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Documentary

Memory: The Origins of Alien (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Memory: The Origins of Alien (2019) movie poster

Memory: The Origins of Alien is a 2019 documentary directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, starring Veronica Cartwright, Roger Corman and Roger Christian. It runs 1 hour 35 minutes and earned $37,272 worldwide. It won 1 Oscar, including Visual Effects. Critics gave it 81% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
81%
worldwide gross
$37.3K
Oscar won
1
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Memory: The Origins of Alien (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 35m (95 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Memory: The Origins of Alien About?

The premise of Memory: The Origins of Alien without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

This documentary delves into the making of Ridley Scott's iconic horror film, "Alien." It explores the creative process behind the movie, revealing the diverse influences that shaped its disturbing vision. Discover how the filmmakers drew inspiration from ancient myths, classic literature, and humanity's primal fears to construct a truly terrifying cinematic experience. The film uncovers a 40-year journey of discovery, examining the origins of one of cinema's most memorable monsters.

Memory: The Origins of Alien Themes & Keywords

· 9 tags
  • francis bacon
  • reenactment
  • facehugger
  • film history
  • film making
  • special effects
  • artist
  • film analysis
  • entertainment documentary
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Cast & crew

Memory: The Origins of Alien Cast

Veronica Cartwright leads the cast, with Roger Corman and Roger Christian. Directed by Alexandre O. Philippe; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Memory: The Origins of Alien

· 6 more
From the director

More from Alexandre O. Philippe

More films directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, best-rated first: Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on the Exorcist, Chain Reactions, William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill and The People vs. George Lucas.

Full filmography
Ratings

Memory: The Origins of Alien Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Memory: The Origins of Alien 81% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 74/100, strongest in art & craft (75) and weakest in sensory experience (65).

74 /100

Memory: The Origins of Alien Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Memory: The Origins of Alien delivers a meticulously researched exploration of the film’s creative genesis, appealing primarily to dedicated fans and scholars. While its detailed assembly of interviews, sketches, and archival materials enriches understanding, the documentary’s intensive focus on specific sequences can result in a deliberate pace that challenges broader audience engagement. Production and scholarly elements are polished and coherent, though an emphasis on theory sometimes overshadows emotional connection. Ultimately, it offers substantial value for enthusiasts despite occasional overextension.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, the documentary presents a polished visual treatment through well-composed archival footage and crisp editing that underscores its scholarly focus. Its production design is unobtrusive yet effective in unifying disparate materials, though an emphasis on technical processes occasionally tempers creative flair. The result is a methodical presentation that showcases meticulous craftsmanship.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    When it comes to character and emotion, Memory features passionate contributors whose reflections lend intermittent emotional resonance to the narrative. Interviews probe the psyches behind Alien’s creators without delving deeply into personal anecdotes, resulting in measured but sometimes distant engagement. The overall emotional impact is restrained yet occasionally compelling in its intellectual intensity.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Regarding story and flow, the film offers a comprehensive chronology of Alien’s conceptual evolution, linking influences from pulp fiction to industrial design. Its thorough structure maintains engagement through varied archival materials, but frequent deep dives into specific sequences can disrupt pacing and create a sense of uneven momentum. Ultimately, the narrative remains informative but occasionally overextended.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    In sensory experience, the documentary favors clarity over spectacle, utilizing a cohesive visual palette that highlights historical artifacts and concept art. Sound design and musical underscore support the scholarly tone without becoming prominent elements, resulting in a balanced but understated audio environment. The overall sensory presentation is clean and informative, though lacking in atmospheric depth.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Concerning rewatch factor, the layered examination of production history and thematic influences offers appeal for dedicated film enthusiasts, encouraging repeat viewings to absorb nuanced details. However, the documentary’s extensive length and specialized focus may limit broader replay value. In sum, Memory provides rewarding insights on subsequent viewings, though its depth may deter casual audiences.

Plot

Memory: The Origins of Alien Plot Summary

What happens in Memory: The Origins of Alien from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the late 1970s, a diverse group of underperforming filmmakers embarks on an ambitious journey to produce a revolutionary sci-fi movie that aims to transform the genre as we know it. At the helm is the passionate yet clumsy director, Max, who leads his team through a whirlwind of eccentric brainstorming sessions focusing on the creation of a terrifying alien species. However, their inexperience swiftly transforms the undertaking into a farcical mishap.

Full summary

The whole story of Memory: The Origins of Alien, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Memory: The Origins of Alien Box Office

Memory: The Origins of Alien grossed $37,272 worldwide. $31,378 came from the US and Canada and $5,894 (16%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$37.3K

US & Canada
$31.4K
International
$5.9K
US & Canada 84% Rest of the world 16%
Awards

Memory: The Origins of Alien Awards & Nominations

Memory: The Origins of Alien won 1 Oscar, including Visual Effects.

1 win2 nominations1 ceremony

  • Academy Awards (Oscars) logo
    Oscars 1980 1 win · 2 nominations
    • Won Visual Effects
    • Nominated Art Direction
Videos

Memory: The Origins of Alien Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Memory: The Origins of Alien.

Memory: The Origins of Alien - Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Memory: The Origins of Alien?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What decade does the film take place in?

Details

Memory: The Origins of Alien Also Known As

9 alternative titles, including “迴異:異形誕生” and “Memory : The Origins of Alien”.

Also known as
  • 迴異:異形誕生
  • Memory : The Origins of Alien
  • 메모리: 걸작 에이리언의 기원
  • Memory: Los orígenes de Alien
  • 回忆录:异形起源故事
  • Memory: As Origens de Alien
  • הנוסע השמיני: בחזרה למקורות
  • Memory - Über die Entstehung von Alien
  • Paměť – zrod Vetřelce

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FAQ

Memory: The Origins of Alien FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Memory: The Origins of Alien, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Memory: The Origins of Alien?

Memory: The Origins of Alien runs 1 hour 35 minutes (95 minutes).

When was Memory: The Origins of Alien released?

Memory: The Origins of Alien was released on October 4, 2019.

Who directed Memory: The Origins of Alien?

Memory: The Origins of Alien was directed by Alexandre O. Philippe.

More films by Alexandre O. Philippe

Who is in the cast of Memory: The Origins of Alien?

Memory: The Origins of Alien stars Veronica Cartwright, Roger Corman and Roger Christian, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Memory: The Origins of Alien make at the box office?

Memory: The Origins of Alien grossed $37,272 worldwide ($31,378 domestic, $5,894 international).

How is Memory: The Origins of Alien rated?

Memory: The Origins of Alien has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic and 62% on TMDB.

What awards did Memory: The Origins of Alien win?

Memory: The Origins of Alien won 1 award from 2 nominations, including Visual Effects at the Oscars 1980.

Does Memory: The Origins of Alien have a post-credit scene?

No. Memory: The Origins of Alien has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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