I feel like, if James Cameron could just come on board for a week to ponder over Blomkamp's script and make suggestions / adjustments to it's structure, that it would be the absolute best thing they could do to ensure the film's success!
So you're saying that Bloomkamp and Scott should have a 3-way with Cameron.... oh god mah brain!
Imagine a Scott produced, Cameron written, Blomkamp directed...
Actually my personal preference would probably be Scott produced, Cameron written, Fincher directed.
Whilst not necessarily Cameron, I do feel it'd be beneficial for Blomkamp to get some help in the script area with Alien 3.2. No idea who though - can't really think of any particular person who has impressed me of late.
Isn't there any good horror script writers out there? Preferable in the sci-fi arena.
QuoteShould BLOMKAMP and SCOTT pursue story input from CAMERON?
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Quote from: whiterabbit on Aug 21, 2015, 11:32:16 AM
Isn't there any good horror script writers out there? Preferable in the sci-fi arena.
Can't think of any, and
Alien 5 definitely needs to be horror.
Quote from: Chris!(($$))! on Aug 21, 2015, 07:03:37 AM
Imagine a Scott produced, Cameron written, Blomkamp directed...
Actually my personal preference would probably be Scott produced, Cameron written, Fincher directed.
That would be incredible. The only person I might get more excited than Fincher's return over, might be George Miller.
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Aug 21, 2015, 01:32:37 PM
QuoteShould BLOMKAMP and SCOTT pursue story input from CAMERON?
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Most times I would agree except in this case, and maybe as a general rule, when you are making a sequel to any series passes the 2nd or 3rd, I think you need more eyes on the ball than less. I was thinking with Prometheus, Scotts visuals and perversity was present enough but both writers takes on the script coild have used a 3rd writer to polish it... It would be good if as a courtesey Cameron checked in on this. With Sigourney and Scott involved Im sure he will at least have the chance to read it. Whether he wants to make a statement... Who knows
Quote from: Dan Grant on Aug 21, 2015, 03:42:26 PM
Quote from: whiterabbit on Aug 21, 2015, 11:32:16 AM
Isn't there any good horror script writers out there? Preferable in the sci-fi arena.
Can't think of any, and Alien 5 definitely needs to be horror.
I said the same thing about Prometheus. Trailer packaged it as horror and it looked pretty good. : )
Quote from: CainsSon on Aug 22, 2015, 01:24:31 AM
Most times I would agree except in this case, and maybe as a general rule, when you are making a sequel to any series passes the 2nd or 3rd, I think you need more eyes on the ball than less. I was thinking with Prometheus, Scotts visuals and perversity was present enough but both writers takes on the script coild have used a 3rd writer to polish it... It would be good if as a courtesey Cameron checked in on this. With Sigourney and Scott involved Im sure he will at least have the chance to read it. Whether he wants to make a statement... Who knows
The problem with Scott, Blomkamp and Cameron all contributing towards the script is that you will now have three A-type personalities trying to impose their respective "visions" on the film. You'll basically end up with a "three captains, one ship" situation.
What you really need is a very good script doctor who can polish and refine the vision of only one of those three auteurs.
That's only applicable if they all have an oar in the actual writing process. Merely being consulted is different.
And as I've written elsewhere, I suspect he already has been keyed in on what the story ideas were for the Scott/Cameron/Weaver project which never happened.
Would also be a little nervous, these days, about Cameron being involved. He apparently helped out with the story of 'Genisys', openly said he was pleased with the end result and look how that ended up.
I'd rather Blomkamp commit to a vision of his own than go through the process of consulting Cameron for what will surely amount to nothing more than a marketing opportunity (see: Terminator Genisys).
Quote from: NickisSmart on Aug 24, 2015, 01:16:59 PM
Quote from: Dan Grant on Aug 21, 2015, 03:42:26 PM
Quote from: whiterabbit on Aug 21, 2015, 11:32:16 AM
Isn't there any good horror script writers out there? Preferable in the sci-fi arena.
Can't think of any, and Alien 5 definitely needs to be horror.
