Ridley Scotts directors cut of Alien isnt much different than the version that had its world premiere (!) at SIFF 79. In truth, Scott confessed of this 117-minute edition, adding back a couple of deleted scenes didnt really help the pacing. But they dont really hurt, either, not when all of us know the inexorable plot to this sci-fi classic. Long before Snakes on a Plane, there was monster on a cargo ship, and the creaky, leaky, smoke-filled old Nostromo only gets smaller and more claustrophobic as the alien parasite eats and grows. Basically unknown when she was cast, Sigourney Weaver is now the inevitable heroine as Ripley. But the movie doesnt begin that way. Instead, the slow, procedural windup pits a grumbling, resentful crew against the evil corporation that employs them. At first, nobody looks like a prospective hero. These blue-collar space drones dont want to detour to the distress beacon; they dont want to leave the ship to investigate. Only Ian Holmbecause hes been programmed that wayhas a cold-blooded curiosity about the creature they take on board. Would it be too much to hope for a preshow Q&A from local actor Tom Skerritt? (Followed at 10 p.m. by James Camerons very worthy, very different 1986 sequel Aliens (through Sunday), your chance to scream Game over, man, game over! with Bill Paxton.) (R) BRIAN MILLER
Oct. 2-6, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 3, 2 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 4, 2 p.m., 2009
