Introduction Alive
Here's a possible introduction to 'Alive': "Alive is a 1993 American sci-fi horror film directed by Franck Henenlotter, based on the novel of the same name by Richard Stanley. The story takes place in 1979, during the aftermath of the infamous crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571. On October 13th, 1972, a Fairchild FH-227D aircraft carrying a team of rugby players from Uruguay and their friends and family members took off from Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo bound for Santiago, Chile. However, the plane encountered severe weather conditions while flying over the Andes Mountains, leading to its catastrophic crash. Of the 45 people on board, only 16 survived the initial impact, with the remaining survivors forced to endure the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Andes. With limited food and water supplies, they were left to fend for themselves in a desperate struggle to survive. As time went by, the group was faced with a daunting prospect: they would have to resort to cannibalism if they wanted to stay alive. The story of these survivors is one of tragedy, survival, and the darkest aspects of human nature. The film 'Alive' brings this true story to life in a terrifying and gripping way, exploring the psychological effects of such extreme circumstances on its characters. It's a harrowing tale that will leave you questioning the very limits of human endurance."
Plot and Themes Alive
"Alive" is a 1993 American drama film directed by Frank Marshall. The story revolves around the true events that occurred in the Andes Mountains in Peru during the early 1970s. The film is based on the book "Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors" by Piers Paul Read, which tells the tale of a Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashed in the Andes Mountains. The story follows the struggles and survival of the team members as they fight to stay alive during the harsh winter conditions. The team is composed of 45 people from Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina. They are on their way to Santiago for a match when their plane crashes into the mountains. Of these, only 16 people survive the initial crash. As the survivors wait for rescue, they find themselves struggling with injuries, hypothermia, and the psychological effects of being stranded. The team members initially try to stay warm by burning the plane's seats and other debris, but this eventually runs out. They then turn to eating human flesh as a means of survival. The group is split into those who are willing to eat their friends (the "cannibals") and those who refuse (the "non-cannibals"). The movie explores several themes throughout its narrative. One primary theme is the struggle for human survival in the face of adversity. Despite being stranded with limited resources, the team members find ways to stay alive through sheer determination and ingenuity. Another important theme is the psychological toll that this ordeal takes on the survivors. The film shows how the team members deal with grief, guilt, and trauma as they confront their own mortality. The cannibalism aspect adds an element of moral complexity to the story, raising questions about what it means to be human and whether certain actions are justifiable in extreme circumstances. Finally, "Alive" highlights the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in the face of adversity. Despite their differences, the team members come together to find ways to survive and eventually escape from their predicament. Overall, "Alive" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the human condition under extreme circumstances.
Performance and Direction Alive
'Alive' (1985) is a cult classic that explores themes of survival, friendship, and human nature. Here's an evaluation of the performances of the actors and the direction: **Actors:** 1. **Miles O'Keeffe**: As Elliott Marston, Miles gives a decent performance, conveying the character's vulnerability and desperation as he navigates the jungle. 2. **Linda Fiorentino**: Linda brings a strong presence to her role as Mona, but her character feels somewhat underdeveloped throughout the film. 3. **William Prince**: As the voice of Michael Taylor, William adds a sense of authority and guidance, which serves the story well. **Direction:** 1. **Frank Marshall**: Frank's direction is generally solid, with some notable scenes that showcase his skill in creating tension and suspense. However, he doesn't always make effective use of his cast. 2. **Cinematography by Tak Fujimoto**: The film features stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of the jungle and effectively conveys the sense of isolation. **Overall:** While 'Alive' has its strengths, there are some notable weaknesses in the performances and direction. Miles O'Keeffe's portrayal of Elliott feels somewhat one-dimensional at times, which can make it difficult to fully invest in his character's plight. However, the film's greatest asset is undoubtedly its exploration of themes related to survival and human nature. These elements keep viewers engaged and invested in the story, even when some of the acting or direction falls short. In conclusion, while 'Alive' has some notable flaws, it remains a cult classic due to its unique premise and thought-provoking themes.
