‘There’s This Constant Connection…’: Alien: Romulus Director Explains Meaning Behind Film’s Title

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As a lifestyle expert with a deep-rooted passion for cinema and a keen eye for symbolism, I find myself thoroughly intrigued by the latest revelation about the naming of Alien: Romulus. Having spent countless hours dissecting the nuances of various films throughout my life, I can appreciate the depth that director Fede Álvarez has injected into this title.

The Alien film series revolutionized the science fiction genre in cinema, and the newest addition, Alien: Covenant, sparked great interest among viewers. A question that has puzzled fans is why this movie bears the title “Covenant.” Now, director and screenwriter Fede Álvarez is shedding light on the meaning behind the name.

In the year 1997, I found myself captivated by the initial installment of the Alien series that graced the silver screen. Guided by the visionary hand of Ridley Scott, this movie set a new standard for experimental science fiction in Hollywood. The narrative unfolds around the crew of the commercial space tug, Nostromo, who stumble upon an enigmatic spaceship on an uncharted planetoid. This encounter brings them face-to-face with a ruthless extraterrestrial being, forcing them to devise strategies for their survival.

After initially being released, the film turned into a massive box office success, leading to multiple sequels and expansions. Directed by Scott, this movie has received widespread praise from both critics and audiences, boasting a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 93%.

On August 23, 2024, news broke about the upcoming release of the movie “Alien: Romulus.” Curious fans started speculating as to why the directors had selected the title “Romulus.”

In response to numerous inquiries and questions, Director Alvarez provided a comprehensive clarification. According to Fede, the film’s primary action unfolds aboard the crippled spacecraft, the Renaissance, which orbits around a colony planet named Jackson’s Star. This damaged vessel is divided into two parts: Romulus and Remus.

As an ardent admirer, I’ve always been captivated by the intriguing backstory of the names in Ridley Scott’s masterpiece, Alien. The director herself, Romulus, revealed that these names are rooted in a fascinating Roman myth about twin brothers, nurtured from infancy by a she-wolf. In this legend, it is said that my namesake, Romulus, tragically killed his brother, Remus, and went on to found the city and empire of Rome, which he named after himself, creating an eternal testament to his reign.

As a devotee following the intriguing patterns, I’ve noticed that Weyland-Yutani exhibits a distinct leaning towards Roman mythology. Their celestial bodies often bear names reminiscent of Roman rivers. In line with this trend, the planet where Hadley’s Hope colony is situated in “Aliens,” namely Acheron, derives its name from the river in Greek and Roman folklore that serves as the passage to the underworld for souls of the deceased.

The title “Alien: Romulus” hints at the core theme of familial bonds in this story. Echoing its predecessor, the narrative of “Alien: Romulus” revolves around a compact band of humans and an android.

In terms of timeline, the movie titled “Alien: Romulus” falls between the events depicted in “Alien (1979)” and “Aliens (1986)”. This upcoming film, set to hit theaters on August 23, 2024, features an ensemble cast including Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu. It marks the seventh installment in the Alien franchise.

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2024-08-07 13:24