READ: JAMES CAMERON’S LETTER TO H.R. GIGER APOLOGIZING FOR ‘ALIENS’ SNUB!
By Ronan Wright on January 21st, 2012
In deference to mounting excitement – shot through with nervous apprehension – for Alien and indeed sci-fi fans en masse, in hopeful anticipation of Ridley Scott’s upcoming (oh please, for once, let it surpass all expectations!) Alien prequel Prometheus. I thought this may be of interest to some, if not all of our readers.
So, for those of you interested in a sneak-peek into the psyche of eminent ego-maniac (some would say) and film director James Cameron, read on. The rest of you can skip on down to our list for this week.
You may well have heard of H.R.Giger. He’s the design mastermind behind the intensely unique aesthetic of the iconic Alien franchise.
You may not, however, have heard that Giger was appparently snubbed by James Cameron who neglected, it seems, to have invited the eccentric art design genius (some would say), to rejoin the design crew on the no less iconic follow up to Ridley Scott’s landmark sci-fi horror. Crucially, Aliens made heavy and repeated reference to the design concept laid down and executed so memorably by Giger in the first film.
I for one found Cameron’s humility and evident sincerity rather affecting and pleasing to read, in regard to what might (rather generously I’ll admit) be called an “oversight” on his part and which he refers to as the struggle to ‘balance creative impulses’, while attempting to put his ‘…own unique stamp on the project’. Make up your own mind below and let’s hear it in the comments!
January 21st, 2012 at 7:17 pm
I’d never read this, so I was very surprised (given Cameron’s well known ego — I still love his work) to read his thoughts in the letter. I think I’d have appreciated receiving it. I don’t know what Giger’s response was, though, and would also have been curious. Both are eminent artists in their own fields, and this type of exchange could have been quite combustable, to say the least. Great idea for a post, Ronan. Many thanks.
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Ronan Reply:
January 22nd, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Thank you Michael, I wasn’t sure how this would be recieved although I did think it would make an interesting post, at least for me to write. I’m glad you found interesting. It is good sometimes when we get a rare insight into mind of someone we know well (or, at least, know OF well). We can often take for granted what we think we know about someone in the public eye, so when you discover something about them that surprises you, it restores your faith in human nature a little (while perhaps re-affirming the unreliability of the press!) Thanks for your kind comment Michael! p.s. Let me know when you want me to feature your guest post, I’m pretty flexible. Looking forward to reading it!
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January 22nd, 2012 at 9:33 pm
Fascinating stuff…if further highlights the heightened ego of one Mr James Cameron. But, I have to say, he was right to go it alone…Aliens is a truly masterful piece of action-horror-sci-fi entertainment and his expansion of Giger’s original concepts is to be applauded. I would not change a thing about Aliens – a perfect film in my eyes – and so, unfortunately, I am glad Giger’s involvement was merely influential rather than direct. But, in addition to that, I am eternally grateful for his haunting original designs that took Scott’s original film, and by extension Cameron’s Aliens, to new levels of horror entertainment.
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Ronan Reply:
January 22nd, 2012 at 10:22 pm
Wow! Great comment Dan, thanks. I think you summed it up perfectly there. Cameron’s apology was gracious and reassuring but I agree with you that he made the right choice (always an easy statement after the fact!). I was so ‘haunted’ as you put it by Giger’s original involvement in the Alien films that I went out and bought a book of his work. I have to say I got a little more than I bargained for, Cameron wasn’t kidding when he refers to the ‘psycho-sexual’ impulses in Giger’s vision. I cannot contain my excitement about Prometheus, it is testament to the first two Alien films that I am so excited about it (plus that cast, Michael Fassbender is untouchable at the minute!). Really hope it at least meets fan expectations. Here’s hoping! Thanks for the comment Dan!
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January 23rd, 2012 at 4:33 am
Great find Ronan. I wasn’t aware of this but it certainly sounds awesome that James Cameron was willing to acknowledge H.R Giger’s contribution. I’m not sure what Giger thought of the letter but Cameron could easily have ignored him without any consequence.
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Ronan Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 12:06 pm
It is reassuring and it shows the importance of not being too hasty to judge people in the public eye. Thanks commenting Castor and apologies if you recieved an unwanted DM from me on Twitter, my account was hacked. Cheers.
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January 23rd, 2012 at 11:04 am
HEADS UP: You twitter account has been hacked. Would change your password asap. Tweets and direct messages being sent out.
Cheers,
Paul
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Ronan Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 12:07 pm
Hi Paul, thanks for the heads up, really appreciate that! I hadn’t come across one of those messages before so fell for it hook line and sinker! I’ve changed my password now so hopefully that’ll be the end of it. Cheers, R.
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January 23rd, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Yeah i got a message from you too Ronan!! pesky twitter hacks!!
Thanks for this one matey. I found it a very interesting read indeed. I love Giger’s work, so much so i was contemplating getting a tattoo of his work on my arm… not the alien, but another piece!!
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Ronan Wright Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 9:05 pm
Wow Scott, really!?! What would have got? I used to have a mini poster book of his art and some of it is twisted to say the least! Glad you enjoyed this little post, I may make it a regular item, if I can find enough of them that interesting and entertaining enough to want to read. Thanks for commenting Scott and sorry about that hack DM! Live and learn I guess!
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January 23rd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
That letter makes Cameron sound awful. The original Alien designs are iconic for a reason and it’s a shame that this happened. I’m going to be doing a write up for the Alien saga soon so check it out.
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Ronan Wright Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 11:40 pm
Hi Max, I’m surprised you thought the letter reflected poorly on Cameron, I thought it actually shows him in a good light. It seems sincere and since we have no evidence for the contrary I suppose we have to take him at his word. I think it’s good that he has the maturity to admit his mistakes. I look forward to your write up Max. Thanks for the comment!
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