Alien Audiences (eBook)

Ridley Scott's 1979 Alien has attained classic status and is one of the most analysed films by scholars. But until now, there have been no published studies of its audiences. This book presents the findings of a major project exploring how different kinds of viewers engage with the film. Based on over 1,000 responses, the authors uncover some surprising patterns and tendencies. These disclose, among other things, the remarkable role played by parents and other relatives in 'gifting' the film to their children, raising important questions about the idea of 'age-inappropriate' viewing, a fascinating ambiguity over the role of 'acting' in the notorious 'chestburster scene' and an important shift in the way audiences see Alien as 'more than just a film' once imitations and parodies become prevalent. Some particularly long and rich responses reveal how this film can go on arousing strong visceral responses, even after repeated viewings. Richly illustrated with quotations, this book will shift current understandings of horror film audiences.

Author Martin Barker: Martin Barker publishes extensively on topics as widely-ranging as censorship controversies, The Lord of the Rings, comic books and their readers, racism in contemporary Britain, and film audiences. After periods at the University of the West of England, Sussex and Aberystwyth, he is now Professor of Film & Television at the University of East Anglia, UK. Alongside his more academic work, he has conducted research for the British Board of Film Classification and worked with Picturehouse Cinemas.

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Released in 1979, Ridley Scott's Alien has come to be regarded as a classic film, and has been widely written about. But how have audiences engaged with it? This book presents the - sometimes very surprising - results of a major audience research project, exploring how people remember and continue to engage with the film.