The film that launched director Ridley Scott’s international career, as well as that of actress Sigourney Weaver with her iconic portrayal of Officer Ripley, also spawned the predatory xenomorph of its title, a sinuous sci-fi creature like no other, designed by Swiss surrealist H.R. Giger who deservedly won the Visual Effects Academy Award for his contribution to the film.

Based on figures from Giger’s own original lithographs, the Alien and its accompanying features reflected the artist’s over-arching interest in depicting biomechanical forms, an element integral to the film’s themes and plot.

While the womb-like setting evokes stagnation and claustrophobia, a soundtrack made up of industrial wails and groans builds the necessary tension around each of the seven crewmembers’ alien encounters. One of the greatest films of its genre. (Notes by Alice Butler.)

Screening as part of 70mm: The Big Picture, a season of films showing on 70mm at the IFI from Jun 4th to 29th.

Tickets for all 70mm screenings: €12