tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post4323805859433229374..comments2024-03-28T14:49:36.133-04:00Comments on John Kenneth Muir's Reflections on Cult Movies and Classic TV: Cult Movie Review: Prometheus (2012)John Kenneth Muirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629979615332893780noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-80484635539360121772014-06-09T22:26:59.122-04:002014-06-09T22:26:59.122-04:00All these deep meaning and messages that you'r...All these deep meaning and messages that you're attempting to read into prometheus are only your own narcissistic pseudo-elite ruminations on another intentionally non-sensical goo-blot by that hack lindelof.<br /><br />If you weren't so busy smelling your own gas and stood back 2 feet to VERY SIMPLY see the big picture, you'll see an over produced, under-realized glossy hollywood rip-off of 10-11 other better movies (a jj abrams and crew specialty), <br />written by a scam artist who has made a career shoveling gibberish sprinkled with random references to "deep" things like religion or spirituality to cater to easily fooled children and professional navel gazers who only exist to prove to everyone else that they're the only ones who get it because they're smarter then you.<br /><br />But I'm glad you enjoyed it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-4060458141042507872013-10-25T12:39:27.156-04:002013-10-25T12:39:27.156-04:00You're right, John. I'm sure it was too ha...You're right, John. I'm sure it was too harsh. Especially no ow that we're friends and understand each other...<br /><br />All my best,<br />JohnJohn Kenneth Muirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15629979615332893780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-64249560512277941002013-10-25T12:27:42.920-04:002013-10-25T12:27:42.920-04:00Hi John,
Look at that, we are getting to know eac...Hi John,<br /><br />Look at that, we are getting to know each other! <br /><br />That's awesome. I appreciate your words of explanation and friendship. Maybe we both started off on the wrong foot, and now we can get started on the right one.<br /><br />All my best,<br />JohnJohn Kenneth Muirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15629979615332893780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-57810442846888391152013-10-25T12:26:21.284-04:002013-10-25T12:26:21.284-04:00I deleted the former comment because I was wrong t...I deleted the former comment because I was wrong to put it in the first place. But "victim mentality" is a bit strong, even if kinda right in this occasion.<br /> best wishes tooJohn Arktorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04316415877682904862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-32799966542802845272013-10-25T12:16:47.758-04:002013-10-25T12:16:47.758-04:00Yes, I think it was rude to consider that you woul...Yes, I think it was rude to consider that you would not post my message. For this I apologize. I always tend to think that way towards sites that don't accept "direct commenting". It is unjustified prejudice.<br /><br />Consider my virulence as not an attack, or insult, but more as a side effect of my inability to talk pasionnately about a subject without seeming violent or insulting, especially in writing, and especially in a forein language !<br /><br />Even if I say "smug" or "bullshit", it is not directed at you personnaly.<br />And I tend to agree with your analysis, which is a pretty good one, on the objective parts at least.<br />I just think that centering a movie on this was a total smug douchebag decision on the director, and the writer. Especially with such bad movie-craft.<br /><br />Ah, and, err, John Arktor is my real name, yes, but not the one my mother gave me. It is more real to me than my administratively accurate name. ^^John Arktorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04316415877682904862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-87488791019509143782013-10-25T12:02:03.437-04:002013-10-25T12:02:03.437-04:00I forgot to mention that I don't only disagree...I forgot to mention that I don't only disagree with the message (parents dilike children, blah blah), even if I agree with the fact that the film is exactly about that, but I also, and more importantly, and like many dislikers of this movie, don't care about this kind of message ! I don't want to be force-fed this kind of oedipian, pseudo-scientific and doctrinal bullcrap. From the opening of the movie, this "message" was so obvious it simply failed in all ways possible.<br /><br />Prometheus is not cryptic, not in any way : it slams you in the face with its theologically pseudo-scientific-semi-oedipian message. And it does it with bad acting and poor filming choices.<br />"In terms of the former, most of the important characters in the film are developed in ways that signify they are either children or parents…or both."<br /><br />True !<br />But how does it make it a complex and "cult" movie ? These themes are worn out, washed out, overused themes. Themes I couldn't care less about.