Life in Space essays

Life in Space essays The scene in the movie Aliens uses graphic match, an establishing shot, and various types of focus to put special emphasis on the relationship between Ripley and life. These examples of cinematography, mise-en-scene, and editing serve to enhance the interpretation of symbolism. The clip starts with a graphic match of earth, which dissolves into Ripleys sleepy face. This graphic match signifies life, using earth as a symbol of life and then relating life to Ripley. Had the graphic match not included an image of earth, Ripley could have been interpreted as being lifeless and dead. This graphic match signifier of life also foreshadows the news that Burke breaks to Ripley about her hyper sleep in space. Following the graphic match is a shot of space and a ship in movement. The ship is the only sign of life form in the vast space shot. This establishing shot serves to give a sense of location and encourages the viewer to pay attention to whats inside the ship. From the inside of the ship, a window shows the space scenery outside with the use of a composite shot. The window is important as it reminds the viewers of the vast emptiness outside of the ship. The tempo of this shot is slow and soothing while not much is happening inside of the ship just as it was outside the ship. This slow tempo is accompanied by smooth music, which is important as it creates a contrast to what occurs inside the ship. The slow tempo continues as Ripley wakes up and the viewers pay attention to her. The camera pans Burke as he walks into the room accompanied by Jonesy the cat. More characters are introduced and this reinforces the concept of gradually moving from empty space to life. A distinct shot reverse shot is taken during the conversation between Burke and Ripley as she learns where she has been the last 57 years. The camera blurs the background, including Burke, putting emphasis on Ripley. A combination of a sh...