My theme is Memorable Characters featuring characters from books, movies, and TV.
From: the Alien movies
Known for: the power loader, general bad-assery
It's too bad there aren't more action heroes like Ellen Ripley. As an officer in space who survives an alien infestation on her ship, she still could have been reduced to a stereotype (running and screaming in a helpless manner), but the combination of Sigourney Weaver's acting and the writing and direction of the film make her a layered character who stands out. The fact that the studio was highly uninterested in casting the lead as a woman--and an unknown, as Weaver was not known in films at that time--shows how much influence one dynamic character can have.
I was going to post a gif with the alien breathing down Ripley's face but it was seriously too gross.
Who is your favorite female action hero?
Posts
Ripley is awesome! I wonder how she compares to Sandra Bullock's character in Gravity. Doesn't surprise me at all that the studios wanted a man in the lead role -- they're too often closed-minded and stuck in the past.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I have a favorite female action hero but Kate Beckinsale and Jennifer Garner come to mind. Oh and I loved Jessica Alba in Dark Angel.
Those are great options. I also love the Underworld movies.
DeleteEmbarrassed to say that I have never seen the Alien movies. I distinctly remember some commercial from the 90s (probably for one of the sequels) that scared me off and I have never tried them. But maybe I should. *tiptoes hesitantly toward Netflix*
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics
I think they hold up pretty well. Still scary and action-packed.
DeleteI love all of these movies and her in them. I have the box set and it gets watched frequently.
ReplyDeleteBrandon Ax: Writer's Storm
Love it! I agree, one of the best female leads ever. Call me crazy, but when it comes to action, my favorite is probably Kate Beckinsale from the Underworld movies.
ReplyDeleteI never knew about the studio not wanting a female - can you imagine how boring Alien would have been (well, comparatively) with a guy in the lead role? Ripley totally *made* that film :) Like Crystal, I loved Kate Beckinsale in Underworld.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Alien could have been somewhat forgettable, or just another 80s flick, but there are so many choices in it that set it apart.
DeleteHmm... Ripley's a good pick, but I think, at this point, especially after seeing the new Captain America last night, I'm going to have to go with Black Widow.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I haven't see it yet! I'm glad Black Widow has a prominent role in CA, especially if she isn't getting her own movie.
DeleteSigourney Weaver was excellent in ALIEN. I'd watch her any day. Your call for a favorite female action hero leaves me blank. Can't think of one . . . at first. I did like Trinity in the MATRIX series, and I loved Sarah Connor from the TERMINATOR series. Not sure Joan of Arc would qualify. We have too few female heroes!
ReplyDelete"general bad-assery" Mmm. hmm. That's right! I love writing about strong females, but interestingly enough two different women said to me this week, "I want to be the damsel saved by a prince." *sigh* What about fighting alongside the prince? Or the female saving the prince?
ReplyDeleteI'll come clean. I've never watched any of the 'Alien' films. I think Sigourney Weaver's a capable looking sort, though. My favourite has to be 'Elastigirl' from 'The Incredibles'.
ReplyDeleteThe Incredibles is such a fun movie with so much heart. I haven't seen it in ages, I should watch it again.
DeleteShe is absolutely my favorite alien killing butt-kicker. I LOVE her. I was raised on her and Sarah Connor. Excellent choice.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved Ripley in the Alien films. Sigourney Weaver in general, especially in The Cabin In The Woods because it was a decent film and then HOLY S*** A WILD SIGOURNEY WEAVER APPEARED! Loved it, totally wasn't expecting, anyways, great E choice.
ReplyDeleteJonny stopping by via the A to Z Challenge, from The Next Chapter
Cabin in the Woods was pretty much fantastic.
DeleteAll-time favorite female action hero. Ellen Ripley is amazing -- strong yet vulnerable, and the best part about her character is her mothering instinct to protect. She is a roaring momma bear and she'll be damned if she's gonna let those aliens hurt Jones or Newt. I have always loved that Sigourney Weaver, Ridley Scott, and James Cameron recognized and honored that as her source of strength.
ReplyDeleteJudging from a quick scan of your posts, I LOVE your blog! This is one of my favorite characters, and being a sci-fi fanatic makes me love this post even more. :)
ReplyDeleteRandom Musings from the KristenHead — E is for 'Elementary' (and Elephants)