<br /><br />And, ah, oh, references to blade runner, and lawrence of arabia are necessary to understand the true and profount meaning of Prometheus...<br /><br />BS ! Total BS ! A movie should never be so lazy as to not be able to stand by itself ! Doing the contrary is laziness, and most of all, condescendant smugness. And That I dislike.<br /><br />Your analysis is quite accurate, I couldn't agree more about what this movie is really about. What I don't agree with is that it was a good choice, delivered with master "filmcraft".<br /><br />"A BS smug thematics delivered with laziness" could have been the title of a review I would have writtenJohn Arktorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04316415877682904862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-86033306761322799582013-10-25T11:47:28.397-04:002013-10-25T11:47:28.397-04:00John,
I never attacked you. I noted your victim...John, <br /><br />I never attacked you. I noted your victim mentality. <br /><br />Here are some examples: You came to this blog assuming:<br /><br /> a.) I wouldn't post your comment <br /><br />and <br /><br />b.) I don't value free thought. <br /><br />Two actual facts: I did post your comment, and I allowed you to have your say on my blog. <br /><br />Ergo, I do value freedom of speech. <br /><br />You were wrong on both counts, right? Can we agree on that?<br /><br />Assuming an affirmative answer, wouldn't an apology on your part be in order since you assumed I was some sort of censorious fascist who would prevent your comments from being posted here just because I happen to like a movie that you don't?<br /><br />Jeez, I would have no friends in the world if I treated people who disagree with my taste in movies like that... <br /><br />Good-intentioned people can make their arguments, and still agree to disagree rationally.<br /><br />You seem like an eminently bright and clever fellow but really touchy. You're always welcome here, but lose the attitude and stick to a discussion of movies in a respectful fashion. Okay?<br /><br />Those are the rules. For everyone. And we can share great discussions about our mutual passion -- movies -- if we adhere to them.<br /><br />Again, you and your opinions are welcome here anytime. I am sorry if you felt attacked, but remember, you set the tone by making assumptions about me. You can't blame me for picking up on the vibe you put out there. I was just minding my own business, after all, until your comment magically appeared in my e-mail. :)<br /><br />As a rule, just so you know, I absolutely post every comment I receive here, unless it is rude or disrespectful. I especially don't like comments from anonymous posters who are rude and disrespectful. I don't think twice about blocking them. But you let me know your name, John, and that's a good start. And your second message was more even-tempered than your first.<br /><br />So let's go from there!<br /><br />Warmest regards,<br />John<br /><br /><br /><br />John Kenneth Muirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15629979615332893780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-1364346185713489072013-10-25T11:25:28.197-04:002013-10-25T11:25:28.197-04:00I could find several movies that are objectively g...I could find several movies that are objectively good, because of good writing, or clever filming, or good punclines, or whatever, but that I dislike for personal reason (the movie "Seven", for example) And objectively bad movies that I like for personal reason.<br />That I like or dislike a movie doesn't influence me about its objective qualities. But I tend to dislike badly filmed movies, movies with bad science, incoherent movies : objectively bad ones.<br />.. Like Startrek 11 (bad science, bad filming, bad acting, incoherences), or I,Robot (bad science, bad filming, average acting, incoherence and worst betrayal of asimov's work ever), and Prometheus (same reasons as Star trek 11)<br />Hate-list is a simplistic word I shouldn't have used. I don't maintain a hate list, but I tend to remember when I whatch a movie that I feel betrayed by, like these three.<br />As a matter of fact, I tend to agree with HISHE, I don't use them as my source for critical thinking, (of course !), but we do have common points of view. It happens. And it is fun. I'd also watch Honest trailers, if I were you. Good out of the box analysis, and fun ^^<br /><br />On the other hand, I agree with a part of your analysis of the film's material, and "hidden philosophy", I simply think that :<br />- 1 : I don't like this said philosophy in a movie. My tastes.<br />- 2 : these interesting ideas were ruined by the movies objective flaws.<br />And I maintain that these flaws are objective<br /><br />I don't want to go into details about Prometheus, just give a "different" point of view thant the numerous "positive" ones on this blog.<br /><br />And, about the term 'morons' : is the crew of prometheus not composed of a dozen complete morons, 1 android and 1 elderly ?