What June 7th and 8th Mean To Me: Prometheus

Many fans of the hit TV show, LOST, felt disappointed by the nebulous conclusion of the epic, mostly because a plethora of  questions asked throughout the show's run either weren't properly answered, or weren't addressed at all.  But if these disappointed fans stopped to think about it for more than three seconds, they'd realize LOST's most interesting queries weren't answered because they were actually unanswerable.  As much as we'd love to know "why we are all here?" or the reason behind, "how did we get here," a television show cannot tell us "the meaning of life," regardless of whether or not we were tricked into believing it might. And if you ask any fan what ending they would have preferred, they could not come up with one.  I long thought the only conclusion to LOST that would satisfy all the fans involved one where twenty dollar bills flew from the TV screen and into living rooms across the world.  It was an impossible task.  

But if you felt a little empty after the final moments of LOST, then you probably will feel similarly during the closing credits of Ridley Scott's, and LOST co-creator Damon Lindelof's, highly anticipated "Alien prequel," Prometheus.  Much like LOST, Prometheus goes all in when it poses the questions of "Who are we?" and "Why are we here?" In fact, it completely centers the movie around these interesting concepts, which creates a bubble of anticipation that will inevitably pop.  Set in the late 21st century, Prometheus tells the story of two scientists who discover a cave drawing that "proves" the existence of, not only other life, but other life that created humanity.  These scientists organize a team and travel to a distant world to, essentially, meet their makers.  Instead, they find an abandoned area that provides many more questions than answers. 

Prometheus is not without its charm.  The visuals are gorgeous and stunning; the abandoned world they have created makes you wish you could spend some time exploring it yourself..  There are memorable scenes that will cause some to run to their Twitter feeds, while alternately sending others to catch their breath while gripping the toilet.  The set-up is full of both mystery and intrigue that actually trick you into believing that the universe's greatest questions might be answered.  But, of course, when it comes time to face these questions, the movie talks in circles, only to punt the important issues to some probable sequel...where they will undoubtedly do the same thing again.  Unlike LOST, Prometheus doesn't really bother with pesky things like character development (or polar bears), which makes the movie forgettable beyond a few moments and images. 

Aside from the existential questions posed, there's an alternate parallel plot line that might be the so-called genesis of the Alien franchise.  There's not a whole lot to it, it doesn't necessarily fit in with the main story being told (and is also less interesting), but if you're a fan of Alien, you'll be pleased to learn of some of the back story. 

If you do choose to watch the movie (and its not a total waste of time), here's a word of advice:  Remember the first scene, and constantly keep it in mind while you watch the rest of the movie, it'll answer some of the questions that the characters don't bother to address.  Also, remember the movie's namesake, Prometheus, who was the Titan "credited" with the creation of human life, and the one who provided them fire to ensure their existence.  Trust me on this. 

Oh yeah, and try to see it at night, or at least keep your sunglasses handy.  The film is incredibly dark (in color), and between that and its 3-D capability, it'll take your eyes a while to re-adjust to the daylight.  Unless you love squinting.

Have a good weekend, everyone