Welcome to Critical Hit’s 31 days of horror! It’s the month of spookiness, of frights and jump scares and we’re ready to celebrate! Over the decades, pop culture has managed to create eerie atmospheres, scenes of terror that can’t be contained within a single genre and we’re looking back at the films, video games and the many maniac moments that had us squirming in our seats.
THE FILM: ALIEN
Yes, it’s Craig and its aliens again. I clearly have a phobia here and knowing Nick is still living on earth doesn’t help. This time though with arguably one of the most famous scenes of the mall, the Xenomorph chest burst.
Before the franchise became a little bit of a laughing stock it was a source of genuine terror. The first Alien film was a remarkable sci-fi horror film. It had everything going for it that created the perfect atmosphere for any true horror film. Tight confines yet all within the vast emptiness of space. It’s dark, atmospheric and had an exceptional cast that knew how to be well and truly frightened. Add to this the knowledge that whatever was hunting them down was a lot stronger than they were truly made you fear the beast.
THE SCENE
It’s the moment when, you know, the team is talking all casually before someone starts to suffer from stomach pains and… a Xenomorph bursts through his chest. That scene.
WHY IT WORKS
The scene is so well known now, but back then it was completely unexpected. The whole scene starts off quite innocently and takes a very unexpected turn before the Xenomorph makes its appearance and completely unsettles you. It works for its sudden change in tone and the unexpected nature of the Xenomorph’s appearance. Back then all we had to fear from aliens were anal probes and lasers. Being eating alive from the inside though is a whole other level of frightening. That the Xenomorph looks terrifying and that the massive amount of blood leaves you unsettled only added to the fear and dread you feel watching it for the first time. In a world where horror genres like to build up their jump scares with music and suspense, Ridley Scott here goes in the complete opposite direction and just hits you with it, with no build up or even music to give you a clue about what is coming. Something many directors should take note of in building big scary scenes in their films.
The Xenomorph chest burst also presented the world with one of the best onscreen deaths as John Hurt’s character meets his untimely demise and inspired many films to try and kill off their characters in weird and bizarre ways, but never to the same effect.
If you liked that taste of horror, don’t forget to check out our posts from our Days of Horror month-long feature:
The Critical Hit Days of Horror – A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master
The Critical Hit Days of Horror Countdown – Signs
The Critical Hit Days of Horror countdown – Fortitude
The Critical Hit Days of Horror countdown – Robocop
The Critical Hit Days of Horror countdown – F.E.A.R.
The Critical Hit Days of Horror countdown – Event Horizon
The Critical Days of Horror Countdown – E.T: The Extra Terrestrial
The Critical Hit Days of Horror Countdown – 127 Hours
The Critical Hit Days of Horror Countdown – Dead Space
Last Updated: October 16, 2018
Admiral Chief
October 16, 2018 at 14:42
Awwww yeah
Das gud sheeeet
Original Heretic
October 16, 2018 at 14:53
I think you neglected to mention one of the most important aspects of this scene, Craig.
When Scott filmed it, nobody except him and John Hurt knew what was going to happen. oh, and the special effects guys.
The reactions from the women in the scene are particularly brilliant, because they’re so real.
Admiral Chief
October 16, 2018 at 15:23
Indeed, the script just said “it emerges” or something like that
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
October 16, 2018 at 16:23
I’ve never seen this movie. Now I will
Original Heretic
October 16, 2018 at 16:28
You’ve NEVER SEEN ALIEN?!
Okay, yeah, it’s a must watch. Too bad one of the best scenes has been spoiled for you.
Dresden
October 16, 2018 at 17:09
Don’t think I’ve seen it either, but I’ve known about this scene for ages.
It’s pretty much ingrained into pop culture…
Original Heretic
October 17, 2018 at 08:09
That is very true.
Rather daft of me to think that this ONE article spoiled this!
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
October 17, 2018 at 11:02
Well I knew how those horrible spider egg things work. I watched Alien Resurrection like 15 times lol
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
October 16, 2018 at 16:13
That picture with all the food stuff around him makes it look like they were preparing him for dinner. Cannibals!
Captain JJ
October 17, 2018 at 08:06
Loving this as a fan of horror