What was wrong with "Prometheus"?

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**hotsauceman1**

YOu mean Ridley right?
TO WIKI
No he hasnt.

**gorgon**

Prometheus was on HBO this weekend, so I rewatched it. A number of things mentioned in this thread and in the linked videos are somewhat bogus. Some things are easily explained (for instance, Shaw clearly grabs supplies on her way out of the lifeboat, which we can assume includes O2). Plenty of other things you can attribute to panic, nerves, or just human emotions that steely-eyed wargamers are apparently immune to (Vickers and Shaw running away from the falling ship, etc.). Others apparently can be explained better if certain scenes weren't deleted (Millburn's actions after the second worm surprises him), although that's on the director to make a smarter cut.

Anyway, I'm gonna stick to my guns and say that the little issues aren't the main problem with the film so much as the larger arcs and the logic surrounding them. For instance, the black goo is central to advancing the plot of the film, yet we aren't quite sure what it does (it seems to do different things at different times) or what its real purpose is (WMD? Weapon of Mass Mutation? Xenomorph cycle primer?). The goo operates like a MacGuffin in some ways, but unlike most MacGuffins, the details around it ARE important to having the plot make any sense. It's really strange in that way.

I think the Aliens: Engineers script sheds some light on this. When creating the Prometheus script, they took an Aliens script, then tried to make it a not-really-Aliens movie and toss in some larger issues. I'm 100% okay with not making *another* xenomorph movie (I think we've seen just about everything that has to offer), but they probably should have done a more extensive, ground-up rewrite if they wanted the movie to be about creation, spirituality, artificial intelligence, etc (because Alien movies really aren't that deep). The movie itself ends up being a lot like the black goo -- murky, mutable, and not making a lot of sense.

**LordofHats**

Frazzled wrote:

I doubt there will be a sequel. The film did not do well monetarily IIRC, and I don't think Ripley has ever done a sequal has he?

The film grossed over $400 million on a $100 million budget. It's not a blockbuster smash hit but it made money. Fox last I heard wanted to make a sequel and had Scott, and the necessary actors on board.

**Frazzled**

Really? Wow I had a very false impression then. Thanks for the info.

**suspiratus**

I personally loved it. You will always have haters on this planet

**LordofHats**

Frazzled wrote:
Really? Wow I had a very false impression then. Thanks for the info.

It's not that false. I'm sure the big wigs in corporate expected a lot more money from the investment. A lot of money went into Prometheus, and comparatively it did not perform to expectations (imo).

**MeanGreenStompa**

gorgon wrote:
I'm 100% okay with not making *another* xenomorph movie (I think we've seen just about everything that has to offer),

Just to touch on this a moment, for a long time it was being touted, before alien3 and then the fourth, that they would do Aliens: Earth War, as per the graphic novel, with WY meddling with aliens, a doomsday cult believing they represent a reincarnation to a perfect state stealing some and self infecting (the beach scene, with them all sunbathing and the aliens hatching was amazing) and then huge battles across entire cities and nations.

Think of the 'thing' that WWZ has become, think of the tidal waves of zombies, but make them xenomorphs and make the soldiers colonial marines, one sketch I saw showed the Eiffel tower mostly engulfed by a huge nest putting Paris in shadow. Battle after battle, war across continents and the few, the wealthiest and most ruthless, with their personal armies, retreating to huge orbiting stations and enacting ruthless protocols to keep their stations clean.

**Ensis Ferrae**

gorgon wrote:
For instance, the black goo is central to advancing the plot of the film, yet we aren't quite sure what it does (it seems to do different things at different times) or what its real purpose is (WMD? Weapon of Mass Mutation? Xenomorph cycle primer?). The goo operates like a MacGuffin in some ways, but unlike most MacGuffins, the details around it ARE important to having the plot make any sense. It's really strange in that way.

I personally think that the black goo is one of two things, depending on it's use. If an Engineer ingests it, we apparently become like earth, most all animal life to suit the existing plantlife ecosystem evolves from this "event." But, when the goo comes into contact with another organism (most likely one spawned from a goo/engineer evolutionary chain), it develops into a xenomorph type of creature. When Shaw was infected, one could assume that he became something like the facehugger, but in a more human form, as the goo breaks down and heavily mutates the genetic material to spawn a new creature that is suited to it's environment... In this way, I guess it could be a WMD.

**Ahtman**

suspiratus wrote:
I personally loved it. You will always have haters on this planet

And you will always have people make excuses for lackluster art.

