[MOVIE] Prometheus - Official Discussion *SPOILERS*

[jeff w]

*As the title mentions this thread will contain spoilers. If you haven't seen the movie read at your own risk*

Note: Does this forum have a tag/way of posting text like the "spoiler" tag on CF?

I just got back from seeing Prometheus and must say it was ****ing awesome. I'll refrain from posting spoilers in this post. Any of you see it yet?

[78SA]

I haven't seen it. Tell us what happened. Did girls get naked? :waiting:

[jeff w]

I haven't seen it. Tell us what happened. Did girls get naked? :waiting:

Go see it then! Noomi Rapace & Charlize Theron spent a decent amount of time in those cloth bikinis.

[78SA]

Go see it then! Noomi Rapace & Charlize Theron spent a decent amount of time in those cloth bikinis.

:hurray:

[onedef92]

I definitely wanna' peep it, but this Father's Day weekend doesn't seem likely.

[onedef92]

Prometheus tech: How close are we to having it?

Updated: June 11, 2012 12:04 PM EDT


Ridley Scott's Prometheus arrived in theaters over the weekend, and like previous films by the Alien and Blade Runner director, future-world technology plays a big role in the universe his characters inhabit.

From suspended-animation stasis to flying drones that map the interior geography of caves, the tech available to the crew of the spaceship Prometheus is more than just the stuff of science-fiction stories -- in many cases, that technology has roots in the real world.

Anyone with an eye on the future when it comes to tech can't help but wonder when we'll see some of these cinematic creations become a reality, so here are five of our favorite pieces of technology appearing in Prometheus, and how close we are to getting the real thing.

Deep-Space Hibernation

In Prometheus, the crew of the ship is kept in suspended animation for several years in order to reach LV-223, the distant moon identified by star charts found on cave walls around Earth. During the trip, their condition is monitored by David, a human-like android played by Michael Fassbender. Upon waking from their long sleep, everyone seems to handle their return to a conscious state differently, with some getting nauseous and others jumping right into a fitness regimen in order to revive their muscles. This deep-space hibernation is a frequent element of science-fiction stories, including the original Alien, which premiered back in 1979.

How close we are: In February 2012, scientists were studying black bears' ability to hibernate in a state resembling suspended animation, with an eye toward putting injured soldiers in stasis until they can receive emergency care. Researchers hoped to find a way to chemically replicate the bears' ability to lower their bodies' rate of metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature throughout the winter months. According to Fox News, the "hibernation genomics" research has received more than $2 million in funding so far from the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, the National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association, and the National Science Foundation.

Fully Automated Medical-Procedure Pod

One of the more terrifying scenes in Prometheus features Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) giving herself a makeshift Caesarian section with the help of an automated medical station. In the scene, she lies down in the pod, identifies what type of procedure she wants, and then watches as the machine opens her up, conducts the operation, and then staples her back together. It's the sort of scene that manages to combine several different types of scares -- in this case, claustrophobia, xenophobia, and tomophobia -- in one squirm-inducing sequence.

How close we are: We haven't abandoned the need for human surgeons, but we have come closer to a point when they don't need to even be in the room to conduct a surgical operation. Recent innovations in robotics have produced machines like the Da Vinci surgical system and the Kymerax, which offer precise, mechanical tools that a surgeon operates remotely. These machines also feature helpful options like 3-D imaging and on-the-fly magnification of the surgical area -- though they still require a living, breathing person to operate them.

Mapping Drones

While exploring the subterranean network of tunnels on LV-223, the crew of the Prometheus releases a set of small, automated drones that fly off into the cave and send back detailed topographical maps of the terrain and other assorted data. Using these "pups" (as they're called by one of the characters), the team is able to generate a detailed, 3-D map of the entire region they're exploring -- something that offers some particularly enlightening information later in the film.

How closer we are: Researchers and hobbyists have been using aerial and underwater drones for a while now for various purposes, with some of the more advanced models able to repetitively bounce lasers, light, or sound waves off a surface in order to determine its topography. However, many of these drones are fairly large, and the amount of information they're able to report back is usually proportional to their size, with the most thorough mapping systems requiring human operators. The most common, real-world mapping drones are also restricted to studying one direction at a time (usually the surface directly blow the craft), and not the 360-degree plane served by the Prometheus pups.

Viewing Someone's Dreams

While the crew of Prometheus sleeps their way to LV-223, we see their android caretaker engaging in a number of different activities to pass the time, including movie-watching, hair-dying, and dream-watching. Yes, that's right -- while the team sleeps, David occasionally pops into the hibernation room to view whatever it is that they're dreaming during their stasis-induced sleep.

