The filmmakers certainly didn't intend to separate this from the Alien universe but not to closely relate it with the very first Alien. There is a 30 year gap between the events of the movies and a lot can happen within those years, especially given the fact that the xenomorphs can rapidly evolve. Plus, they occur on different planets.
Well, different strokes for different folks. And I think one of the reasons many are frustrated is because they already have a preconceived notion that this movie will answer all their questions.
I prefer one that gives you ideas and doesn't simplify things to a point that it's spoonfed. I know Prometheus is not even close to the level of 2001: A Space Odyssey in presenting ungraspable concepts that are mind boggling, but I like the fact that Prometheus didn't end with all loose ends tied up. If there are no sequels, I'm fine with that because I am left to my own thoughts to piece it together which clearly will not be entirely perfect.
And though every element of the movie is not well made of, I am certain some major aspects of the movie were made for some reason because we are talking here about a man who has around 50 years of filmmaking experience and has the advantage of amassing a wide filmic language with a project that he has been brewing for 10 years.
Prometheus may not be that great but because of it I learned that in Ridley's interesting universe, the humans were created from the fabric of the Engineer's DNA (which were the same Space Jockeys from the first Alien), that there was this black goo that takes one's life in order to give life (and was the prime source for the xenomorphs to exist), that the concept of sacrifice and selfishness are resounding elements from the maker to creation, that creationism and darwinism can co-exist, and that this Ridley universe can go beyond the man-rape undertones of the first Alien movie to boldly present their existentialist ideas.
It's not a great film by any measure but it's still a good one with a polished look cinematographically, good directorial choices, some OK editing, a few multi-dimensional characters that were well played, and some interesting subtexts and inferences you can lift. These small things can make me happy.
One of the weak elements of the writing was it didn't give logical reasons for some characters regarding their decisions and whereabouts such as why would the two crew members wander off without any device to find their way out.
But them finally landing on a planet they've been hunting for many years (something that they've dedicated their lives to) and finding some likelihood of an answer (after seeing what was inside the hollow dome) should be enough a cause for celebration (especially with the two lead scientists who had s3x). During this time they also hadn't encountered any disastrous events (except the storm which means, they're better off inside than outside) and waited until the storm clears to seek out their colleagues as the very first thing that they will do. Obviously, they really didn't care about each other very much because they've only met for signing up for the project. The others didn't even know their mission until they landed on the planet.
The Vickers character may be perceived as a useless character and her death could have ended in another way. But I took it as an ironic death of her being rolled over by the exact spaceship that her father was chasing and wanting to step on, to which she didn't believe existed. Her decision to exit Prometheus before collision cemented her selfish character-- unwilling to sacrifice-- and a stark contrast to the first scene of the Engineer's sacrifice. And I think that's good characterization and subtext.





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) I didn't care anymore. Actually, I stopped liking the movie after the storm scene when they got back to the ship and people were having s3x while two of their team were still LOST and in danger out there. It's like the crew never cared for each other.
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