Says dumb
The creature shows clear threat behavior. A biologist would keep distance, and the film gives no sign Millburn is unusually careless before this point.
Why did Millburn try to pet the snake-like alien?
Prometheus
Prometheus (2012)
At 0:58:00
Verdict: Guilty. 90% of viewers say this is dumb. Top defense: Millburn was a biologist excited by the first living alien he had ever seen.
Guilty
90% dumb10% explained
744 votes
Dumbness rating
8.4/ 10(744 ratings)Out of characterIgnores obvious danger
Your verdict
Is this scene dumb, or does it make sense?
Rate how dumb
Mildly dumbThrow the remote
Rating distribution
12345678910
What happens in this scene
A hostile, cobra-like creature rears up in front of Millburn, a biologist on the expedition. Instead of backing away, he approaches and tries to touch it. The creature attacks him.
The tone toggle also switches the reviews below. Contains spoilers for this scene only.
Reviews 3
Says dumb
I understand the character is excited, but a scientist would more likely observe from a distance and record. This reads as a way to deliver the creature's attack.
Says explained
Millburn is shown as eager and out of his depth. First contact with a living alien is the kind of moment where people could lose their judgment.
Write a review
Actually, it’s explained
Millburn was a biologist excited by the first living alien he had ever seen.
- DumbScenesStaff9 months ago
Millburn was a biologist excited by the first living alien he had ever seen.
- canon_keeperFounding Critic #3Supporter4 months ago
The film shows him anxious and out of his depth. Wonder overriding caution is believable.
Add your argument
Quick Fix
Fixes are written by people. The smallest change, in 200 characters or fewer, that would have fixed the scene. AI is used only for duplicate detection, length and moderation.
Change an action
Millburn stays back and films it. The creature lunges at him anyway when it senses the pulse of the recording device.
Would this fix it?85% say yes
quietcutFounding Critic #12Supporter2 months ago
A newer idea
Add a line
Add one line from Fifield: 'Do not touch it.' Millburn replies 'I am only going to look.' Then he steps forward.
Would this fix it?73% say yes
late_to_credits6 weeks ago
- plothole_pete
Now Fifield sounds like the only one who knows protocol and the ship has no other voices.
Suggest a fix
Also asked as
- Why did the biologist touch the alien creature?
- Why did Millburn approach the hissing alien?