Prometheus (2012)
HotMovie Info
Movie Overview | Prometheus (2012)
Tagline: The Search For Our Beginning Could Lead To Our End
Storyline
Plot
In 2089, archaeologists Elizabeth Shaw and Charlie Holloway discover a star map in Scotland that matches others from various ancient cultures, leading them to interpret it as an invitation from humanity's forerunners, the "Engineers." Peter Weyland, the elderly CEO of Weyland Corporation, funds an expedition aboard the scientific vessel Prometheus to follow the map to the distant moon LV-223. The ship's crew travels in suspended animation while the android David monitors their voyage.
Upon arrival, they find a large, artificial structure near the ship. Inside, they find stone cylinders, a monolithic statue of a humanoid head, and the decapitated corpse of a large alien, thought to be an Engineer. The crew finds other bodies, leading them to surmise that the species is extinct.
A snake-like creature kills Millburn and sprays a corrosive fluid that melts Fifield's helmet. David discovers a control room containing a surviving Engineer in stasis and a holographic star map highlighting coordinates to Earth. Holloway, who is rushed back to Prometheus, is burned to death with a flamethrower. Shaw, despite being infertile, discovers that Weyland, Vickers' father, has been in stasis aboard Prometheus and wants to ask the Engineers how not to die from old age.
A monstrous, mutated Fifield returns to the Prometheus and attacks, killing several crewmen before being killed by the captain of Prometheus, Janek. Shaw flees and warns Janek that the Engineer is planning to release the menace on Earth to exterminate all life forms. Janek and the remaining crew sacrifice themselves by ramming the Prometheus into the alien craft, ejecting the lifeboat.
Shaw finds her alien offspring alive and giant, and the Engineer forces open the lifeboat's airlock and attacks Shaw. With David's help, she launches another Engineer spacecraft and departs from LV-223.
Other Info
- Jon Spaihts,
- Damon Lindelof,
- Dan O'Bannon,
- Ronald Shusett
- Jon Spaihts,
- Damon Lindelof
- David Giler,
- Walter Hill,
- Ridley Scott
- United Kingdom
- United States
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Editor review
The film boasts breathtaking visuals. From the desolate landscapes of alien moons to the hauntingly beautiful Engineer city, Prometheus is a visual feast. The special effects are top-notch, creating a believable and awe-inspiring alien world.
The film delves into some of science fiction's biggest questions. Where do we come from? Are we alone in the universe? What are the consequences of tampering with forces we don't understand? Prometheus doesn't shy away from ambiguity, leaving room for interpretation and discussion. This approach may frustrate some viewers who crave clear-cut answers, but for others, it adds to the film's lasting impact.
The cast is impressive, featuring Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, and Noomi Rapace. However, the characters themselves can be a bit uneven. While some, like Fassbender's portrayal of the enigmatic android David, are complex and intriguing, others feel underdeveloped.
If you're looking for a fast-paced action film, Prometheus might not be your cup of tea. The film focuses more on atmosphere, building suspense and dread as the crew uncovers the mysteries of the alien world. The action sequences, when they do occur, are intense but not overly gratuitous.
Prometheus is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It raises profound questions and offers no easy answers. Whether you find it a masterpiece of ambiguity or a frustrating missed opportunity, it's certain to spark debate and ignite your imagination.
Prometheus is a visually stunning and thought-provoking science fiction film that will appeal to fans of the genre who appreciate a good mystery. While the characters and plot might not be perfect, the film's ambition and its exploration of big ideas make it a worthwhile watch. Just be prepared to grapple with unanswered questions and a lingering sense of awe and unease.
User reviews
Fatal Flaw #1: Unanswered Questions
Helpful Hint: Answer every question and tie up every thread by the end of your story. A nifty way of doing this is to make a synopsis of each chapter once you have written it. Then when you have finished your manuscript, and the accompanying synopsis for each chapter, read the manuscript backward (yep, backward) and check if you have answered every single question that an alert reader might raise. How did Character A get the amazing artifact? How or why did Character B get motivated to do whatever? Is the secret everyone’s been trying to discover actually worth all the trouble people took to conceal it? As you edit your own work, ask the questions as each character confronts them, and then write them down. By the end of your book, go back, read the questions, and answer them. If you can’t, then your reader can’t.
Fatal Flaw #2: Characters Doing Uncharacteristic Things
Helpful Hint: This was a big problem for me in the movie and so much so that the characters’ sometimes-idiotic behaviour actually diminished their authenticity for me. You’re asking readers (or in this case, moviegoers) to suspend their disbelief and join you in an incredible story that will move/excite/anger/do whatever to engage their emotions. So, make sure your characters behave like real people and that they don’t do things that are uncharacteristic just because you have to make your story move along.
Did I like the movie? I LOVED it until I started asking myself all these niggling questions. But, I still loved it. I'll probably buy the DVD. So, the lesson writers can learn from Prometheus is this: keep a tight hold on your story. Grab it by the tail and don’t let it go, not for a second.
Plot and Themes
The narrative structure, while rich in thought-provoking themes, often feels convoluted. The screenplay by Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof is dense with mythology, leaving some plot points ambiguous and character motivations unclear. This complexity may either be seen as a compelling puzzle or a frustrating lack of resolution, depending on the viewer's perspective.
Conclusion
Prometheus is a visually stunning film that challenges viewers with its complex narrative and thematic depth. While it doesn’t provide all the answers and leaves many questions open-ended, it succeeds in provoking thought and discussion about our origins and the cosmos.
Fans of the Alien franchise and science fiction enthusiasts looking for a cerebral cinematic experience will find much to appreciate, though those seeking clear-cut storytelling might feel left in the dark. Despite its narrative flaws, *Prometheus* stands out as a bold and visually arresting addition to the sci-fi genre.