I said the same thing about Prometheus. Trailer packaged it as horror and it looked pretty good. : )
Except
Prometheus wasn't horror, it was straight sci-fi thriller. I saw it on its debut night and not one person screamed. When
Alien came out people were puking and running and screaming...
That's my point. Is whatever the film is advertised as, it needs to be. I think a lot of people were disappointed with Prometheus because it wasn't what it was advertised as.
Quote from: Gazz on Aug 24, 2015, 04:52:37 PM
I'd rather Blomkamp commit to a vision of his own than go through the process of consulting Cameron for what will surely amount to nothing more than a marketing opportunity (see: Terminator Genisys).
Bringing Cameron on board in some capacity would be the greatest thing this film could possibly ask for, but I do worry that it might end up being just a marketing ploy. This is a continuation of a Cameron film. Release the Cameron!
BLOMKAMP should stay as far away as he can from SCOTT's story inputs.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Goddamn it people, can't someone put the horror back into alien. Like it was said a few posts back I thought Prometheus was going to scare the shit out of me, Ridley Scott even claimed that in the lead up. All I left with after watching it was stone dry undies and utter "da fuk did I just watch".
Quote from: whiterabbit on Aug 24, 2015, 10:48:16 PM
Goddamn it people, can't someone put the horror back into alien. Like it was said a few posts back I thought Prometheus was going to scare the shit out of me, Ridley Scott even claimed that in the lead up. All I left with after watching it was stone dry undies and utter "da fuk did I just watch".
It depends on now you define horror. Scary is good IMO. But gore for the sake of gore is boring IMO. I mean look at how gory AVPR was and it blew chunks. Aliens was actually scary the first time you watched it. Cameron struck the perfect balance between fear and action. We need Cameron's input in this series big time.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 21, 2015, 07:14:23 AM
Whilst not necessarily Cameron, I do feel it'd be beneficial for Blomkamp to get some help in the script area with Alien 3.2. No idea who though - can't really think of any particular person who has impressed me of late.
I think Alex Garland would be perfect for script duties.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Aug 24, 2015, 11:01:51 PM
Quote from: whiterabbit on Aug 24, 2015, 10:48:16 PM
Goddamn it people, can't someone put the horror back into alien. Like it was said a few posts back I thought Prometheus was going to scare the shit out of me, Ridley Scott even claimed that in the lead up. All I left with after watching it was stone dry undies and utter "da fuk did I just watch".
It depends on now YouTube define horror. Scary is good IMO. But gore for the sake of gore is boring IMO. I mean look at how gory AVPR was and it blew chunks. Aliens was actually scary the first time you watched it. Cameron struck the perfect balance between fear and action. We need Cameron's input in this series big time.
Aliens isn't a horror film.
It was action-horror. It combined both genres successfully. If you don't remember it featuring any horror, then rewatch, say, the nursery scene.
Quote from: Xenomorphine on Aug 25, 2015, 02:26:36 AM
It was action-horror. It combined both genres successfully. If you don't remember it featuring any horror, then rewatch, say, the nursery scene.
The first appearance of the aliens was genuinely horrific as well.
It's all horrific. Aliens was a really intimidating film in its day, not just for the horror but also its tension mounting. I dunno why lately it's popular to sum it up as an action movie. It's not even action in the same sense as an "action movie." It's more like a survival movie. Aliens is definitely a horror movie primarily though.
Considering that the last two movies Cameron has churned at two of the corniest, most cliche ridden snooze fests ever, no, absolutely not.
Quote from: Dan Grant on Aug 24, 2015, 05:12:56 PM
Except Prometheus wasn't horror, it was straight sci-fi thriller. I saw it on its debut night and not one person screamed. When Alien came out people were puking and running and screaming...
You wont get that kind of response any more - not unless it's gore porn which I really don't want. AvPR tried to give us that it was terrible.
Quote from: GQSioux on Aug 24, 2015, 11:15:51 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 21, 2015, 07:14:23 AM
Whilst not necessarily Cameron, I do feel it'd be beneficial for Blomkamp to get some help in the script area with Alien 3.2. No idea who though - can't really think of any particular person who has impressed me of late.
I think Alex Garland would be perfect for script duties.
