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Resident Alien

Resident Alien (1991)

A down-on-his-luck astrophysics grad student and his struggling tenant witness a crashing UFO, setting off a whirlwind of chaos with mysterious strangers and a cunning sheriff.

Directed by John Gaspard

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • John Gaspard
Writer
  • Dale Newton
Producer
  • Dale Newton

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Thematic Analysis

As a science fiction narrative, Resident Alien explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.

Director John Gaspard brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1991, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Resident Alien took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 120 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 184 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
  • The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1991, when this film was released:
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Resident Alien shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Meet Dave, which focuses more on action than character development, Resident Alien offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Save the Green Planet! and Godzilla 2000: Millennium explore similar territory, Resident Alien stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 1, 1991
  • Runtime: 1h 25m