Rooted in Greek and Egyptian mythology, underground comics, H.P. Lovecraft, and the art of Francis Bacon, Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror masterpiece burst onto the scene in 1979, and traumatized an entire generation of moviegoers. But how did Alien manage to connect so deeply with our primordial fears, and how can we explain the enduring popularity of the infamous Chestburster scene? Join 3-time Sundance Film Festival alum Alexandre O. Philippe, Denise Demetriou (Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas Chair in Ancient Greek History) and Daisuke Miyao (Director of Film Studies), as they explore the cultural resonance and perennial nature of "Alien’s" archetypal monster, and discuss Alexandre’s filmmaking process behind Memory: The Origins of Alien — his deep dive into one of Hollywood’s most beloved and iconic shockers.

Throughout a body of work that includes Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist (Venice '19, Sundance ’20), Memory: The Origins of Alien (Sundance ‘19), 78/52 (Sundance '17), Doc of the Dead (SXSW ‘14), and The People vs. George Lucas (SXSW ‘10), Alexandre O. Philippe has developed his own brand of “cinema essay,” exploring the art of filmmaking and its practitioners, and dissecting seminal screen moments. Alexandre is currently finishing his 10th feature film, "Lynch/Oz," which will premiere in the Spring.

This virtual event is co-sponsored by Film Studies and Center for Hellenic Studies at UC San Diego.