<br />I even agree with the "sacrifice" interpretation of Anonymous3:46 PM, about why in the first place Weyland had these stupids as his crew.<br /><br />But one can not objectively state that the 2 examples I gave (running in a straight line ahead of the ship, and the post-surgery running) are not objective failures, bad and lazy filmmaking (and bad acting too). And those are just the 2 examples I remember the most, because I would very much like to forget that I ever saw that movie - ie, to "dismiss it", yes. I did the "sustained, careful examination" for Star Trek 11 and I, Robot, and I got exhausted. Loss of lots of good energy it was. To make this examination, I even forced myself to re-watch Startrek 11. I will not re-watch Prometheus. Ever. No friggin way !<br />This movie should have been a very good one, and it spoiled its promises with its (hollywood-esque) laziness.<br /><br />I find prometheus' creationist, sacrificial and oedipian themes completely despicable, and imo this is NOT a prequel to alien, THIS is an opinion. <br />I do see beauty in even the most pro-christian movie, even if I dislike the message (Ben Hur is a good example).<br />But sometimes, enough is enough. Again : opinion.<br /><br />"The question is indeed : was the movie's message delivered with visual aplomb? With symbolism? In a way that made you think?"<br /><br />My answers are : NO, NO, and NO. I would have loved saying yes, but NO. The message is too deeply buried within the global surronding laziness.<br /><br />Laziness is the scourge of "modern" movies, and especially in so-called sci fi movies (which are actually fantasy movies, because of plain bad science).<br />Not everyone can make a "Kubrick's 2001", or even an "Oshii's Avalon" grade movie, I concede, but they could at least try ! Could they not ?<br /><br /><br />Would you have been so personal in your attacks if I had been just as "radical" as I was in my previous post, but in favor of this movie ? Honestly ?<br />John Arktorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04316415877682904862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-27310589557307566592013-10-25T08:20:47.720-04:002013-10-25T08:20:47.720-04:00Your comment was published, and I took the time to...Your comment was published, and I took the time to respond to it respectfully. <br /><br />Your doubts were unfounded, as was your victim mentality.<br /><br />best wishes,<br />JohnJohn Kenneth Muirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15629979615332893780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-55873601326531800452013-10-25T08:17:59.779-04:002013-10-25T08:17:59.779-04:00Hi John,
Thanks for your post, and thank you for ...Hi John,<br /><br />Thanks for your post, and thank you for stopping by.<br /><br />First, I must establish that I don't take my critical cues from snarky videos that are intended as amusement but not serious criticism. <br /><br />A group of video-makers deciding how to better end another person's work of art may be funny, but that's about it.<br /><br />The movie is objectively a bad one? <br /><br />I don't think you -- or anyone else, myself included -- can be the arbiter of objectivity. <br /><br />You can't just declare that "objectively" a movie is bad because YOU happen to dislike it, and disagree with it's message.<br /><br />If you want to make a sustained, careful examination of the movie and why you perceive it failed, you should, but using descriptors in your commentary like "stupid" and "moron" only suggest that you are not willing to engage with the material respectfully, and would rather dismiss it with name-calling. <br /><br />That's not what we do at this blog, and if you stick around, you'll see that. You're welcome to join the discussion, but in courteous, respectful terms...not with name-calling.<br /><br />Finally, I am also an atheist. <br /><br />But that fact doesn't mean that I expect all art to reflect my personal belief system, or that I must, by my nature, fail to see the beauty in someone else's art which doesn't conform to my viewpoint. <br /><br />Hating a movie's message is okay, I suppose, but the question is: was the movie's message delivered with visual aplomb? With symbolism? In a way that made you think?<br /><br />My answers regarding Prometheus are obviously affirmative, as my more than 2,000 word analysis explains in detail. <br /><br />Somehow, saying a movie is on your hate list -- you actually take the time and effort to catalog things you "hate?" -- is not film criticism, and not, frankly a constructive way to discuss movies at all.<br /><br />All my best,<br />JohnJohn Kenneth Muirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15629979615332893780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-19274688682912611512013-10-25T08:09:17.918-04:002013-10-25T08:09:17.918-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.John Arktorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04316415877682904862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-35531341688400559302013-10-25T08:06:50.834-04:002013-10-25T08:06:50.834-04:00Hum...
Seriously ?