How close we are: It might sound like a terrifically far-fetched idea, but we're actually closer to this one than you think. Back in September, researchers at UC Berkeley revealed that they were able to record visual activity in the human brain and reproduce it via digital video clips. "We are opening a window into the movies in our minds," said Professor Jack Gallant, the neuroscientist and coauthor of the research. While we're still a ways off from recording our dreams and playing them back DVR-style, the ability for someone to peek at our subconscious is probably the least sci-fi technology on this list.

Humanoid Androids

As with all of the Alien films, a very human-looking android plays a big role in Prometheus. Offering an opportunity for the audience to ponder the nature of life, humanity, and a number of other heavy philosophical subjects, David (Michael Fassbender) is a blend of cold logic and the perception of human traits by one who isn't quite human. You'd also be forgiven for not realizing he was anything but human when you first encounter him.

How close we are: Where to even start with this one? Just this year, we've already seen robots used as prison guards, telepathically controlled robotic assistants, and a four-legged robotic pack mule that can carry more than dozens of humans. There's been enough advancement in robotics over the last few years to merit a number of high-profile conferences organized to debate the best way to handle our evolving robot culture. (We recently held our own debate here on Digital Trends, in fact.) While we're not quite to the point where we should be worried about a Skynet-like artificial intelligence deciding it was better off without us, we're getting closer to the day when robots make our sandwiches.

[jaxgator]

Prometheus tech: How close are we to having it?

...

:cool1:

[ApexOversteer]

**POTENTIAL SPOILER FOR SEQUEL**

Jesus was an Engineer, as well as a carpenter. The Engineers aren't happy about how we treated their emissary, sent to Earth to help mankind find it's way out of the dark ages.

**POTENTIAL SPOILER END**

Ridley has already been making rumblings in that direction...

... of course he will probably make the Blade Runner sequel first...

[onedef92]

Apex, was the movie everything you'd hoped it would be? Dope or doody? :confused5:

The premise is deep. The theological implications you mentioned remind me of Event Horizon and shit.

[BuckyThreadkiller]

'Neil deGrasse Tyson‏@neiltyson
Prometheus goes 35 light yrs into space, but Charlize Theron gaffes "We're a half billion miles from Earth" - just past Jupiter'

There are more than a few holes in it.

[ApexOversteer]

Apex, was the movie everything you'd hoped it would be? Dope or doody? :confused5:

The premise is deep. The theological implications you mentioned remind me of Event Horizon and shit.

I loved it, but I've always been a sucker for the Chariots Of The Gods-type senarios of the Alien, and more specifically the Alien vs Predator universes.

It is not a perfect film, but it does everything a great movie should do. It takes you on a ride, asks you some questions and then drops you back into real life to go; "This means something, but I haven't a clue what."

I especially like his interpretation of Luke 1:36; 'And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.'

Clever, Ridley... beats the shit out of Midichlorians.

I would expect the theological ideas to really take off in Prometheus II: Engineer Boogaloo...

[ApexOversteer]

'Neil deGrasse Tyson‏@neiltyson
Prometheus goes 35 light yrs into space, but Charlize Theron gaffes "We're a half billion miles from Earth" - just past Jupiter'

There are more than a few holes in it.

Yeah, Dr. Tyson is a bitch. He just has to go "EXCUSE ME JON STEWART, WHY IS THE EARTH SPINNING THE WRONG WAY AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR SHOW?"... and shit. He can't let Hollywood have noise in space, or fire in space, or have a ship sitting at the event horizon not being sucked into the black hole without flapping his gums and telling everyone how fuh-king smart he is. He's the guy that harangued James Cameron for years about the star field at the end of Titanic being wrong for April, 1912...

Seriously, I love the guy... but sometimes you just hafta let a movie be wrong when it says the moon is made of cheese.

[onedef92]

I loved it, but I've always been a sucker for the Chariots Of The Gods-type senarios of the Alien, and more specifically the Alien vs Predator universes.

It is not a perfect film, but it does everything a great movie should do. It takes you on a ride, asks you some questions and then drops you back into real life to go; "This means something, but I haven't a clue what."

I especially like his interpretation of Luke 1:36; 'And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.'

Clever, Ridley... beats the shit out of Midichlorians.

I would expect the theological ideas to really take off in Prometheus II: Engineer Boogaloo...

I know I'll settle right into the storyline when I peep it. Can't wait. :seasix:

[jeff w]

'Neil deGrasse Tyson‏@neiltyson
Prometheus goes 35 light yrs into space, but Charlize Theron gaffes "We're a half billion miles from Earth" - just past Jupiter'

There are more than a few holes in it.

Or if the Engineers really had a set plan to "cleanse" Earth, and whatever went wrong happened, why was a 2nd team never sent to LV-223 to continue the cleansing mission?