**gorgon**

MeanGreenStompa wrote:
gorgon wrote:
I'm 100% okay with not making *another* xenomorph movie (I think we've seen just about everything that has to offer),

Just to touch on this a moment, for a long time it was being touted, before alien3 and then the fourth, that they would do Aliens: Earth War, as per the graphic novel, with WY meddling with aliens, a doomsday cult believing they represent a reincarnation to a perfect state stealing some and self infecting (the beach scene, with them all sunbathing and the aliens hatching was amazing) and then huge battles across entire cities and nations.

Think of the 'thing' that WWZ has become, think of the tidal waves of zombies, but make them xenomorphs and make the soldiers colonial marines, one sketch I saw showed the Eiffel tower mostly engulfed by a huge nest putting Paris in shadow. Battle after battle, war across continents and the few, the wealthiest and most ruthless, with their personal armies, retreating to huge orbiting stations and enacting ruthless protocols to keep their stations clean.

So would this be a 2-hour movie or a 10-part miniseries? As a movie, I'd imagine it going very much like my take on the WWZ movie in the Walking Dead thread. Well, with more jaws shooting out. And probably more screaming. And steam vents. Can't forget about the steam vents.

I liked the first two movies, but none of the rest and I don't know why people find the subject matter so compelling. Different strokes for different folks.

**blood reaper**

suspiratus wrote:
I personally loved it. You will always have haters on this planet

I'm not a hater. I'm more or so, simply annoyed that the film I watched was lacking where it mattered.

**KingCracker**

MeanGreenStompa wrote:
gorgon wrote:
I'm 100% okay with not making *another* xenomorph movie (I think we've seen just about everything that has to offer),

Just to touch on this a moment, for a long time it was being touted, before alien3 and then the fourth, that they would do Aliens: Earth War, as per the graphic novel, with WY meddling with aliens, a doomsday cult believing they represent a reincarnation to a perfect state stealing some and self infecting (the beach scene, with them all sunbathing and the aliens hatching was amazing) and then huge battles across entire cities and nations.

Think of the 'thing' that WWZ has become, think of the tidal waves of zombies, but make them xenomorphs and make the soldiers colonial marines, one sketch I saw showed the Eiffel tower mostly engulfed by a huge nest putting Paris in shadow. Battle after battle, war across continents and the few, the wealthiest and most ruthless, with their personal armies, retreating to huge orbiting stations and enacting ruthless protocols to keep their stations clean.

Now THATS a movie I want to see. Dammit MGS, why? WHY?!!?

**Frazzled**

That would be epic.

Brad Pitt in...ALIEN Rising!

**KingCracker**

Hey whoawhoaheytherewowslowdown! No Brad Pitt

**Ensis Ferrae**

KingCracker wrote:
Hey whoawhoaheytherewowslowdown! No Brad Pitt

ohh no, it's cool KC, because Brad Pitt is alongside Robert Pattinson, in the suicide cult

**Dreadclaw69**

Ensis Ferrae wrote:
ohh no, it's cool KC, because Brad Pitt is alongside Robert Pattinson, in the suicide cult

Am I the only one picturing the suicide brigade from Life of Brian?

**Fifty**

http://www.prometheus2-movie.com/news/669

Damon Lindelof talks truth behind Prometheus 2 rumors

Author: Chris Picard | Mar-27-2013 7:27 PM

Earlier today we mentioned some news that potentially put the story development for Prometheus 2 at risk. Well, it did not take long before Prometheus co-writer, Damon Lindelof responded to the rumors circulating about which also seemed fixated on blaming the writer for the potential setbacks Prometheus 2 was presumably facing. Read on below for details and an official quote from Damon Lindelof himself regarding the matter, courtesy of /Film.

Germain Lussier, from /Film got in touch with Lindelof via Twitter, following Bloody-Disgusting's report, claiming that "Ridley Scott and Fox were freaking about what to do with Prometheus 2". Simply put, Lindelof responded (via Twitter) by saying: "I don't believe Ridley Scott has ever freaked out in his life."

Furthermore, Lindelof reached out again to Germain via email to clarify the situation in more detail. Here's the full email Germain was sent:

Hey, man!

While I'm happy to maintain my ongoing role as internets whipping boy (well, not happy, but at least resigned) this is a weird attack piece, even for someone who should be used to it by now.

