Oct. 1, 2024 – The upcoming release of Alien: Romulus marks a significant return to the roots of the storied “Alien” franchise. Positioned between Ridley Scott’s original Alien (1979) and James Cameron’s Aliens (1986), the film directed by Fede Álvarez promises a gripping blend of horror and science fiction. At the forefront of the film’s visual storytelling is cinematographer Galo Olivares, who detailed his creative process in an exclusive conversation with ARRI Rental.
Preparation Rooted in the Franchise’s Legacy
Olivares was involved in Alien: Romulus from its early conceptual phase, collaborating closely with Álvarez and production designer Naaman Marshall. Together, they brainstormed everything from the visual style of the vehicles to the living conditions of the characters. “There were a lot of references to the first two Alien movies,” Olivares explained, “because this film happens only 20 years after the first one, and we wanted to make it fit correctly in time.”
Building a Strong Cinematic Partnership
Despite this being their first collaboration, Olivares found a seamless working relationship with Álvarez. “I felt like I had known Fede for a long time,” he said. The extended preparation period in Budapest allowed for extensive exchanges of ideas, ensuring that the film’s visual and narrative elements aligned cohesively.
Choosing the ALEXA 35 Camera for Claustrophobic, Dynamic Shots
The production relied heavily on the ALEXA 35 camera, which Olivares chose for its compact size and Super 35 sensor. This decision allowed the team to capture scenes in the film’s purposefully tight, unsettling sets. “Some of our sets were built to be as claustrophobic as possible,” Olivares noted. The camera’s wide dynamic range excelled in handling the varied lighting conditions, preserving detail in both shadows and highlights without introducing noise, even when the ISO was pushed in low light.
Recreating the Tension of Space Horror
One of the most challenging scenes Olivares described was the chest burster sequence. Set within the cramped space of a cockpit designed to evoke the back of a utility truck, the scene required space for actors, puppeteers, and the technical crew. Despite the challenges, Olivares counts it among his favorite sequences, showcasing the team’s dedication to maintaining the film’s intense atmosphere.
Lens and Lighting Choices for a Distinctive Look
Olivares tested a range of lenses, ultimately favoring ARRI/Zeiss Master Primes for their superior handling of skin tones, contrast, and flare. These lenses ensured a clean and immersive look, essential for melding the classic aesthetic of the original Alien films with modern cinematography. “Occasionally we used Ultra Primes for their size and wide-angle capabilities,” he added.
Lighting played a crucial role in building the film’s haunting ambiance. Olivares collaborated with colorist Mitch Paulson early in production to develop a customized LUT that toned down the electronic hues of the LED-heavy lighting. “There were lights built into all the sets, and I think we probably had at least one lighting effect in every single shot of the film,” Olivares mentioned, emphasizing the intricate lighting setup managed by gaffer Krisztián Paluch.
Memorable Scenes and Shooting Challenges
The film’s chronological shooting schedule brought unique challenges and rewards. Olivares highlighted a key scene featuring Rain (Cailee Spaeny) and android Andy (David Jonsson) on the colony as a standout moment. “It was the only real location, and everything there was real. The weather was miserable, and it had to be shot in one continuous take,” he said. The sequence required meticulous planning and coordination, ultimately yielding one of Olivares’ proudest scenes.
Alien: Romulus aims to recapture the chilling horror that defined the early franchise while embedding it with modern visual techniques. With Álvarez’s direction and Olivares’ cinematographic expertise, the film is poised to deliver a fresh yet faithful chapter in the Alien legacy.
