It's a mix of fantastical sci-fi and fantasy which to me is the best kind, as it blends the technology which makes sci-fi so exciting, but taken to visual and material extremes, and the fantasy mood which speaks to the soul. Star Wars isn't very far off really. Technology mixed with mysticism.
I think its an interesting idea to suggest that Alien was what began to create the image of scifi being dirty, heavy and 'bolty', but wasnt Alien and Aliens all set in Industrial plants and ships? If you were to look at the beginning of Aliens the interior of the space station has smooth shapes, and relies heavily on white…