Prometheus [Review by Parsi]

Prometheus is a hard film to wrap your mind around, both in terms of the subject and the quality.  The film oscillates between brilliant and nonsensical, from thought-provoking to predictable.  Despite all its pitfalls, it is a film very much worth watching.

Over the last 35,000 years of human existence (measuring from the end of the 21st Century) the same image has appeared over and over across various cultures.  Archaeologists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) have deciphered these images and located a corresponding planetary system.  They set off to this system with the support of a corporation headed by Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce) to find the “Engineers” (the alien race that theoretically created the human race) and learn from them.

Prometheus is often refered to as a prequel to Alien (and its progeny) which director Ridley Scott denies.  He favors the view that it is part of the same mythos.

Continuity with the Alien franchise is not precise, but Prometheus most certainly sets up the other films.  But, Prometheus is not based solely on the world of Alien.  It also borrows heavily from Blade Runner, and thus, its inspiration Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and the universe of author Philip K. Dick.  Scott also notes the influence of Erich von Daniken and his theories in Chariots of the Gods? Unsolved Mysteries of the Past.

Now, you do not need to be aware of any of this stuff (or any other literary and film allusions) to appreciate Prometheus.  But, these allusions establish two things: first, Prometheus is part of a larger universe of work, and second, Prometheus is a meditation on human origin, purpose, and consciousness.

No, it does not give the answers to these life questions.  Frankly it raises more questions than it answers.  But that is sort of the point.  It is no great work of philosophy; but, as a post-modern exploration of these concepts, it is interesting.

Prometheus is, without question, remarkably beautiful.  It is well worth watching in 3D and even worth opening the wallet further to see it on an IMAX screen.  The sets are astounding and the visuals are remarkable.  The opening sequence exploring the seemingly alien landscape of Earth is particularly mesmerizing.  Two distractions: there are a shocking number of genitalia inspired creatures and the “space jockey” outfit looks shockingly like Hooter from Captain EO.

Michael Fassbender is remarkable as android David.  He is as haunting as Hal 9000 and as inquisitive, confused, and brutal as Roy Batty.  His performance is chilling.

Noomi Rapace’s performance is also strong.  She takes on many of the attributes of Sigourney Weaver‘s character Ripley in Alien.  She exudes strength, intelligence, and determination.  Her performance improves as the story moves forward.  The one distraction is that she fluctuates from an American to a British accent and corresponding colloquialisms.

Also of note is Charlize Theron‘s performance.  She captures a quiet resolve and steely demeanor, punctuated by moments of vulnerability.

Unfortunately, large looming problems detract from Prometheus.

Scott borrows too many scenes from Alien.  Some of the scare moments border on laughably predictable.

Although some elements are intentionally left unexplained, there are too many strange things that happen that seem somewhat nonsensical.  For example, try understanding what the black liquid does.  It seems to have a different impact on nearly everything it comes into contact with and its purpose is left unresolved.  Or this mystifying problem (spoiler).

Too many of the characters are underdeveloped.  The end result is you never really care if those characters die.  There is no connection to them.

No, it is not the masterpiece many hoped it would be and it certainly has some deep flaws.  But in the end, Prometheus is compelling enough to warrant a theater outing.

PARSI VERDICT:  A flawed but compelling movie that crafts an interesting world.