The unglamorous truth is this:

During the creative process of Prometheus, all involved (that includes Fox and Ridley) had a strong desire for this film to launch off in its own way so that by the end, it would not connect directly to the original ALIEN, but instead run parallel to it. This is something that I talked about many, many times in the press burst around the release of the movie. As you probably remember, there was a lot of interest as to whether Prometheus was a "prequel" - the answer was, "Yes. Sort of. But if there was a sequel to Prometheus, it would not be ALIEN."

Taking the strong foundation that Jon Spaihts had already written, I worked on the script to this end - and yes, during that process, Ridley did occasionally riff on what he felt might happen next as Shaw and David's Head ventured off of LV-223 in search of wherever The Engineers had come from.

After the movie came out and discussions began about a possible sequel, I was already neck deep in writing and producing TOMORROWLAND with Brad Bird. I have found, unfortunately, that if I take on too many projects at one time, there is a higher probability of those projects sucking. And contrary to popular belief, I do not want anything I work on to suck. I really don't. I care about these stories deeply - not just as a writer, but as a fan. It might not always feel that way to the audience, but I swear to God it is true. It also so happens that Ridley was about to embark on directing his next movie, THE COUNSELOR, and had another one, CHILD 44 lined up right behind it. The conclusion was obvious - In the best interest of the franchise, it was best to take myself out of the running before I had to suffer the embarrassment of potentially not even being offered it.

And that it is the complete (if not somewhat boring) truth.

As to whether Ridley and Fox are "freaking out" about me not working on a sequel, well that's news to me. I retain awesome relationships with both. More importantly, the idea that there aren't many, MANY writers out there capable of taking the reins is sort of ridiculous. I did not map out a trilogy and then walk when the going got tough. Anyone who says otherwise doesn't know me and doesn't know the truth.

The process of working on Prometheus with Ridley was one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. Love or hate the result of that work, I don't regret having done it for a second.

Bloody Disgusting was very clever in tagging their story with the sentiment that denials were going to come. This would seem to throw shade on me denying the veracity of the story simply by anticipating that I would.

But denying the story I am.

As I said, I will take all the abuse in the world for the things I have done, but I refuse to take it for the things I have not.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Your Pal,

Damon

So, it would seem the rumors being reported by BD's sources are a tad inaccurate and thankfully, Prometheus 2 is not in any serious trouble. Also, the process of Prometheus 2's development has very little to do with Damon Lindelof, so to point the finger at him seems out of place to me.

Also, I feel I should also note, that according to Badass Digest:

"Fox has been taking many, many meetings with screenwriters, and that screenwriters have been pretty much bringing in their own pitches, not working within an established frame."

So, Prometheus' Sequel is still alive and well. The process of exploiting more of the mystery behind this expanded universe is expected to be a long and challenging one, there's a lot to cover and a lot to be explored.

This does not mean anyone is "freaking out", it simply means this process will take time, and I don't know about most of you, but I would rather Scott and company really iron out a solid script for the sequel, and explore as many options as possible instead of rushing the development process just to deliver quick and simple answers to the questions Prometheus raised.

As someone who really enjoyed Prometheus, I'm fine waiting a few extra months for the sequel, so long as it stays true to the franchise and delivers some truly mind blowing concepts. What about you? Let me know what you think in the comments section below!

Special thanks to Prometheus Forum member Membrane for the link.

**Flashman**

It was always interesting to watch, but too puzzling and dumb in places to be a truly satisfying film.

**Grot 6**

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:
Ouze wrote:
Grot 6 wrote:
Would like to see some more Colonial Marines, or Predators movies, as well as some more Alien stuff without trying to rewrite the franchise into more left wing propaganda.

........... lolwut

Grot 6 wrote:
And if that dinosaur man is supposed to fit into the Aliens universe, they might have put it out there somewhere in all of the countless OTHER books, movies, vidieo games, reference stuff that has been around for over 30 years.

What is "that dinosaur man"?

So far as the oft-repeated criticism about Charlize running in a straight line and getting squished, frankly, I'd give her a pass on that. I could see how one may not be thinking clearly in such a situation.

I assume Dinosaur Man is one of the Engineers

And I also don't complain about them running straight away from the falling ship as that is the completely natural thing to do (Fight or Flee reaction)

The dinosaur man was that Sleestack/whatever that was that was supposed to be the proto-alien. It wasn't as bad as the body hugger/ face hugger thing that came out of Shaw.

As to the spunky little snide coments- The movie was a left wing slant that Corperations OWE it to the scientists. The scientists did everything they could to look down thier nose, and treat everyone else like THEY were the ones running the show.

