I got the sense that things were left intentionally vague -- not so much to make the movie a mind-bending philosophical exercise, but more as a storytelling cop

I got the sense that things were left intentionally vague -- not so much to make the movie a mind-bending philosophical exercise, but more as a storytelling cop-out and a way to guarantee a sequel: http://www.movies.com/movie-news/ridley-scott-prometheus-interview/8232 http://www.movies.com/movie-news/ridley-scott-prometheus-int... So I wouldn't count on understanding too much more on multiple viewings...