Batchpool
MemberFacehuggerMay 19, 2017Before watching Alien Covenant I had already subjected myself to the marketing machine and taken in some of the early reviews. It was this point that I realised I had created a rod for my own back. I was forming an opinion based on no facts what so ever. This could have led to me falling into the trap of anticipating what kind of film Covenant is, and second guessing what my initial viewing was going to be like. I needed to press the reset button.
After glossing over more reviews it occurred to me that there were some details jumping out. It was the nature of the criticism and how opinions appeared divided.
Instead of watching any Alien film, or watching Prometheus before viewing Covenant, I cleared my mind by watching the movie Head by the Monkees.
Head was made in 1968 and co-written by Bob Rafelson and an unknown Jack Nicholson.
One of the most noticeable features about Head is the plot. It does’nt appear to have one. The structure of the movie is built upon a collection of scenes that are designed to make a statement, and causes havoc with pacing. The film started off as a disaster area, and especially at the box office.
Over time the concept of the movie has been influential among film makers such as David Lynch who is keen on the use of fabulism in his movies. Another film maker who likes to use fabulism is Ridley Scott and after seeing Alien Covenant, I am convinced Ridley Scott has been influenced by concepts found in Head.
I like Alien Covenant a lot. However, I feel I would have not appreciated it as much if my initial viewing had not been preceded by Head. It is only now when looking at the use of heads in both Prometheus and Alien Covenant than I think there could be a big nod to Head. It is worth checking out.
Is anyone else here familiar with Head ?
Cheers Lone. One of the concepts of Head, is that what you see at the beginning, you might see at the end. As of yet, there is a scene with Walter at the start of the movie that despite all the spoilers and reviews, no one to the best of my knowledge has picked up on. I’ve seen one thread on this forum that seemed to touch upon it.
Now, I’ve said this, I think you will know it when you see it.
By going to watch Covenant with a clear head, I think I was able to pick up on things more, than going in with an obscured expectation.
