Alien = Key Themes

Question 1

Sexual Violence =

Answer 1

• Potent and unsettling aspects shown through the violence of the reproductive process
• The face hugger impregnates Kane which can be seen as a grotesque act of penetration acting as a rapist figure intruding into Kane in an invasive forceful manner
• The birth of the chest buster is a traumatic and painful metaphor for childbirth which is shown in a violent and non consensual process of reproduction which disrupts the typical joyous connotations of birth
• The xenomorph is seen as a symbol of monstrous masculinity. The violent insemination can be read as a metaphor for the destructive aspects of patriarchal control over women’s bodies, sexual violence and reproductive rights
• Ripley contrasts the helplessness and victimization associated with female characters. She is not dependent on anyone which is typical of a female character

Question 2

Gender =

Answer 2

• Ripley is not sexualised or dependent on the male character. She is intelligent and capable representing a strong female protagonists.
• It breaks traditional gender stereotypes which is significant due to a big blockbuster in this time period
• The sexual violence is also an inversion of gender roles where it is usually the female character who is sexually vulnerable however in Alien, it is the male. His body is used as a vessel with a violent intrusion of his personal autonomy. This inversion of vulnerability unsettles the viewer
• Ripley is a pragmatic and competent officer which is based on her intelligence
• The absence of sexual objectification allows her character to stand out as active rather than passive
• The xenomorph is genderless however has features which are overtly masculine such as its phallic appearance which embodies a monstrous masculinity
• Ash is portrayed as cold, rational and emotionless which which is driven by the male authority figure acting as a dehumanizing force driven by the profit
• There is no clear division between male or female roles which is shown as Ripley transcends gender expectations by becoming the hero

Question 3

Corporate Greed =

Answer 3

• Corporate greed is embodied by the actions of Weyland-Yutani, their interests are seen as a critique of capitalism and how they prioritize profit over human life which informs the character’s decisions
• They see their employee’s lives are expendable tools to gain profit
• They are not valued as human beings but assets to be exploited for the company’s goals
• The crew are sent to investigate however it is not to ensure safety but collect any potential profit
• The company use Ash to act as an agent to prioritise bringing a specimen back at the expense of their lives reflecting how they value profit over human safety which is shown in Ash’s sabotaging of the crew
• Ash communicates through disembodied, bureaucratic manner to portray the cold, impersonal corporate hierarchy
• The crew are dehumanised at the hands of their corporation
• The absence of direct responsibility critiques the corporate greed which shows they are faceless and unaccountable, their lives are not affected by the consequences of their own actions which mirrors real world corporations and how they reap huge profits from the little regard of human lives
• Ripley resists corporate greed as she abandons the ship and rejection of their values choosing survival over the corporate agenda

Question 4

Technology =

Answer 4

• The Nostromo is a symbol of corporate driven, industrialised technology which is shown as cold and utilitarian. The technology such as Ash and Mother is designed to serve the company’s goals which are done to improve profit
• Mother reflects the power dynamics between workers and corporations, her primary purpose is to ensure success
• The Alien is seen as a natural force in comparison with the highly technologic setting of Nostromo. This highlights the uncontrollable force of nature and its unpredictability
• Ash embodies the theme of technology who is used to manipulate human lives. It highlights the potential moral consequences of advanced technology used without ethical considerations. It underscores the potential dangers of technology and how it can be used for harmful effects
• Technology is used for surveillance which are governed by technological systems. It creates the illusion that the crew are in control whereas actually the corporation control the fate and power