I think the answers to Shaw's question of "why?" boils down to what David said to her. Something along the line of "children want to see their parents dead eventually." Humans stopped worshiping the Engineers, even completely forgot about them, and then became technologically advanced enough to wage war w/the Engineers if it came to that.

[onedef92]

Or if the Engineers really had a set plan to "cleanse" Earth, and whatever went wrong happened, why was a 2nd team never sent to LV-223 to continue the cleansing mission?

I think the answers to Shaw's question of "why?" boils down to what David said to her. Something along the line of "children want to see their parents dead eventually." Humans stopped worshiping the Engineers, even completely forgot about them, and then became technologically advanced enough to wage war w/the Engineers if it came to that.

Star Trek Who Mourns For Adonis ? - YouTube

Just like Gene Roddenberry's ST:TOS joint, "Who Mourns for Adonais?" (and shit.) :yesnod:

[jeff w]

Found this post in CFOT that does a damn fine job of filling in details :hurray:

Corvette Forum - View Single Post - Prometheus 2012 (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1581043879-post90.html)

For those that are lost about this movie and plot holes. Maybe this will help you out with that.

This was taken from a comment I saw on another site, and I did a little research and everything seems to check out! :

To give some historical/mythological background that may shed some light, Ridley stated the SJ culture was based on Persian Myths. This would be Sumerian/Akkadian/Hindu. This is all taken from the Atra Hasis.

Creators - "G"ods- Annunaki - Dragon Humanoids (Naga, Dragon Kings,)

Helpers - "g"ods - Igigi - Engineers. (Android like living beings....BIOmechanical humanoid. Key features- Pale skin and large black eyes. Also known as watchers, Grigori, and Archons) (in many summerian texts they are actually referred to as "Pilots". Pretty much the Annunaki Air Force.)

When the Annunaki began terraforming the earth, they had the Igigi do the work for them. After a few thousand years the Igigi revolted and went on strike. The Annunaki then decided to create humans to do the work for them.

They sacrificed one of the rebel Igigi named Geshtu to use his blood and dna to make human beings, by mixing it with elements native to the earth.

(In the movie, this can be explained by the the different oval spaceship at the beginning representing the spaceship of the Annunaki)

(It can also be explained by the concept art that leaked from the official book this week)

(According to wikipedia it also says this about the Igigi: "Though sometimes synonymous with the term "Annunaki," in one myth the Igigi were the younger gods who were servants of the Annunaki, until they rebelled and were replaced by the creation of humans." This is reflectled exactly in the concept art below!)



http://i.imgur.com/mXLlK.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/AcThF.jpg

Even though the humans were created and did the work, 1/3 of the Igigi still werent satisfied and sought revenge for Geshtu, so they rebelled again against the Annunaki Lords and began breeding/mixing with the human females creating Nephelim. This is what sparked the Prime Lord Enlil to flood the earth. Some humans were saved by Enki, the Lord responsible for the sacrifice of Geshtu and the creation of humans. Enlil and the rest of the annunaki decide to return home and let the humans develop on their own. Enki and his family stay behind. The Igigi are forced to leave earth as well. The remaining rebel Igigi are imprisoned on a planet on the way back to the homeworld and it is said as punishment and as a mark they are altered into a demonic appearance, no longer retaining the Angelic appearance.

Enki and his crew are probably the ones leaving the maps for humans to find, along with the ones helping humans advance throughout time.

The sacrfice engineer is Geshtu

The lone engineer is most likely Marduk or a servant/worshipper of Marduk.

The xeno is Mushussu, a creature Marduk fashioned and used as his pet.

The "Engineers" we see are trying to destroy Earth are of the Igigi rebels who view earth as their own. They have always despised humans because the Annunaki saw us as more in their likeness than them. IT's possible that the Igigi have long since destroyed or taken over the annunaki and the homeworld, and Earth was like going to claim the prize or spoils.

They mustve used to the Xeno's to win this war and through its perfection it has began to destroy and infect the Igigi who manufacture and transport it, creating more Mushussu.

the xeno in Alien is most likely an older pilot igigi birthed Mushussu egg crossed with human or a future Annunaki birthed one which would explain the size difference in hosts.

It is mentioned in several lesser stories that Marduk created the Mushussu out of using the essence of the Gods' (Annunaki) he killed as a symbol of his conquering and being able to control them... ie the mural.



http://www.prometheus-movie.com/media/concept001.jpg

[onedef92]

My younger brother saw it opening weekend but panned it "a steaming pile" and strongly encourgaged me NOT to peep it for full price. He dubbed it "Redbox fodder" at best.

I will peep it and make up my own mind, thank you.

[Thud]

I finally peeped this yesterday.

Fantastic visuals, bad script, more plot holes than Detroit city streets, and the most important mission ever in the existence of mankind apparently required using the most incompetent scientists on Earth. Other than that it was great.