How these famous ‘Aliens’ quotes apply to life with MS
I've taken the liberty of adapting a few notorious quotes from the blockbuster film
Written by |
I didn’t see the movie “Aliens” when it came out in theaters 40 years ago because it was rated R and I was only 11. When I finally did see it, it became one of my favorite science fiction films, and I still occasionally watch it. With the plot, action, and special effects, which were pretty good for four decades ago, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the best sequels ever made. On top of that, the dialogue is especially well written and very memorable.
Since much of that dialogue takes place between the colonial Marines featured in the film, it is understandable that I and my peer group from the military find it relatable and can quote so much of it. It’s understandable, therefore, that as I’ve been forced to adapt from that previous life to one with multiple sclerosis (MS), I have a new take on some of those quotes. With apologies to the screenwriter, who I’m sure never envisioned this, please allow me to walk you through my MS-themed thoughts on a few of them.
“Game over, man! Game over! What the [expletive] are we gonna do now?”
When the cast suddenly finds themselves stranded on an unfamiliar planet with hostile alien creatures, one character utters that line in a fit of despair. I doubt I used those exact words, but I said something similar shortly after I was diagnosed. I often feel stranded with a hostile entity, but I refuse to remain in a state of despair. I know MS doesn’t actually care when I occasionally swear at it, but it does make me feel better.
“Forget him, he’s gone!”
In the course of the film, this line was delivered before the previous one, but in the course of my life with MS it came after, so I’m taking some creative liberty. In the movie, it was uttered by one of the Marines admonishing another to focus on the fight at hand rather than the loss of a comrade. I miss the pre-MS me. He was strong, quick, agile, and self-sufficient. The one now can’t transfer from the bed to a wheelchair without a great deal of assistance, and sometimes struggles to feed himself. Like being in the middle of a battle with aliens, I must focus on the present. That doesn’t mean I can’t cherish the memory of a life that’s long gone; it’s just that I can’t be distracted by what was when the present demands my full attention.
“They mostly come at night. Mostly.”
The lone survivor of the colonists the team was sent to rescue, who had the most alien experience, tells her “rescuers” that tidbit of information about the creature’s behavior. While I can’t rescue anyone, I can pass on how I saved myself, or at least made living with this disease a little more bearable. This information was shared with me by those with more experience, and I share it now.
“Get away from her, you [expletive]!”
I replace the “her” with “me.” At the rate my MS is progressing, barring a medical miracle, I’m under no illusions about what the future has in store. No matter what that might be, I intend to remain defiant every step of the way. I know MS isn’t a living entity and doesn’t care whether I am or not, but I care, and my family and friends care, too. They care enough to let me get away with saying defiant lines like that to MS during my occasional moments of frustration.
I don’t know if all of that is written in any caregiver manual, but maybe it should be. If the person being cared for is anything like me, maybe the movie “Aliens” should be required viewing.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
Leave a comment
Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published.