Well... I won't try to conv...Hum...<br />Seriously ?<br />Well... I won't try to convince you, then.<br />I personaly found this movie to be the worst movie of the year, third on my movie-hate-list. My opinion. Be free to not share it.<br />But my opinion is not only a matter of taste, it is also based on several little stupid details, like this dumbass crew of morons and their total lack of, not only efficiency, but simple basic intelligence. I WILL NOT detail every piece of crap this movie served us, I don't even want to remember it.<br />I am not even mentionning the "running -straight- ahead of a rolling starship", or the "I just got surgery, but look, I'm running!", or the incoherent behavior of the crew, or the preposterous GOD methaphors that I, as an atheist, abbhore (on that, I may be a lil' biased, but, nonetheless...)<br />The methaphors might be there, but they are so badly delivered, that they fail in every way, when they are not utterly stupid.<br />This is not a prequel to the magnifiscent Alien, this is a movie "inspired by the Alien franchise". I put this movie in the same garbage bin as my 2 other UN-favorites : star trek 11 and I Robot : movies inspired by a great piece of work, but which not only ARE NOT SciFI movies, because they break sooo much laws of the universe, but also betray the piece of work they pretend to be inspired from, in a way I can only find to be totally despicable.<br /><br />Sorry, but this movie is objectively a bad one. The good parts in it (there are some, yes) are so ruined by its shitty scenario and direction that they miss.<br />And subjectively, I can only say that I saw and heard the message this movie wants to deliver, I kinda agree with you on some parts of your analysis of it, but this message I dislike. And this is a real understatement.<br /><br />I strongly suggest you watch the "How It Should have Ended" video about this movie. It sums it all up.John Arktorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04316415877682904862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-33496295626458387352013-08-20T16:14:31.554-04:002013-08-20T16:14:31.554-04:00Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long co...Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn't show up. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again.<br />Anyways, just wanted to say wonderful blog!<br /><br />Stop by my homepage: <a href="http://youtu.be/_BVOOxBztLw" rel="nofollow">Axl Hazarika</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-52265300699306331652013-08-16T15:48:58.708-04:002013-08-16T15:48:58.708-04:00Prometheus is a great story but Scott's execut...Prometheus is a great story but Scott's execution of it was over-produced. It's hard to see the great story through the spectacle the same way it is hard to see a forest through trees.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-90409091051904813822013-04-22T13:42:25.095-04:002013-04-22T13:42:25.095-04:00Beautiful, persuasive work.Beautiful, persuasive work.ADhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10190519630597579972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-81331356963536947862013-02-20T12:00:27.398-05:002013-02-20T12:00:27.398-05:00Really enjoyed reading through both the article an...Really enjoyed reading through both the article and all the comments above, these theories, postulations and sub-textual analyses are some of the most insightful I've ever seen. I only wish I had the brains to contribute...<br /><br />Can't wait until Prometheus comes out on DVD so that I can re-watch it another fifty times. :P<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-90263579330592981712013-01-03T05:32:26.261-05:002013-01-03T05:32:26.261-05:00What I want to know is why Weyland himself never h...What I want to know is why Weyland himself never had any kids, if this is true? Also, <i>if</i> she's an android like David, then why does she need an advanced bio-bed that can perform surgery?<br /><br />Just saw the movie again on Blu-Ray DVD, and think that it's great, as is your review-great work.Lionel Braithwaitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03024473793409118944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-81109172177348050082012-11-25T15:46:26.041-05:002012-11-25T15:46:26.041-05:00ohh man i cant believe the amount of people that s...ohh man i cant believe the amount of people that say they "got" this movie when in fact they didn't...................The main theme from the start of the movie is "Sacrifice" ... The way the weyland corp deliberately send in complete idiots (mercenaries not scientists)while they sit on a lifeboat safe and sound, sacrifice. Nothing can be achieved without it. Its the main premise of the movie as the intro to the film also demonstrates. Earth was to be used as a seeding point for the engineers parasitic biotech. Thats why they created us. The goal is to produce perfect life.We were to be used as hosts. My evidence?? (links below).. look at the sculpture on the wall. Its the deacon protomorph rising from the primordial goo. But look below that to the left and right at the bottom. What do we see, yes two humans or engineers with facehuggers injecting eggs into them. Go and check again if you didnt see it in the movie, its there i can assure you.. Also the biologist mentions that one of the space jockeys bodies they find has had something explode out its chest. Yes they had an outbreak before they got all the cargo on board. We were to be used as the hosts for the perfect lifeform. So our gods created us to be mere cattle, simples! So all your theories about lv 426 are not correct. The derelict on lv426 predates the weapons lab on the moon by many