The android characters of the first two films in the Alien franchise are perhaps its most
intriguing. The first was a cold hearted
company man, the second a gentle yet brave scientist. On the surface, they were deceptively human. A closer look revealed that something was
clearly missing. The first Alien visualized this revelation with
perhaps one of the most shocking and icky plot twists in science fiction
history. The upcoming Prometheus plans not only to explore the
origins of the deadly xenomorph, but of the artificial people that have played
such a major role in the Alien
mythology. The latest viral video gives
us a glimpse into Weyland industries greatest triumph.
Happy Birthday David
is essentially a commercial for the 8th generation David, a predecessor
to ash from Alien. David is a wondrous creation indeed. He can appreciate beauty. He can give his own personal interpretations
of abstract images. He has the ability
to think, reason, and understand. He
does not, however, have the ability to feel.
Per his own admission, he claims to be able to carry out directives that
his human counterparts might find”…distressing or unethical.” David has all of the best qualities of the
human mind and none of its pesky drawbacks.
Weyland industries claims to be merely making robots that
are more lifelike and less robotic. In
reality (the fictional reality of Prometheus
and the Alien films, of course), It
seems that they are actually trying to improve on humanity. Weyland has created the perfect sociopath,
one that can follow orders and is able to be programmed. David suggests that man sees his own sensitivy
and empathy as a hindrance to progress and betterment. Just as Ash described the xenomorph itself,
these androids are “unclouded by conscience, remorse, or delusions of morality.”
Religious types will correctly see them
as an abomination, an example of man playing God by trying to improve on God’s
greatest creation. That ties in nicely
with the themes of the film. Such ideas are
perhaps more disturbing than any number of gory visuals and jump scares that
Sir Ridley Scott may trot out.
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