I've not been terribly impressed with what I've seen from Garland. I thought 28 Days Later was over-rated and his Halo script was just terrible.
Quote from: Omegamorph on Aug 24, 2015, 09:15:07 PM
BLOMKAMP should stay as far away as he can from SCOTT's story inputs.
Indeed. Scott's story ideas tend to blow chunks.
Quote from: Dan Grant on Aug 24, 2015, 05:12:56 PM
When Alien came out people were puking and running and screaming...
That was only during the test screenings. A lot of gore was cut out for the final theatrical cut to make it more palatable.
Quote from: Second Test ScreeningPeople jumped up, some actually ran, there was spewing in the loo," laughs Powell. Myth may have embellished truth, but stories run wild of ushers keeling over; someone actually tripping and breaking their arm; audience members fighting to find seats further back, not to be so close anymore; those who made it to the toilets stuffing towels in the speakers to drown out the screams. Fox supremo Alan Ladd Jr. had taken his wife, and claims to this day that she is still traumatised by that evening
Quote from: GQSioux on Aug 24, 2015, 11:15:51 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 21, 2015, 07:14:23 AM
Whilst not necessarily Cameron, I do feel it'd be beneficial for Blomkamp to get some help in the script area with Alien 3.2. No idea who though - can't really think of any particular person who has impressed me of late.
I think Alex Garland would be perfect for script duties.
Did you ever check out
Dredd,
Sunshine or
Ex Machina?
Dredd was actually pretty good..
Quote from: GQSioux on Aug 26, 2015, 09:53:06 PM
Quote from: GQSioux on Aug 24, 2015, 11:15:51 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 21, 2015, 07:14:23 AM
Whilst not necessarily Cameron, I do feel it'd be beneficial for Blomkamp to get some help in the script area with Alien 3.2. No idea who though - can't really think of any particular person who has impressed me of late.
I think Alex Garland would be perfect for script duties.
Did you ever check out Dredd, Sunshine or Ex Machina?
Good point! I forgot about Dredd and Sunshine. I enjoyed both - thought Sunshine fell apart a bit at the end, but was still a good ride. Haven't seen Ex Machina yet but I've heard nothing but good things. I keep meaning to pick it up.
I loved the heck out of 'Dredd', but wish the writer(s) had paid more attention to Dredd's characterisation. there were a couple of scenes which felt out of character for him.
Quote from: Xenomorphine on Aug 27, 2015, 11:57:55 AM
There were a couple of scenes which felt out of character for him.
Spoiler
The part were he gave Ma-Ma a shot of slo-mo before shoving her through the window?
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Aug 27, 2015, 12:48:30 PM
Spoiler
The part were he gave Ma-Ma a shot of slo-mo before shoving her through the window?
Spoiler
Brutally beating up the thug in custody, along with the part where he let the homeless guy off with just a warning. He's meant to take the law to a ridiculous, utterly by-the-book extreme.
Quote from: Xenomorphine on Aug 27, 2015, 09:17:59 PM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Aug 27, 2015, 12:48:30 PM
Spoiler
The part were he gave Ma-Ma a shot of slo-mo before shoving her through the window?
Spoiler
Brutally beating up the thug in custody, along with the part where he let the homeless guy off with just a warning. He's meant to take the law to a ridiculous, utterly by-the-book extreme.
Spoiler
Brutally beating the thug in custody -- understandable by any means.
Letting the homeless guy off -- "but prioritize the murders?" "Correct" -- would have been completely illogical to put that before the murders.
Spoiler
it just felt very out of character. Dredd shouldn't have crossed the line into such an obviously illegal act in the first case, while he'd have just called in back-up to take care of the vagrant. His entire personality revolves around going to extremes to uphold the law by any possible means. He's a walking stereotype.
I did like the film, as I say, it's just that those two scenes feel like they should have been written differently.
Cameron's probably pretty busy working on Avatar anyways or riding around in a submarine in the trench of some deep ocean looking for NTIs. At this point, Cameron was pleased with the work that was done in Terminator 5. If he approves that film (and to be fair, it was a pretty nice tribute to Cameron's work) then I think he'll probably approve of Blomkamp's "return to the roots" that he probably has planned for Alien 5.
