Technological Anachronisms
Starbeast
MemberOvomorphJanuary 21, 20121570 Views27 RepliesIt's always a cause for concern in the sci-fi genre when a prequel is created many years after the original film, because the depiction of technological advancement may be contradictory. The reason being, when the original film would have been created - assuming it was set in the future - the cutting edge of technological ideas would have been employed. However, when creating a prequel many years later, these technological ideas would have advanced further but would be anachronistic to introduce into the prequel of the original film that has older and out-dated technologies to start with.
You all know what I'm getting at here in spite of my poor explanation, but I want to explain for the benefit of any rookies we have onboard.
So with respect to Prometheus versus Alien, the spacesuits look more advanced in Prometheus, which to me is a bona fide break in continuity. Furthermore, we haven't seen too much of the computers in Prometheus but judging by the trailer, it's all touchscreens and colorful displays, which again would be more advanced than the hardware/software depicted in Alien.
As a creative, I hope Ridley can provide good explanations for the technology or even hold back on going nuts with it in order to preserve continuity. Without such consideration the connection between Promethus and Alien will be jarred.
Is it just me, or does anyone else have these concerns? Will it spoil The enjoyment of the film for you if we have a Phantom Menace on our hands?
January 21, 2012
The answer to your query seems obvious to me, so I will add my two cents...
Prometheus - Prototype tech, company funded.
Alien - Glorified Tugboat Nostromo (old tech)
Aliens - Warship Sulaco (military tech)
Alien 3 - Backend waterhole Prison (practically no tech)
Alien Rez - Actually had advanced tech
In other words...
The crew of Prometheus have the best tech because they are directly funded by Weyland Corp and so get the best, new stuff.
The Crew of Nostromo had an old battered tugboat, made with old battered tech.
The crew of Sulaco, well the military have never been one for flair have they, just function.
The Inmates of Fury 161, well it was well established it was a sh*thole.
Hope that clears it up.
January 21, 2012
Weyland Corp will merge/buy out Yutani Corp at some point between Prometheus and Alien, if not at the end of Prometheus, to maintain continuity with Alien
January 21, 2012
If I recall it was Ron Cobb whom took the name Leyland (a popular lorry manufacturer at the time) renamed it Weyland and decided to mix it with the name of his (or was it Ridleys) neighbour, Yutani.
Weyland-Yutani (missing the 'd' in Alien, but restored in Aliens onwards) was born and envisioned as a massive corporation that mixed British engineering with Japanese invention, a meeting of two strengths so to speak, but one company. Although it was never inferred that two companies become one, is was also never refuted.
Weyland is one company, Yutani is another company, Weyland-Yutani is two companies become one big company.
Now, with Prometheus with have the Weyland Corp, thus for Yutani to be added to the companies title they must merge/buyout a company name Yutani.
Before the events of Alien Rez Weyland-Yutani was sold to Wal-mart, and the name was no longer used, thus by the time of Alien Rez WY no longer existed.
January 21, 2012
Sparky I know you're Canadian but come on man...
"England is back on its feet and has united with the Japanese"
England united with Japanese, a merging, two become one.
In Prometheus we have just Weyland Corp, wheres the Yutani?
January 21, 2012
Okay, so explain...
In Prometheus we have just Weyland Corp, wheres the Yutani?
January 21, 2012
LOL Sparky I love the way you bumbled through that one.
Obviously its just Weyland (One company) in Prometheus
The fact that there is no Yutani in the companies name in Prometheus is the hint at a merger, which everyone pretty much presumes anyway. As examplified in Alien 3 with Lance as Bishop II sporting a British accent with a Japanese cohert.
End of the day it doesn't matter, there are more important riddles to solve and truths to be urged.
Sparky... what is your opinion on the last thread i started Space Jockeys and Derelicts?
