Contexts Essay 2000 Word Written Assignment OGR

by
Coyle Loughran

Title:
Is Ridley Scott using his film ‘Alien’ as an attempt to work through his
own Freudian issues via an alter-ego in the protagonist, Ripley?

Introduction

The essay focuses on the observation that the main character in the film
‘Alien’, Ripley, has a name like that of the movie’s director, Ridley Scott.
It explores to what extent the similarity of the names is a coincidence, or
whether there is a hidden analogy between the names. Therefore, is
Ridley Scott embedding himself into the character of ‘Ripley’ to explore
issues within his own psyche?
The film can be seen to link to Freudian psychology, due to the Freudian
symbolism present throughout the film. The Alien monster itself is a
Freudian nightmare and represents a formidable symbol of evil
technology (Korcak, 2015). Freudian characteristics are also evident in
the phallic shapes protruding from the monster (the “phallic stage” as
described in Freud’s theory of psycho-sexual development); in the
references to “mother” (the “mother-ship”/eggs – fertility) linking to
Freud’s Oedipus theory; and can also be linked to Freud’s theory of the
Uncanny - in which something that is at once frightening, can also be
familiar. The concept of ‘uncanny’ may be being described in the scene
in which the Alien ruptures out of Kane’s body – which is both
frightening, but also familiar (possibly representing childbirth).
Ridley also appears to explore the Freudian theory of personality within
the film, in his characterisation of Ash (an android) as the Id, the ego by
chief mechanic parker and the superego by the protagonist – Ripley.
Therefore, if there are links between Ridley and his alter-ego, Ripley,
does Ridley Scott see himself with more ‘super-ego’ characteristics e.g.
more critical and moral than others?
Main body

1) In the cast there is a focus mainly on the Alien, Dr Ripley, Ash and
the rest of the crew with their relations to the ship’s A.I “MOTHER”.

2) This paragraph will talk about the “phallic stage” and it’s use
through the many scenes throughout the movie:
 The eggs
 The alien (all stages)
 The ship /ship’s driver
 The attempted murder through suffocation by Ash

3) This paragraph will refer to the id theory of Freud and it’s use
across the crew:
 Focusing on Ash - id
 Parker - ego
 Ripley - superego

4) This paragraph will focus on the ‘uncanny theory’ mainly looking at

the alien across the stages, looking at the original ship where the aliens
were found.

5) The Oedipus theory - the mother computer and the ties that the crew
have with her.

Conclusion: will summarise Alien and the above theories and how it
links back to the Ridley/Ripley alter-ego suggestion.
Note:
Reference to: people use film making/game making/storymaking etc…;
to break away from the current situation in life or express closeted part
of the mind to the world in a subtle form.

Research proforma

Name of Name of What are Why is it Reference sources

theory theorist they linked?
saying?
Uncanny Freud https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncanny
Oedipus https://www.britannica.com/science/Oedipus-
theory complex
Phallic stage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phallic_stage
–
psychosexual
development
Id, eog, https://www.simplypsychology.org/psyche.html
superego –
theory of
personality

Which Why are you How does it Where did Reference link Date
illustration? using it? link? you get it accessed
from?
Ripley
Ash
Parker
Ridley Scott
Freudian
symbolism/
characteristics