Quote from: Xenomorphine on Aug 27, 2015, 09:17:59 PM
Spoiler
Brutally beating up the thug in custody, along with the part where he let the homeless guy off with just a warning. He's meant to take the law to a ridiculous, utterly by-the-book extreme.
Spoiler
The Judge brutality bit didn't bother me too much. Ma-Ma had just pulverized an entire floor with her mini-guns and dozens of innocent bystanders were killed. Dredd had to get information out of Kay to figure out why she went to such extremes in order to minimize further civilian casualties.
With regards to the vagrant, the Lawbook might have stated that a warning should be issued if it's a first offence. If that was the case Dredd would still be following the law to the letter.
But giving Ma-Ma a hit of Slo-Mo before chucking her off the top of the building just seemed a little bit sadistic and vengeful for a man that doesn't really harbour much in the way of emotions. And I can't imagine that the lawbook would approve of such an action either.
There was another iffy scene that was cut from the film and replaced with alternate footage. After Zwirner exists the overturned van, Dredd shoots through an innocent woman who was blocking his aim. He then tells her a medvan is on the way and she need not worry 'cause he deliberately didn't hit any vital organs.
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/11050802_349092255298540_6146703939434282828_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/10996589_349091771965255_7668668425049829516_o.jpg)
It would make sense to at least to consult with Cameron on his thoughts of the continuing adventures of his family unit of Ripley, Newt and Hicks.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 27, 2015, 07:38:18 AM
Quote from: GQSioux on Aug 26, 2015, 09:53:06 PM
Quote from: GQSioux on Aug 24, 2015, 11:15:51 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 21, 2015, 07:14:23 AM
Whilst not necessarily Cameron, I do feel it'd be beneficial for Blomkamp to get some help in the script area with Alien 3.2. No idea who though - can't really think of any particular person who has impressed me of late.
I think Alex Garland would be perfect for script duties.
Did you ever check out Dredd, Sunshine or Ex Machina?
Good point! I forgot about Dredd and Sunshine. I enjoyed both - thought Sunshine fell apart a bit at the end, but was still a good ride. Haven't seen Ex Machina yet but I've heard nothing but good things. I keep meaning to pick it up.
Don't miss it! Really classy stuff.
Quote from: TheBATMAN on Aug 28, 2015, 02:01:51 PM
It would make sense to at least to consult with Cameron on his thoughts of the continuing adventures of his family unit of Ripley, Newt and Hicks.
Totally, blomkamp's whole premise revolves around doing justice to James Cameron's aliens. It makes sense to consult with the master.
Who was it that wrote Insidious and The Babadook? Whoever it was, if they put their mind/s to it they could write something pretty friggen scary.
"Should BLOMKAMP and SCOTT pursue story input from CAMERON?"
Big-ass NO. Cameron has done enough already as it is.
Quote from: SpreadEagleBeagle on Aug 29, 2015, 10:01:43 PM
"Should BLOMKAMP and SCOTT pursue story input from CAMERON?"
Big-ass NO. Cameron has done enough already as it is.
Do you mean that in a sense like he's somehow damaged the franchise? Seriously?
Cameron TURNED THE ALIENS INTO BUGS. The creators of the first film NEVER INTENDED THE ALIEN TO BE INSECT-LIKE OR INSECT-INSPIRED. No WAY IN HELL. Cameron is EVIL. To this day, his diet consists in drinking the tears of Alien purists.
QuoteCameron is EVIL
To be fair, this is probably true. :laugh: But damn, he makes a good movie!
Quote from: whiterabbit on Aug 21, 2015, 11:32:16 AM
Isn't there any good horror script writers out there? Preferable in the sci-fi arena.
Alex Garland. He's too good for this though.
Quote from: SpreadEagleBeagle on Aug 29, 2015, 10:01:43 PM
"Should BLOMKAMP and SCOTT pursue story input from CAMERON?"
Big-ass NO. Cameron has done enough already as it is.
Sadly I have to agree. Considering Cameron's support for Terminator Genisys and his statement that AVP was the third best alien film I think he may have lost his mind.
