TERROR IN BLACK AND WHITE

HOW VALUE & TEXTURE ARE USED TO SUBVERT AUDIENCE EXPECTATION

ALIEN remains one of the most horrifying movies of its time. Elevating the B-movie blend of science fiction and horror into an impeccably executed, highly accessible and genre-defining film, it stands as one of greatest films of its kind 45 years later.

Alien's timeless success can be attributed to its innovations in execution, its creative risk-taking, the authenticity and depth of its world-building and its masterful subversion of audience expectation.

Closely examining Ridley Scott's visual design choices reveals a clear and clever visual logic that unconsciously sets up and subverts expectations to maximize audience surprise, shock and dread:

The simple use of value, shape, texture and lighting is carefully orchestrated throughout the film for creating an even greater impact of fear, terror and release. It is an amazing demonstration of how the power of cinematic design choices can shape and enhance the audience's emotional journey.

See if you can identify the visual motif and design logic director Ridley Scott used to subconsciously set you up for one of the greatest jump scares in the history of horror, then used to guide the rest of the audience's journey of terror to the very last scene.

How does the horror and emotional impact of Alien stand up to the many sequels and countless other films that have followed it since? What are among the visual-emotional design choices that make the film so effective to you? What do you think is missing from other films that follow in its footsteps?