The “Alien” franchise is known for its depiction of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation’s obsession with harnessing the deadly xenomorphs for profit, despite their clear dangers. This fixation, leading to countless failures and tragedies, remains a central theme in the series. The latest installment, “Alien: Romulus,” continues this theme but introduces a new complication: the use of CGI to recreate or de-age actors.
CGI and Its Drawbacks
“Alien: Romulus” ventures into the world of digital resurrection, a trend that’s becoming increasingly common in Hollywood. Films like “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Gemini Man” have used CGI to present younger versions of actors, while “Rogue One” digitally recreated Peter Cushing’s Grand Moff Tarkin. “Romulus” follows suit by featuring a CGI version of Rook, a character originally portrayed by Ian Holm, who died in 2020. The film employs a mix of animatronics, CGI, and actor Daniel Betts to bring this character back to the screen.
Despite the technological ambition, the results have been controversial. Director Fede Álvarez and his team aimed to honor Holm’s legacy, but the digital recreation of Rook falls short of expectations. The film initially hides Rook’s face, creating an eerie effect, but the full reveal exposes the limitations of current CGI technology. The digital Rook, though innovative, suffers from the “Uncanny Valley” effect, where the character appears almost lifelike but remains unsettlingly artificial.
The Cost of Digital Recreation
Álvarez defends the use of CGI, arguing that it is more cost-effective than hiring live actors. He claims that despite the high costs and complex process, digital recreations are not likely to replace working actors. Critics, however, argue that the technology still fails to deliver a convincing result, detracting from the viewer’s experience. The film’s attempt to digitally resurrect Holm raises questions about the necessity and ethics of such practices. Unlike “Rogue One,” which had a clear narrative reason for reviving Tarkin, “Romulus” reintroduces Rook simply as a nod to the original film, leading to criticisms that it serves more as fan service than a meaningful narrative choice.
Ethical and Legal Issues
The use of deceased actors’ likenesses involves significant ethical and legal considerations. The right of publicity laws, which protect a celebrity’s image, vary by state. In California, these rights last for 70 years after an actor’s death, while in Illinois, they extend for 50 years. Once this period expires, a celebrity’s image may enter the public domain. The case of James Dean, whose estate is nearing the end of its protection period, highlights these issues.
Negotiations with an actor’s estate are required to use their likeness, raising questions about consent and the actor’s wishes. As digital technology advances, the debate over its ethical implications continues, reflecting broader concerns about how we use technology to manipulate and recreate public figures.
“Alien: Romulus” illustrates the ongoing struggle between technological innovation and authentic storytelling. While the film’s use of CGI is a notable technical achievement, it also highlights the current limitations and potential drawbacks of digital resurrection. As the film industry continues to explore these technologies, it remains uncertain whether they will overcome the “Uncanny Valley” and produce truly convincing digital recreations. For now, “Romulus” serves as a reminder of both the promise and the challenges of this evolving cinematic trend.
