WorcesterMovies.com is proud to present a new feature from writer JoAnn DiVerdi Miller, “Four Hour Film School.” Each column will not only focus on two like-themed films, exploring the connections between them, but will suggest an appropriate meal during intermission. With our coverage of next year’s Star Trek prequel and the recent premiere of the exquisite fan-produced “Star Trek: New Voyages” premiere, the theme of this week is space, so prepare to release your inner geek as we cry to the heavens…

“I NEED MY SPACE!”
by JoAnn DiVerdi Miller

THE MOVIES:

(1979); Starring Sigourney Weaver and Tom Skerritt; Written by Dan O’Bannon; Directed by Ridley Scott.

(1999); Starring Sigourney Weaver and Tim Allen; written by David Howard and Robert Gordon; Directed by Dean Parisot.

THE CONNECTION: One’s a heart-thumping, sci-fi thriller set in outer space showcasing Sigourney Weaver as supremely well-trained; the other’s a knee-slapping, sci-fi comedy inspired by television’s take on the final frontier, showcasing Weaver as supremely well-coiffed.

Alien has a tension and pacing that made it an instant classic when it was first released, as well as a cast of working stiffs (who just happened to punch the clock on a long-haul space freighter) that made it very easy for viewers to identify with. It is the story of the cargo ship Nostromo and her crew, who are directed by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation via the ship’s computer, referred to as “Mother” [MU-TH-R 182] (something Freud would have had a thing or two to say about), to investigate an “intercepted transmission of unknown origin,” before returning to Earth. In doing so, Executive Officer G.W. Kane (John Hurt) encounters an alien life form that attaches itself to his face and seems to be suffocating him (but is really laying eggs in his stomach). Third Officer Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) refuses to let them back onto the ship per regulations. But android Science Officer Ash (Ian Holm) does, and thus begins a deadly game of alien cat and mouse, which British film critic Philip French suggested was patterned after Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.

Writer Dan O’Bannon, known for penning John Carpenter’s 2001 spoof, Dark Star (1974), wrote dialogue that is informational at best, but its simplicity is suited to what are essentially space truckers, the casting of which makes it truly memorable, with ‘70s stud Tom Skerritt, burly Yaphet Kotto and gruff-and-tumble character actor Harry Dean Stanton all in memorable turns. The hero, the survivor and the one left in command, though, is Ripley, an intelligent, incorruptible officer who happens to be a woman. This consummate pro knows her regulations, systems, procedures and more. And, without make-up or fussy hair, hers is an intelligent, controlled, mesmerizing face in space.

The real genius, however, lies in how director Ridley Scott paces and frames the film. The camera routinely places the viewer in the vulnerable position of the stalked crew. The film cuts away at crucial moments, leaving the gory details to the imagination. While James Cameron delivered an engaging blockbuster sequel, Aliens, in 1986, neither of its follow-ups, Alien3 (1992) or Alien Resurrection (1997) came close to capturing the original’s deep space angst (and the two Alien vs. Predator semi-prequels are hardly worth mentioning).

Feeling a bit on edge now? Neutralize that angst by popping in Galaxy Quest, relaxing as you enjoy quantum doses of fun, beamed right into your living room. This flick also features the statuesque Ms. Weaver in space exactly 20 years later. This time, her co-star is Tim Alien, rather, Allen. Imagine the actors of “Star Trek” getting convinced by real aliens to help them defend themselves from evil forces and you’ve got the premise of this tremendously clever comedy tribute.

It’s fun to watch Weaver play against type here…playing actress Gwen DeMarco…who is playing Lt. Tawny Madison on the show. It is great to see Gwen rail against her underdeveloped character after realizing her only job on board the ship is to look sizzling hot in a jumpsuit and talk to the computer. Tilting her carefully made-up face and swishing her perfect blonde tresses, Lt. Tawny’s low-cut uniform shows off cleavage that quite frankly just wasn’t there when Weaver was Third Officer Ripley (believe it or not!)

Screenwriters David Howard and Robert Gordan crafted a screenplay full of wry, sly remarks delivered by an excellent supporting comedic cast, including Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub and Sam Rockwell as the peripheral ensign with Redshirt Syndrome (“Redshirts” being the nameless, faceless crew members killed in any episode of “Star Trek”). Although inspired by a myriad of space-themed TV shows and movies, none of them are prerequisite viewing to enjoy this one, as the duo creates a self-contained universe and a respectful “for the love of the thing” air, all the while reminding us that everyone is a fan of something.

While the space crews of Alien and Galaxy Quest both inhabit control decks, space shuttles, and fight unrelenting aliens and face their own fears of death, the Galaxy Quest crew has the added burden of not only having pseudo-regulations to follow, but legions of fans that expect them to know every detail of every episode. In fact, the part in Galaxy Quest when Jason Nesmith (Allen) tells some fans to “Get a life!” was inspired directly by the 1986 episode of “Saturday Night Live” in which William Shatner did the same thing in response to some overly-anal “Star Trek” fans (who eventually forgave him after his role in the self-effacing 1998 love letter to fandom, Free Enterprise). That kind of devotion makes one consider that in space, no one can hear you file a restraining order.

MOOD FOOD: For an appetizer, scarf an egg. Prepare an MRE in that wonderful emblem of space age tech, the microwave (if said meal is not self-heating), or dine on freeze-dried astronaut food. Enjoy chocolate eggs and gummi octopii for dessert. Wash it all down with a glass of Tang.

FRAME OF MIND: Live by the creed of the Galaxy Quest crew: “Never give up! Never surrender!” But keep in mind that residual rights and good hair are also important.