused Acton Lane Power Station provided the eerie setting for the alien egg chamber. These locations helped create the film’s iconic and suspenseful atmosphere.
