Species (1995)

A message from outer space contains instructions on how to modify human DNA.

Director:

Roger Donaldson

Writer:

Dennis Feldman

Stars:

Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Alfred Molina

3 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ben Kingsley	...	Xavier Fitch
Michael Madsen	...	Preston Lennox
Alfred Molina	...	Dr. Stephen Arden
Forest Whitaker	...	Dan Smithson
Marg Helgenberger	...	Dr. Laura Baker
Natasha Henstridge	...	Sil
Michelle Williams	...	Young Sil
Jordan Lund	...	Aide
Don Fischer	...	Aide
Scott McKenna	...	Train Hobo
Virginia Morris	...	Mother
Jayne Luke	...	Snack Shop Clerk
David K. Schroeder	...	German Tourist
David Jensen	...	Conductor
Esther Scott	...	Female Conductor

Storyline

In 1993, the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence Project receives a transmission detailing an alien DNA structure, along with instructions on how to splice it with human DNA. The result is Sil, a sensual but deadly creature who can change from a beautiful woman to an armour-plated killing machine in the blink of an eye. Government agent Xavier Fitch assembles a team of scientists and mercenaries to locate and destroy Sil before she manages to find a mate and breed.

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Plot Keywords:

dna | alien | seti | scientist | science | 

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Taglines:

If you build it, they will come.

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Genres:

Action | Horror | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sci-fi violence, strong sexuality and some language

Details

Official Sites:

MGM-UA

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 July 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Especies

Filming Locations:

Arecibo Observatory, Arecibo, Puerto Rico

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

£3,323,230 (UK) (17 November 1995)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Michael Madsen and Marg Helgenberger were allowed to improvise their sex scene.

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Goofs

When Sil ditches the BMW, a police officer finds it later and looks inside. It appears to be out of gas, but the fuel gauge goes from R to F instead of E to F. However, fuel gauges on BMWs (like most European brands) are labeled "R" for "Refuel" to warn when the gas tank is depleted. Gauges bearing "E" for "Empty" are customary on American and Japanese marques.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Xavier Fitch: I'm sorry.
Young Sil: [mouthing] I'm sorry.

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Connections

Features Thunder Road (1958)

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Soundtracks

"Keep Hope Alive"
Written by Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland
Performed by The Crystal Method (as Crystal Method)
Courtesy of EMI Virgin Songs, Inc.

User Reviews

It's already a cult-classic.

For some reason I've always loved watching "Species", even though I very well realize that it isn't a particularly good movie. Still due to its approach and handling of a really unoriginal concept and story, the movie can be regarded as one of the best science-fiction movies from the '90's.

If you need to compare this movie to something, you can easily compare it to any of the "Alien"-movies. Of course over the years "Alien" and its sequel "Aliens" have been ripped-off countless times and film-makers often tried to cash in by making basically "Alien" and "Aliens" clones, using the same concept, settings, characters, locations, complete sequences and whatever more that it was that made these two science-fiction movies such an highly acclaimed success. Yes, in my opinion "Species" can definitely be seen as an "Alien" clone but out of all the movies that ever tried to rip off the "Alien" movies in any way possible, this is easily the best movie, that at times even makes you forget how unoriginal it actually truly is.

Also no big wonder that the movie should remind you of "Alien" at times, also since the alien in this movie got designed by the same man who designed the original alien for "Alien" and all of its sequels. So perhaps this is also part of the reason why you so easily can forgive this movie from ripping off "Alien" in parts.

It's a surprising movie from Roger Donaldson, who had never done any science-fiction or horror before and he also hasn't done any ever since. Donaldson is these days mostly known for directing more serious movies.

It's perhaps its horror that also makes this movie work out so well. The movie is not just a science-fiction movie about an alien on the loose but truly knows to create a dark moody atmosphere as well and puts in a couple of true great and effective horror moments, which makes the movie tense and in a way also unpredictable to watch, also since the movie is not too afraid to kill off its main characters.

There is also some gore in the movie that is good looking, with its often graphic killings. Also the make-up effects are great and the movie uses some early special effects, that especially for 1995 standards seem like pretty good ones, even though the movie itself somewhat feels and looks like a low budget production.

The movie makes a choice not to only follow the team that is called in to hunt down the alien but also shows things from the perspective of the alien herself. She's constantly learning things, which she uses to adapt and blend in and to eventually get what she wants. This approach gives "Species" a nice extra dimension. It's like "The Day the Earth Stood Still", only with a not so friendly alien.

The movie also has an amazing cast with actors such as Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker and Michelle Williams involved. Whenever I hear the name- or a thinking of Ben Kingsley, I'm not thinking about "Schindler's List" or "Ghandi" but I'm thinking about "Species". I don't now, I just find it to be a very amusing role by him, despite the fact that he plays his character totally death serious.

I love this movie!

8/10

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