Technical Aspects Alive
The cult classic 'Alive' (1993) is a survival drama film directed by Frank Marshall, known for its harrowing true story about a Uruguayan Air Force plane that crashes in the Andes Mountains, leaving 16 survivors with limited food and water. Cinematography: * The film was shot on location in Argentina, using a combination of handheld cameras and Steadicam to capture the rugged terrain. * Director of Photography, Haskell Wexler, employed a mix of natural light and artificial lighting to emphasize the harsh conditions faced by the survivors. * Wexler also used a 35mm camera to create a more intimate feel for scenes within the aircraft wreckage. Sound Design: * The sound design in 'Alive' is crucial to conveying the sense of isolation and desperation. Sound effects were amplified to make the environment feel even more unforgiving. * The use of wind, rain, and ice sounds adds to the overall sense of unease and discomfort. * The plane crash itself is recreated using a combination of real footage, CGI, and sound design. Visual Effects: * Visual effects in 'Alive' are relatively simple compared to modern standards but still effective in conveying the impact of the plane crash. * CGI was used to recreate the plane's wreckage and some of the more gruesome moments (such as the death scenes). * Practical effects were also employed to create realistic wounds, blood, and gore. Additional Technical Notes: * The film uses a mix of 16mm and 35mm film stock, depending on the scene requirements. * The editing style is fast-paced and frenetic during the plane crash sequence to convey the chaos and panic. * The score by James Horner features a haunting theme that complements the dramatic events unfolding on screen. Overall, 'Alive' relies heavily on its technical aspects to create an immersive experience. While some of the visual effects may appear dated today, the combination of cinematography, sound design, and practical effects still manages to convey the harrowing story of the Uruguayan Air Force plane crash.
More Details Alive
'Alive' is a 1993 American drama film directed by Frank Marshall, based on the true story of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which crashed in the Andes Mountains in 1972. **Cast** * Ethan Hawke as Roberto Canessa * Vincent Spano as Antonio "Tintin" Vizintin * Bruce Ramsay as Carlos Páez Rodríguez * Josh Hamilton as Nando Parrado * Illeana Douglas as Susana Parrado * John Haymes Newton as Jack Maurer * Sammi Davis as Lucy Canessa **Production Companies** * 20th Century Fox * Paramount Pictures * The Zanuck Company * Barry L. Zoric Productions **Interesting Trivia** 1. The film was shot in Canada, not in the Andes Mountains. 2. Ethan Hawke's character, Roberto Canessa, is a main protagonist in the story. However, in reality, Canessa did not survive the ordeal as depicted in the film. 3. The crash scene was recreated using computer-generated imagery (CGI) due to the difficulty and risk involved in recreating it with real planes. 4. The cast members were required to lose weight during filming to maintain a believable appearance of being stranded for months without food. 5. Josh Hamilton, who played Nando Parrado, suffered from altitude sickness while filming at high elevations. 6. The film's budget was estimated around $40 million, which is relatively modest compared to other films released in the same year. Overall, 'Alive' is a gripping and intense drama that explores themes of survival, hope, and redemption, with memorable performances by its cast.
Conclusion Alive
The movie 'Alive' is a 1993 psychological thriller film directed by Franck Henenlotter, starring Robert LaSardo, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and William Sadler. The story revolves around a group of people who survive a plane crash in the Amazon jungle, only to discover that they are not alone. Strengths: 1. Atmosphere: The movie creates an eerie atmosphere, making the viewer feel like they're stuck in the Amazon with the characters. 2. Sound Design: The sound design is superb, adding to the tension and fear experienced by the characters and the viewers alike. 3. Visuals: The visuals are stunning, showcasing the beauty of the Amazon jungle while also highlighting its dangers. Weaknesses: 1. Plot: The plot is somewhat predictable, with many twists being too obvious. 2. Character Development: Some characters feel underdeveloped, making it difficult to connect with them on a deeper level. 3. Pace: At times, the pace feels slow and plodding, which can be frustrating for viewers who prefer faster-paced films. Final Opinion: Overall, 'Alive' is a well-crafted psychological thriller that explores themes of survival, fear, and humanity in extreme circumstances. While it has its weaknesses, the atmosphere, sound design, and visuals make up for them. If you're a fan of slow-burning thrillers with a touch of horror, then 'Alive' is definitely worth watching. However, if you prefer faster-paced films or are looking for more developed characters, then this might not be the best choice for you.