Of all the Alien films in the franchise, this is by far the most underrated. Directed by David Fincher in his first feature length film, ‘Alien³’ (1992) is a thrilling, chilling, and exciting action horror movie, that deserves a renaissances by the fans. The typical tropes from the first film are all still there, with creepy and suspenseful horror. Then the heavy paced action is all there again from the sequel, all tied up in an early 1990’s style film. This has always been one of my favorites of the franchise, and even on a rewatch, and getting to see the extended version of almost two and a half hours, I still just adore this third installment of the series. 

The 1990’s were full of a new generation and filmmakers. Movies like ‘State Of Grace’ (1990), ‘Resevior Dogs’ (1992), ‘Man Bites Dog’ (1992), ‘Romeo Is Bleeding’ (1993), and ‘Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead’ (1995) were all getting pushed out by real filmmakers. Thrillers were on the rise, and cinema was coming back to life. ‘Alien³’ (1992) falls into the thriller as well, but it’s also so much more. Of course there is the sci-fi aspect of the entire film. Plus the connections to the horror and the action from the previous ones. However, it is a great example of the stuff that was coming out at the time. Thrilling and suspenseful to say the least, perfect for a franchise like this. 

So there are some positives and some negatives when it comes to the aesthetic of this film. The positives are how the film feels like based on the outline of the world created. I love these types of films where it’s grimy and dirty all the way through, and at parts you can tell it’s a bit of a set, but it’s still an impressive one to say the least. This movie has always fallen into the comparison of ‘Hellraiser’ (1987), ‘Cube’ (1997), and ‘Event Horizon’ (1997). There is such a dirty feel to the films that really fit the mold of what they are showing. This makes the horror more intense, while fitting the world as well. Now the CGI in the movie definitely doesn’t hold up, and seeing the Xenomorph climbing the walls as a blob of CGI, definitely takes me out of the film. At the end of the day, the aesthetic really does work though, and makes the movie one of a kind in the series. 

The impressive cast for this small film always leaves me in shock. There are some great names that show up on screen, even when you don’t expect it. Of course, Sigourney Weaver leads the cast of misfits in a prison film on top of an alien movie. Some of the actors she is leading are Charles S. Dutton, Charles Dance, Brian Glover, Holt McCallany, and Pete Postlethwaite. Plus Lance Henriksen also shows up as the creator of Bishop. It’s always great to see names like these show up, playing into horrified and vulnerable characters. This isn’t the strong cast in the whole series, and not everyone would go on to make a big splash, but it’s still a strong delivery in casting and acting.  

David Fincher, one of the greatest minds to ever step behind the camera, helps his first feature length film, and oh was it a mess for him. Fincher admitted that he thought about never directing again because this film ruined his experience with filmmaking and the relationship to the studios. Much like David Lynch, both men have such a specific vision for their films, and they refuse to let go of the final cut. Fincher would eventually go on and make some of my favorite films in the history of cinema. It’s a shame that he says this is his least favorite film he’s made, but it makes sense, and in the context of all his other films, it is definitely pretty low, but not rock bottom. Fincher’s vision was to start in the franchise so he could make other incredible works, and that’s helped me love this film so much more because of who it helped push. 

The reputation ‘Alien³’ (1992) has is one of poor visuals and an exhausting story that drones on too long. All I am saying is if this wasn’t the movie for you back in the day, give it another try. You don’t have to participate in the extended cut, but I think a revisit is called for, and a recognition should be flourishing. David Fincher proved right off the bat that he had what it took, even if it isn’t his ideal vision due to the studios. The thrilling aspect of the entire movie, and the overall gritty 1990’s feel is just perfect, and really brings the movie to the front of the pack. If you haven’t seen this or it’s been some time since the last viewing, give this one a shot, it’s worth the watch.