Description
This is a film analysis paper. Word count at least 2300.
Must choose one film from the list here:
Film list:
1. Alien
2. The Thing
3. 2001: A Space Odyssey
4. It Follows
5. The Exorcist
Do not choose other film, must use required readings from I attached.
The detailed writing instruction is post in the attached file, need to check and read carefully before writing this paper.
This essay should be more analytical than evaluative, should offer film analysis not film review.
Considering the issues raised, include in your analysis consideration of mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound design.
Explanation & Answer
Done
Attached.
Running head: ANALYSIS OF ALIEN (1979)
Analysis of Alien (1979)
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliations
1
ANALYSIS OF ALIEN (1979)
2
Introduction
Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979) is a sci-fi horror movie produced in 1979. The film’s plot
centers on a highly violent extraterrestrial creature that gets aboard the space tug Nostromo on its
return trip to Earth and starts stalking and killing the crew of the spacecraft. Baldwin (2003)
indicates that the cast includes the captain of the spacecraft, Dallas, the warrant officer Ellen
Ripley, the navigator of the Nostromo, Lambert, Ash, the science officer, Brett and Parker,
engineering technicians, the executive officer, Kane, and Mother computer of the spacecraft
(Baldwin, 2003). The film examines the profound fears and desires that are typically suppressed
in the subconscious. Alien is an example of the "body horror" films that emerged between the
1970s and 1980s that investigated the human psyche by exploring fears about the human body,
sexuality, and birth. Alien is also categorized as a gothic horror film since its setting suggests a
gothic atmosphere. Set aboard a spacecraft, this is a perfect setting for horror experience since it
is an absolute isolation where a person cannot escape (Baldwin, 2003). This setting is in
congruence with its tagline, which states that no one can hear you scream in space. In addition to
the theme and setting, the physical performances of the film creates a horror masterpiece since its
mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound design are top-notch.
Mise-en-scene describes every element that appears in front of the camera and its
organization, including set design, composition, actors, lighting, props, and costumes. Ridley and
the production team ensured the sets of the film had a perfect look. Michael Seymour, the
production designer, indicated that for the film to be distinguishable from previous space
productions, they had to design a space environment that included a derelict spaceship and
planetoid to contrast the extraterrestrial aspects with the human spacecraft, Nostromo (Baldwin,
2003). Sets included on Nostromo's three decks were designed within one piece, each deck
ANALYSIS OF ALIEN (1979)
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sitting on a separate stage and the corridor interconnecting the various rooms. For the crew to
move around the set, they had to navigate via the lobby of the spacecraft, contributing to the
sense of realism and claustrophobia in the film.
The sets used low-resolution screens and large transistors to give the spaceship a “livedin” industrial look and make it look as if it was built using ancient technology. The design team
developed a system of industrial-themed symbols and color-coded signs for different aspects and
areas of the spaceship (Baldwin, 2003). In the entire film, the company that owns the ship is not
revealed, and characters only identify it as “the company.” Nonetheless, the log and name
“Weylan-Yutan is visible on numerous set pieces and props such as actors’ costumes, beer cans,
and computer monitors. The name “Weylan-Yutani” is a derivative of the business association
between Britain and Japan. “Weylan” originates from the British Leyland Motor Company while
“Yutan” is from the automaker’s Japanese business associates.
Roger Christian, the art director of the film, used scrap metal parts to design props and set
pieces to cut on production costs. Some of the spaceship's corridors were made from parts of
scrapped bomber aircraft and a mirror effect was used to create an illusion of extended passages
in the areas below the decks. Nick Allder and Brian Johnson, the special effect supervisors in the
film, created many of the props and set pieces such as computer monitors, moving chairs,
flamethrowers, and motion trackers (Baldwin, 2003). The spaceship's crew pet, Jones, was
portrayed by four identical cats.
A Swiss painter, H.R. Giger, designed and worked on the derelict and other alien
elements of the movie (Baldwin, 2003). He created the derelict to look biomechanical and
organic in contrary to the industrial look of the spaceship and its human aspects. For the Egg
chamber and the derelict’s interior, he made use of dry bones with plaster to shape most of the
ANALYSIS OF ALIEN (1979)
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elements and scenery. The development of the cockpit of the mysterious ship was problematic
since the production did not want to spend a lot of money on a set that would only be used once.
As a result, the pilot of the ship sat on top of a rotatable disc to enable shots from diverse angles
in regards to the actors (Baldwin, 2003). The pilot and the entire set was airbrushed by Giger.
The Pilot creature's origin was theorized that the spacecraft could be a warship capable of
dropping the Xenomorph eggs to harm the crew. However, the idea was discarded due to
budgetary concerns. Therefore, the Egg chamber was placed inside the derelict and filmed
together with the Pilot scene. The production team used laser lighting effects in the Egg
chamber.
Special effects were applied on the spaceship and the planetoid and the Egg and the facehugger. Models and miniatures were used to shoot the planets and the spacecraft. This comprised
of Nostromo's model and its attached mineral refinery, the interior and exterior of the derelict,
the planetoid, and Narcissus, the escape shuttle (Baldwin, 2003). The shuttle racing past the
spaceship was the only shot captured using a blue screen composition. Other shots were captured
against the backdrops. The scene when Kane was examining the Egg was videoed after
production.
Another element of mise-en-scene (acting) is seen in the Chestburster scene gaving the
audience one character to identify with-Lambert. In moments of horror, allowing viewers to
identify with one character is essential since he or she acts as a substitute for the audience's
reaction. During this scene, Lambert is set up isolated and standing as a spectator (Sabol, 2018).
The audience gets a glimpse of her after the xenomorph has emerged, her face splattered with
blood and shock. This reaction is essential to the audience because her understandable reactions
and emotions allows them to imagine themselves in the situation, intensifying the impact.
A...
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