August 16th 2024.
Fede Álvarez, the director of the latest installment in the iconic space horror franchise, Alien, has confirmed that the new film, titled Romulus, will rely heavily on practical effects. In an age where CGI dominates Hollywood, Álvarez wanted to bring back the beloved style of filmmaking that was once the norm.
Romulus is the seventh official installment in the sci-fi franchise, following Sir Ridley Scott's Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. While the latter may not have been well-received by audiences, the original Alien and James Cameron's Aliens are considered classics and served as inspiration for Álvarez's return to the franchise.
During a special screening earlier this summer, Álvarez gave fans a sneak peek at the making of the film. He revealed that he was very involved in the production process, even going as far as to puppeteer the Facehuggers and work on some of the visual effects himself. His rule of thumb was to use practical effects whenever possible, avoiding green screens and relying on handmade miniatures for CG shots.
This dedication to practical effects has already impressed fans who have seen the film, as Romulus delivers all the terrifying alien attacks and gore that fans have come to expect from the franchise. Álvarez believes that immersion in the story and believability of the effects are crucial for the audience's enjoyment, something that sets him apart from other blockbuster directors in Hollywood.
Speaking about the trend of CGI-heavy superhero movies, Álvarez stated that he wants to "fool" the audience and make them believe what they are seeing is real. He believes that many movies today have given up on this aspect, but he and his team have worked hard to make sure the creatures in Romulus feel authentic.
The new film follows in the footsteps of the original Alien and Aliens by using a combination of animatronics and a stunt performer in a suit to bring the iconic Xenomorph to life. Álvarez even shared his first experience seeing the Xenomorph in the suit, admitting that it was both funny and thrilling.
Romulus takes place between the events of Alien and Aliens, following a group of young space colonists who stumble upon a derelict space station and encounter the terrifying alien creature. The film stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, Aileen Wu, and Archie Renaux, and promises to deliver plenty of scares and thrills.
Despite the challenges of using practical effects, Álvarez believes that it was worth it to create a more immersive and believable experience for the audience. He hopes that Romulus will bring back the sense of awe and wonder that practical effects were once able to achieve in movies.
Romulus is currently in theaters, and Álvarez's dedication to practical effects has already impressed viewers. The director promises a terrifying and thrilling experience for fans of the franchise, and it seems that he has delivered on that promise. Don't miss the latest installment in the Alien franchise, in theaters now.
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