Alien: Romulus director Fede Alvarez, relying on the practical effects of the first films in the saga, avoids the use of the chroma key.
In an age of cinema dominated by computer-generated special effects, Alvarez, the acclaimed director behind Alien: Romulus, decided to take the road less traveled. Known for weaving palpable tensions into his narratives, the filmmaker has opted to forgo green screen altogether, betting on the authenticity of practical effects in his recent work.
The content of reality
Alvarez joined the original team that brought the famous Xenomorphs to life in Aliens, led by James Cameron. Once led by the legendary Stan Winston, this team brings back decades of experience, combining traditional craftsmanship with technological innovations. “We brought in all the aliens for the creatures,” Alvarez enthused. “They were in their twenties when they made Alien, and they were part of Stan Winston’s special effects team. And now we have them at the top of their game.
What’s interesting about this presentation is how Alvarez chose to integrate visual effects (VFX) instead of replacing art with practical effects. Although he is not a CGI destroyer, the director has a “concern” in the creation of realistic environments and creatures. “We built and furnished every creation. Everything had to be built, so we truly lived and breathed these spaces.” He explained, highlighting the choice of physical presence that adds an extra layer of twist to the cinematic experience.
Less is more
One telling story comes from Ridley Scott, the visionary behind the saga, who said Romulus was able to capture the “full experience” of the film after seeing a cut without post-production visual effects. This highlights Alvarez’s belief that the essence of the film lies not in digital dazzle, but in its realistic, sometimes tangible settings and antagonists. “There are certain things that only CG can do because of range and motion,” Alvarez admits. But for him, the goal is that the audience doesn’t feel taken out of the film by perceiving something as a computer effect.
In the year On August 16, 2024, fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this cinematic experience that promises to mark a before and after in the use of practical effects. Romulus is a love letter to traditional special effects. It’s a pop-up.
From paper to the big screen
At the heart of Romulus lies the indomitable spirit of the Xenomorphs, creatures that have occupied the darkest corners of our imaginations since they first appeared. This episode offers a reimagining that honors its badass roots while introducing innovations that only a first-time crew might forget. Attention to detail in functional creation ensures a more real, more intimate sense of danger.
Comparing this vision to his predecessors, it’s clear that Alvarez wants to honor the legacy of the franchise while writing his own chapter of history. In doing so, it not only elevates the saga to new heights, but also redefines what horror means in science fiction. The promise of Romulus isn’t limited to its practical effects, but how it brings us closer than ever to the terrifying Xenomorphs.
An unprecedented baptism
This commitment to functionality is more than a stylistic decision; It’s a testament to Alvarez’s belief in the importance of visual and emotional authenticity in film. Through Romulus, the director invites the audience into an immersive experience, where the realities become closer, more tangible, perhaps even more terrifying. In what promises to be a new era for the epic saga, Alvarez and his team take us on a journey that blurs the boundaries of science fiction and horror, all while paying homage to the practical roots that made this such a great series.