Their politics of "Free stuff ...but why are the corperation funders so mean to me?" ("What agenda are we really working for here..."conversation) The fake suprise was almost laughable. Then to see David use That tool Loverboy and Shaw as gunia pigs for the experiment for wayland was the biggest ironey.

Wayland... "Oh, these two are in charge..." Then to show up and basicly tell them to gak off.

Then David- showing his hindquarters with loverboy at any chance he could as he oggled his girl.

I'll just throw it out there that the online hype machine is still out there if you want more examples of how I say they were pushing a left wing agenda. They were taking the bleeding hearts to a whole new level, then to see what Wylands agenda really ended up being? Yeah, those scientists were pretty dumb for supposedly Smart people.

Online and Youtube has the spin from Wayland,along with some neat rabbit holes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BkV2aFXzYY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GROrp3XBRrE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ7E7Qp-s-8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2pMXsYXZyQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIx5SBW_Qds

http://www.weylandindustries.com/timeline

https://www.weylandindustries.com/

http://www.weyland-yutanicorp.com/WearenotjustanyCompanyweareTheCompany.html

Mean Green Stompa, you know those scientists were a bunch of tools, don't you? They spent half the movie oblivious, and the other part a memory. They were probibly some do gooders, but They All were acting like they were on the block, instead of halfway around the universe... Alone. No scientific method, no precautions, the ones they DID have, they ignored, then acted all holier then thau when they got sat down and told the real deal.

Typical do-gooder. did good.

**AduroT**

Wait, when did showing scientists to be stupid brainless arse hats become a left wing agenda?

**Goliath**

Grot 6 wrote:
Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:
Ouze wrote:
Grot 6 wrote:
Would like to see some more Colonial Marines, or Predators movies, as well as some more Alien stuff without trying to rewrite the franchise into more left wing propaganda.

........... lolwut

Grot 6 wrote:
And if that dinosaur man is supposed to fit into the Aliens universe, they might have put it out there somewhere in all of the countless OTHER books, movies, vidieo games, reference stuff that has been around for over 30 years.

What is "that dinosaur man"?

So far as the oft-repeated criticism about Charlize running in a straight line and getting squished, frankly, I'd give her a pass on that. I could see how one may not be thinking clearly in such a situation.

I assume Dinosaur Man is one of the Engineers

And I also don't complain about them running straight away from the falling ship as that is the completely natural thing to do (Fight or Flee reaction)

The dinosaur man was that Sleestack/whatever that was that was supposed to be the proto-alien. It wasn't as bad as the body hugger/ face hugger thing that came out of Shaw.

As to the spunky little snide coments- The movie was a left wing slant that Corperations OWE it to the scientists. The scientists did everything they could to look down thier nose, and treat everyone else like THEY were the ones running the show.

Their politics of "Free stuff ...but why are the corperation funders so mean to me?" ("What agenda are we really working for here..."conversation) The fake suprise was almost laughable. Then to see David use That tool Loverboy and Shaw as gunia pigs for the experiment for wayland was the biggest ironey.

Wayland... "Oh, these two are in charge..." Then to show up and basicly tell them to gak off.

Then David- showing his hindquarters with loverboy at any chance he could as he oggled his girl.

I'll just throw it out there that the online hype machine is still out there if you want more examples of how I say they were pushing a left wing agenda. They were taking the bleeding hearts to a whole new level, then to see what Wylands agenda really ended up being? Yeah, those scientists were pretty dumb for supposedly Smart people.

Online and Youtube has the spin from Wayland,along with some neat rabbit holes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BkV2aFXzYY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GROrp3XBRrE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ7E7Qp-s-8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2pMXsYXZyQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIx5SBW_Qds

http://www.weylandindustries.com/timeline

https://www.weylandindustries.com/

http://www.weyland-yutanicorp.com/WearenotjustanyCompanyweareTheCompany.html

Mean Green Stompa, you know those scientists were a bunch of tools, don't you? They spent half the movie oblivious, and the other part a memory. They were probibly some do gooders, but They All were acting like they were on the block, instead of halfway around the universe... Alone. No scientific method, no precautions, the ones they DID have, they ignored, then acted all holier then thau when they got sat down and told the real deal.

Typical do-gooder. did good.

"Free stuff but why are the funders so mean to me" because no one has a right to complain that an android spiked their drink and caused worms to come out of their eyes.
No siree.
That would be socialism.

Wait what?

**kronk**

I liked the part with the tiny worms swimming in the dude's eyes.

Awesome. Honestly, that part sticks out more to me than most of the rest of the movie.

**thehod**

Breotan wrote:

He beat me to it but exalted