Wha? When did Cameron support AVP? I thought he was dead set against it?
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Sep 09, 2015, 10:40:17 PM
Wha? When did Cameron support AVP? I thought he was dead set against it?
During an interview with Quint from "aint it cool news".
Here's the relevant quote:
JAMES CAMERON: Then I saw ALIEN VS PREDATOR and it was actually pretty good. (laughs) I think of the 5 ALIEN films, I'd rate it 3rd.
QUINT: Ummm...
JAMES CAMERON: I actually liked it. I actually liked it a lot.source: http://www.aintitcool.com/node/22405 (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/22405)
That's not to say he thought it wasn't silly. The fact he laughs during that quote may be an indication of that. I think a lot of people enjoyed it when it came out even though it was a stupid movie. There's also this, for what it's worth:
QuoteJAMES CAMERON: Then I saw ALIEN VS PREDATOR and it was actually pretty good. (laughs) I think of the 5 ALIEN films, I'd rate it 3rd.
Probably more of a jab at 3 & 4, rather than genuine praise of AVP.
He was against it because he was always under the assumption it was be like a 'Godzilla' formula, where it's just nothing but monster fights for the heck of it.
At least the first of the AVP films attempted to be more than that, story-wise, even if it wasn't as effective as it wanted to be. I still maintain that if Anderson had been in 'Event Horizon' mindset, instead of 'Resident Evil' mindset, the same basic story could have been presented in a much more atmospheric and chilling way.
Event Horizon wasn't terrible. For what it was, I enjoyed it, largely because it succeeded at being something appropriate for the genre. It felt at home. Resident Evil wasn't the Gothic/Survival Horror film it should've been, and thus felt like it was having an identity crisis, and missing some important context in regards to the source material; AVP was far too truncated and accelerated for it's own good, and also didn't seem to understand the film(s) made before it. Though perhaps I should scrutinize the Dark Horse graphic novels, instead, but coming at AVP purely from a moviegoer's perspective, I feel as though the homage the film should have been paying to the classics was sorely lacking.
That being said, I wouldn't have cared had it been well-made. Alas, for a film called Aliens versus Predator, there was very little actual combat. I liked these parts, more or less, but there wasn't nearly enough of it to justify the other 70-or-so minutes of boring human characters. There was little in the way of memorable suspense, dialogue or character interactions.
Quote from: NickisSmart on Sep 12, 2015, 09:04:41 PM
Event Horizon wasn't terrible. For what it was, I enjoyed it, largely because it succeeded at being something appropriate for the genre. It felt at home. Resident Evil wasn't the Gothic/Survival Horror film it should've been, and thus felt like it was having an identity crisis, and missing some important context in regards to the source material; AVP was far too truncated and accelerated for it's own good, and also didn't seem to understand the film(s) made before it. Though perhaps I should scrutinize the Dark Horse graphic novels, instead, but coming at AVP purely from a moviegoer's perspective, I feel as though the homage the film should have been paying to the classics was sorely lacking.
That being said, I wouldn't have cared had it been well-made. Alas, for a film called Aliens versus Predator, there was very little actual combat. I liked these parts, more or less, but there wasn't nearly enough of it to justify the other 70-or-so minutes of boring human characters. There was little in the way of memorable suspense, dialogue or character interactions.
1. The comic book homage was good. The characters were just too weak because very little went into them probably because of the time spent trying to execute the conflict... Besides, establishing new ground with AvP by paying homage to the previous installments sounds rather wasteful... I mean look at what it did to Predators.
2. There was very little of everything. I wouldn't have expected that the fight scenes would be above average.
3. I agree, this buried the concept completely. Essentially it was a good idea but it was just executed so poorly.
I definitely think they should, especially since Blompkamp seems to want to continue from Aliens. Just consult Cameron on some ideas, some of the plot/themes and use what you want from that.
Quote from: Xenomorphine on Sep 12, 2015, 08:21:49 PMI still maintain that if Anderson had been in 'Event Horizon' mindset, instead of 'Resident Evil' mindset, the same basic story could have been presented in a much more atmospheric and chilling way.
This.