thousands of years or more, thats why he was fossilized. So there ya go, that's actually what Prometheus was about and its link to Alien. If you are in any doubt of anything ive said, watch the movie again. Also listen to the dialog when they are in the pyramid very carefully. Including the part about how the water isnt frozen although its 12 below as its actually nanite goo. The whole place is made of the stuff as liquid nanite fluid appears to be the basis for the engineers technology. Its also how David figures out how to work the holo emitters. Remember "David" has an iq supposedly of 360 or more. He has been given instructions to look out for the bio technologies the company wish to acquire this is the hidden agenda of the weyland corp and the reason they are on the mission in the first place as its certainly not down to cave paintings.The initial team sent in are nothing more than an experiment or sacrifice with David pulling the strings.Why do you think david is running about pushing things and opening doors like a maniac? He wants at least one of them infected and when it doesn't happen first time round through inhalation he's told to "try harder" As is explained later in the movie Vickers "the suit" wants the company and whatever she can salvage from the bio tech they hope to smuggle back. Of course her father wants immortality or the technology to achieve it.So we also see there is a conflict of interests between family members of Weyland corp . As ive said before i cannot find any plots holes within Prometheus. Only that people misunderstood the film.<br /><br />The tomb sculpture with facehuggers<br />http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p589/jokerdeldesierto/georgeft1.jpg<br /><br />The tombs Mural with an engineer holding down an Alien biomechanoid his hand melded to its ever evolving/Mutating head.<br />http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6ej46jrPl1rtvb1so1_1280.jpg<br /><br />David 8 and the Nanites<br />http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/600/davidgoo.jpg/<br /><br />The Black nanite goo and its function<br />http://i.imgur.com/hm4SP.jpg<br /><br /><br />Ohh btw the final human biomechanoid hybridization we get to see at the end would have been the final result of what was to happen on earth. Read Davids top secret files on the Goo and its purpose. I have provided links and secondary references. If something seemed strange in prometheus it was more than likely a clue to the real point of the movie " Sacrifice". <br />well written piece but go back and watch the movie again. Study Gigers artwork and also all the extras on the blu ray including "ALIEN TOMB OF THE GODS" <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-32193834821561916052012-10-16T13:28:44.161-04:002012-10-16T13:28:44.161-04:00As I've said before, your review of this movie...As I've said before, your review of this movie is one reason why I don't listen to mainstream critics about film anymore; the current bunch are only into whatever indie movie about messed-up people catches their fancy. They all have a big bias against sci-fi and fantasy, and can only appreciate it when it's like the recent version of <i>Battlestar Galactica</i> which has said messed-up people for characters. At least here, I can read reviews of sci-fi movies and TV with and by a guy who really gets it and gets to the nitty gritty of said sci-fi movies and TV shows, and isn't afraid to love them. Great work once again, John.Lionel Braithwaitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03024473793409118944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-54118134241681883802012-09-25T11:08:28.415-04:002012-09-25T11:08:28.415-04:00You are all missing something: Noomi's charact...You are all missing something: Noomi's character can't reproduce. So what the black goo does? Creates, inside her, a reproductive system, that itself can incubate life. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-19883683381009310602012-08-20T18:06:29.646-04:002012-08-20T18:06:29.646-04:00I had really high hopes for the movie going in. I ...I had really high hopes for the movie going in. I only see one or two movies at the theater per year, and this was one of them for me. It was disappointing, although I do plan on seeing it again when it is released on blu-ray. I am hoping that the extended director's cut will remedy some of the problems. <br /><br />Again, please don't mistake my criticisms for saying this is a bad movie; I don't think it is. In its current state, however, it doesn't deserve to be regarded at the same masterpiece level as other sci-fi classics like 2001, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the original Star Wars films, the first two Alien movies, WALL-E, The Matrix, Predator, Jurassic Park, and a few others I'm surely forgetting. <br /><br />I'm also not saying that these movies don't have their faults, they just have a lot more going for them than Prometheus does. Had Prometheus been blessed with better screenwriters, editing, and slightly revised plot points, then I do think it ascends into the realm of great film making. Unfortunately, in my opinion, as it stands now, it comes up short of the mark.<br /><br />Prometheus gets an A+ for cinematography, an A for premise and tone, and a C- for execution. I wonder how Ridley Scott feels about the final theatrical cut?Matthewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-10335216723648082272012-08-20T08:17:29.213-04:002012-08-20T08:17:29.213-04:00Hi Matthew,
