How motherhood is portrayed in James Cameron’s ‘alien’

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How motherhood is portrayed in James Cameron’s ‘alien’
James brings out how the genders are perceived in the ‘modern' western culture.
Feminine has been characteristically aligned to nature while the male characteristics are viewed
to be aligned to civilization. In the film, Cameron uses extreme femininity that is in conflict, and
the male gender finds itself trapped between the two (Creed, pg 122). Also prominent is the role
of motherhood in a society where women are perceived as ‘weak.' A thorough analysis of the
film brings out women as strong though fragile. The radical yet powerful feminine extremes are
in conflict which seeks to destroy or create the universe in a new way.
The story revolves around feminine characters thus making motherhood an important
theme of the film. Motherhood plays a key role in depicting the corruption and monstrous nature
that is done all in the name of building the society (Byers, pg 83). A key character in the film
called ‘Ripley’ takes the role of a protagonist and in the film explores her new roles as a mother.
In the modern society, Ripley’s actions can be critically compared to have been against feminism
(Kristeva, pg 212). Her actions came when she realized that something had to be done to
overcome the fading power women had in the society and how their roles were slowly getting
eroded.
Living in a male-dominated society, Ripley found it increasingly difficult to tolerate the
Weyland-Yutani Corporation that had made the world unbearable for ‘weak' women. The role of
women and motherhood had greatly been ignored in the ‘future world.' Women who dared to
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pursue their essential roles were perceived as weak and mocked by the males (Zwinger, pg 81).
The society, however, comes to realize in the end that what they had viewed as primitive natural
instincts were the only elements that could save them from the ‘future's saving grace and its
greatest fear.' The feminine character perceived as horrific and monstrous is their greatest fear as
she seeks revenge on the society that betrayed her.
In her new role as a mother, Ripley discovers a new purpose in protecting the little girl.
The key part of the film is when Ripley transforms to become Rebecca’s mother discovering that
her maternal instincts had revitalized though had not been tested yet. Ripley and Rebecca get
introduced to each other in a twist of events that is filled with symbolism. The two go through a
series of bonding stages in order to get a deeper understanding of each other.
Ripley represents a strong independent character which to some extend brings modern
feminism to light and still ironically contrasting it. The contrast is openly displayed by how she
regulates her motherly figure. In this way, Cameron espouses the ‘ultimate test of a woman
strength is to be a successful mother.' James film can be attributed to having greatly contributed
to the surge of movies like Halloween or the Friday that also depicted the new protagonists.
James, however, states the fact that no matter how strong a female is, she cannot fully exploit her
potential unless she incorporates her biological role.
The masculine in the film plays a crucial in understanding how females are degenerating
in the society. The Galaxy ‘had succumbed to male dominance and influence.' The female on the
hand had been perceived to have only two figures; ‘either an overtly masculine female or a
mother.' To overcome this, the females have to display ‘strong male aspirations.’ The ‘mother’
is at first brought out as an obedient character though on later realizing the consequences of her
actions feels betrayed by the people who are in control and seeks revenge. In the end, Ripley is
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able to defeat the mother bringing to an end her mission of destroying the world. In addition to it,
Ripley also saves the children who were being used as surrogates.
In the movie, James further incorporated the trauma women undergo during childbirth
and also rape. The male dominated society fails to understand the role of motherhood when
defining a woman. This makes it so apparent that the society does not recognize their role in
childbirth. In an attempt to make the males to understand the masculine resolve to cover this up
with fear. The reason why they fear facing facts is not apparent, however. James, therefore,
presents two possible reasons for the fears; the power women held or the fact that they could
admit that women faced trauma during childbirth. As results, women have to carry the blame and
speaking of it being taken as a sign of weakness.
According to Bundetzen, children are a product of men and women play the role of
carrying whatever is implanted in them even by the less significant males; He describes the
whole process as being carried out by insignificant males bound by the power of female
superiority. Th