There were things I liked in the first
AVP. It was just killed off by the child-friendly tone. Well, and the fact they set it on Earth in the present.
Can't say I rate any of Cameron's script writing efforts, so his involvement wouldn't add anything for me.
I said this in another thread, but after witnessing The Martian, I think Ridley should at least consult with Drew Goddard (The Martian, Cabin in the Woods, Lost, Cloverfield) on the Alien: Paradise Lost screenplay since they just worked together and already have a winner on their hands.
Quote from: NickisSmart on Aug 24, 2015, 07:55:11 PM
That's my point. Is whatever the film is advertised as, it needs to be. I think a lot of people were disappointed with Prometheus because it wasn't what it was advertised as.
Was I the only one who thought the trailers fit fine? :-\
Quote from: Alien³ on Oct 01, 2015, 11:01:47 PM
Quote from: NickisSmart on Aug 24, 2015, 07:55:11 PM
That's my point. Is whatever the film is advertised as, it needs to be. I think a lot of people were disappointed with Prometheus because it wasn't what it was advertised as.
Was I the only one who thought the trailers fit fine? :-\
No, I'm with you on this one. The movie was a great fulfillment of the ads.
Quote from: GQSioux on Oct 01, 2015, 08:36:56 PM
I said this in another thread, but after witnessing The Martian, I think Ridley should at least consult with Drew Goddard (The Martian, Cabin in the Woods, Lost, Cloverfield) on the Alien: Paradise Lost screenplay since they just worked together and already have a winner on their hands.
I agree completely. Ridley needs talented people around him who understand their vision and their craft. It all worked for The Martian.
Quote from: Alien³ on Oct 01, 2015, 11:01:47 PM
Quote from: NickisSmart on Aug 24, 2015, 07:55:11 PM
That's my point. Is whatever the film is advertised as, it needs to be. I think a lot of people were disappointed with Prometheus because it wasn't what it was advertised as.
Was I the only one who thought the trailers fit fine? :-\
I didn't think they fit. The trailer advertised a cerebral horror film. The film I got was a mess. :-\
BLOMKAMP is a good director and average writer, (there hundreds of directors that are just good, but they are the ones with "Blockbusters ) I really enjoyed his previous films especially " Elysium" , it has been a 'Dream team of Scott and Cameron , by a lot Alien fans, myself included. Alien and Aliens are superb classics , What the fifth film needs is a new writer with a fresh perspective, Ridley Scott has said on various sound bites ,that the Alien is is not the frightening creature it once was. I disagree myself . I envision the three of them having dinner at some high end restaurant with Cameron and Scott giving advice to Blomkamp (he as to pay the check } . In end though , " Alien 5" will be superb .
Alien 5 might work. But Blomkamp is an uneven director who already seems constrained by repetative themes in his films, and any Alien film that has to resort to binging Ripley back, let alone any of her Aliens co-stars, doesn't instill a great deal of confidence in me.
From what I remember, he had already written a basic story and it was talking to Weaver which convinced him to put her character in it. So, Ripley's inclusion won't be the bare bones of the story's structure. It'll be something which could have happened regardless of that character.
There was no 'resorting', just a fortuitous coincidence that she was interested.
Fair enough, but in my view Alien always being tied to the character of Ripley is dull, and at this stage seems regressive and repetitive. It's just another element that makes the project look like fan-boy material.
Quote from: Gash on Oct 04, 2015, 11:22:41 PM
Fair enough, but in my view Alien always being tied to the character of Ripley is dull, and at this stage seems regressive and repetitive. It's just another element that makes the project look like fan-boy material.
Makes it a lot easier to sell to executives if Weaver
wants to be involved.
Quote from: Xenomorphine on Oct 05, 2015, 12:03:54 PM
Quote from: Gash on Oct 04, 2015, 11:22:41 PM
Fair enough, but in my view Alien always being tied to the character of Ripley is dull, and at this stage seems regressive and repetitive. It's just another element that makes the project look like fan-boy material.
Makes it a lot easier to sell to executives if Weaver wants to be involved.
Well precisely, and we know how inspired and imaginative execs are. They're looking for the formulaic.