I enjoyed reading your perspective, a...Hi Matthew,<br /><br />I enjoyed reading your perspective, and feel you stated it well. <br /><br />I wouldn't call myself anybody's "fanboy," but I do feel that Prometheus is a masterpiece, and remember well when many of the same complaints about weak writing were lobbed at Blade Runner (1982), now an acknowledged classic.<br /><br />In fact, historically, Lawrence of Arabia -- which we all acknowledge is one of the best movies ever made -- also faced some negative reviews, mainly regarding a few factual errors (anachronisms), and some of the make-up (Anthony Quinn's fake nose...). <br /><br />In short, some similar criticisms that Prometheus today faces. Even a film that is nearly perfect, gets hit with this kind of stuff.<br /><br />I wrote another post, "Death by a Thousand Nitpicks" (http://reflectionsonfilmandtelevision.blogspot.com/2012/06/death-by-thousand-nitpicks-prometheus.html) which looks at some of the criticism Prometheus has faced, and why some of those reasons don't truly serve as disqualifiers in terms of recognizing the film as a masterpiece of the sci-fi/horror genre.<br /><br />Great comment! Thanks for stopping by and adding substantively to the conversation/debate.<br /><br />All my best,<br />JohnJohn Kenneth Muirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15629979615332893780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-10490714217885791732012-08-20T07:01:13.927-04:002012-08-20T07:01:13.927-04:00A very interesting, thoughtful, if not overly gush...A very interesting, thoughtful, if not overly gushing review of a movie that had a great premise, amazing theme, atmosphere, incredible cinematography, yet unfortunately suffered from hackish screenwriting and sloppy editing. It seems that the words "genius" and "masterpiece" are being thrown around a little too loosely here, a great disservice to truly great films like Lawrence of Arabia. <br /><br />Not to sell the movie short, the underlying tone, symbolism, awesome alien technology and architecture, and the Engineers themselves were stunning. The disjointed dialogue, abrupt plot swings and/or dead ends, and a dearth of relatable characters left the movie feeling hollow; a beautiful, haunting mausoleum of a film whose artwork, tone, and cinematography were the sole shining points (although Fassbender's David was indeed masterfully portrayed). <br /><br />There are many minor points, that although admittedly do not ruin the movie, certainly aren't found in the likes of true cinematic masterpieces like Lawrence of Arabia. A trillion dollar space mission that lacked an even basic pre-mission scanning/scouting probe? Scientist/inventors who use develop and deploy high-tech mapping equipment, yet cannot find their way out of a complex they just entered? The same characters who tuck tail and run at the first sign of danger, yet try to make contact with a very scary looking snake-alien emerging from strange black ecto-goo? A quarantined scientist who fights off two people bent on sticking her in cryo-stasis, only to stagger away, perform an emergency C-section on herself, then interact with other crew members as if nothing happened? The list of gaffs goes on, and that's the problem; a few imperfections are acceptable, but this amount is certainly troublesome, and in my estimation, immediately disqualifies Prometheus from being discussed as anything but an interesting summer blockbuster.<br /><br />The cinematography, special effects (aside from the head-scratching choice to use a horribly obvious latex-covered actor playing Weyland, whose younger version was perhaps cut out of the theatrical release), score, and underlying themes, however, were wonderfully enjoyable. It was a fun, pseudo-cerebral sci-fi horror film that relied a bit too much on zombie attacks and a bloody c-section scene for cheap shocks. The Engineer technology, architecture, and the Engineers themselves were amazingly well-done, and gorgeous to look at.<br /><br />In the end, however, the film's flaws keep Prometheus from entering a stratosphere anywhere close to "genius" or "masterpiece," and although their are Scott fanboys who would argue otherwise, mentioning Prometheus in the same breath as Lawrence of Arabia in terms of its excellence is borderline sacrilege. Matthewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-52666839581323827592012-07-11T20:00:50.112-04:002012-07-11T20:00:50.112-04:00Anonymous,
Thank you for your appreciative and su...Anonymous,<br /><br />Thank you for your appreciative and supportive words. I appreciate them very much. I agree with you that Prometheus signals the kind of movie that Hollywood should make, but often does not. I would love to see more films of this quality, especially in summertime. I wish we could clone Ridley Scott...<br /><br />All my best,<br />JohnJohn Kenneth Muirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15629979615332893780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12380553.post-78459847967585834562012-07-11T19:59:49.468-04:002012-07-11T19:59:49.468-04:00Bear in the Woods,
Thank you for your excellent c...Bear in the Woods,<br /><br />Thank you for your excellent comment. I think you hit the nail on the head when you say you appreciate how open the film is to many interpretations. You are also right to note that additional viewings are mandatory. I know a lot of folks were excited for The Avengers this summer, but Prometheus is the movie that has thrilled me, and become something of an obsession. I'm eagerly awaiting the blu ray, and I may take you up on your idea of recording this review...<br /><br />Thank you for stopping by to let me know your appreciative feelings for this review, and I hope to see you again.<br /><br />Warmest regards,<br />JohnJohn Kenneth Muirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15629979615332893780noreply@blogger.com