The Humanity of Imperfect Hands: A Reflection on Aliens (1986)

Recently, I rewatched one of the great science fiction classics–Aliens (1986)!

What stood out to me during the viewing were the set pieces. With no CGI or AI, the sets are things that actually exist, something a craftsman actually built. A little clunky and outdated at times, sure. But the aliens themselves, made from puppetry and everyday items, are terrifying, especially that queen! 

Puppeteer for Alien

Aliens reminds me that imperfection can point to something genuine, something that came from human hands. In a world where we can polish an article in 5 seconds with a command in ChatGPT, it’s refreshing.

I also think of C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy, particularly the final installment called That Hideous Strength. In it, the villain is an organization called N.I.C.E. which wants to master nature and re-craft and perfect human beings in its image, erasing the many limitations that mankind has. 

The story is about the fight for the soul of humanity.  If you're interested in the arguments Lewis presents in the novel, you'll want to check out The Abolition of Man. You might say That Hideous Strength is the incarnation (in story form) of The Abolition of Man.

Or, if you just want to watch one of the great scary films of all time this October, watch Aliens (1986)! 

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Dane Bundy

Dane Bundy is the president of Stage & Story and Director of Fine Arts at Regents School of Austin.