Curiosity Didn’t Kill The Cat

Jonesy is the cat found on board the ship along with the other crew members. For some, Jonesy provides comfort and companionship for those who need a friend. Animals, especially cats and dogs, have a therapeutic-nature that can be beneficial for those who have anxiety or depression. We can assume those involved in long-term space travel may experience some symptoms of these common disorders.

                Other than being just a cat (MEOW MEOW), Jonesy is a key component in advancing the plot. The humans on board care for Jonesy on a significant level. It is significant enough that they will risk their own safety to protect him. We often hear distance meowing and one of the crew members is off to his rescue, resulting in a suspenseful scene. Some of the most suspenseful moments involving tiptoeing around looking for Jonesy. The attention to Jonesy creates immense danger for the crew members, many a time ending their lives. On a positive note, Jonesy promotes human empathy, responsibility, and care-taking qualities. Without Jonesy, much of the crew may adapt the mentality “every man for themselves!” The benefits of having Jonesy outweigh the risks, especially in the beginning and early middle parts of the movie.

                In the end, however, the idea of Jonesy being a benefit SHOULD be dismissed. The final crew member’s life is in jeopardy. She is against the clock, literally minutes from her demise, but decides it is a good idea to go save the cat. ARE YOU SERIOUS?

Jonesy represents a sense of innocent, a child perhaps. He requires care; he is incapable of providing for himself. Crew members must feed him, provide affection, and rescue him from danger. What the crew members lack to realize is that Jonesy’s motive is survival. This is why he is hiding amongst the pipes and tight spaces for safety from the alien. His only goal is to survive whereas the crew members have other motives, such as save the cat or protect the other members. This is essentially one of their biggest flaws. Everyone would have lived if they did have the “every man for himself” mindset. They would not have let the infected human on the boat to begin with. But I suppose that would not have made for a very exciting movie, right?

Don't Forget Your Sunglasses

The most obvious component to influence perspective in the film Sunshine is lighting. Lighting suggests both opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to danger and serenity/peacefulness. I find it fascinating how light associated with music can evoke a variety of emotions from an audience member.

High amounts of light are perceived as dangerous or detrimental to the crew and ship. If crew members are exposed to too much light, they will go blind or die. We observe this in the scene where two members of the crew are fixing the outer panels. They are engulfed in the shadows; the time in which they feel the most secure. When they are in the shadows, we hear futuristic, almost space-like music, but it gradually builds as the danger approaches. Evident danger is near and the music becomes more frantic. There is a crescendo with the increase light which ends in a solar explosion.

Much of the film is within the shadows. The interior of the ship is dark, but there is no evidence of any danger or anxiety. I feel as if they find the darkness calming and reassuring. With their mission being associated with the sun, too much light within the ship would mean they are failing or their ship is deteriorating. This kind of darkness is not the black or ominous kind. The audience can see the different hues of dark blue or green. I feel as if these colors evoke a secure and calm feeling from the audience. We do not sense the danger typically associated with darkness.

After an unknown crew member from Icarus I boards the ship, there is a shift in the meaning of darkness. Instead of the familiar dark blue and green tones, more emphasis is placed on greys and shades of black. The darkness is much more ominous. As darkness becomes more treacherous, the music changes to a frantic melody. Much of the lighting within the ship is gone; we never get to fully see this dangerous crew member which adds to the eerie effect.

In the final moments of the space portion of the film, the idea of light transitions again. High amounts of light are now serene. The crew members have accepted their impending fate. As the sun’s brightness increases the music crescendos. Kapa is against the clock to repair the payload. Once his mission is complete and the sun bursts through, there is silence: just the bright sun engulfing Kapa. He shows no fear because he knows he has done such a significant feat for all of human-kind. Back on earth, brightness symbolizes hope for a BRIGHT future.

Makeup and Motives

Make up and costumes played a large role in Star Trek Insurrection. I felt as if the motives of specific groups in the movie were determined by the amount of makeup they possessed. We see three main different groups: minimal makeup group, average makeup group, and extreme makeup group.

The minimal makeup group correlates to the Ba’ku. These are the people who live a technology free life. They live carefree with emphasis on taking the time to enjoy each day. This pure and gentle nature is paired with minimal makeup and costumes. Most of them appear very natural looking, only using makeup to even skin tones and provide color for the actual production. They look the most like humans, which is why we associate gentleness with them in this sci-fi world. The gentle and pure factor adds to the idea of making these people seem helpless; this is also why Captain Picard and his team see the need to help them when under attack. Their only motive was to live a peaceful and technologically-free life.

The average makeup group is Captain Picard and the members of his crew. Most of them resemble humans, but others have more futuristic-like features. They are the protectors of the Ba’ku. I feel that they need to seem mostly human-like because we identify with humanity as being helpers. Much of their makeup is simple, but more edgy for the futuristic feel. The men are clean shaven with short, kempt hair. Women of the crew have short, practical haircuts with makeup only to emphasize their faces for the camera.  The other members, who are more futuristic, such as Lt. Data, add to the sci-fi feel of the fil. If Data was not part of the team, only costumes and stylistic features would separate the Ba’ku from the crew. Their motive was to keep peace for the Ba’Ku since they could not fend for themselves.

The So’Na are the most heavily covered in makeup and effects. They undergo facial skin transplants and stretching sessions. We see many layers of makeup to give the effect of being old, yet undergoing futuristic plastic surgery. Many of them go to endless limits to try to look young. Based on their need for youth, they are the antagonists and try to have the youth the Ba’ku have. Their makeup is very rough and wrinkled. There is even use of fake blood to emphasize the deteriorating health and appearance of the So’Na. With their looks at stake, they disregard anyone else and solely focus on restoring their appearance. 

Technologic.

Facebook. Twitter. Instagram. You name it. With growing emphasis on social media, we are beginning to lose touch with our natural human interactions and physical connections. We can hide behind a screen and say things we normally would not say. For some people, it may be the only human “contact” that they engage in. The movie, Wall-E, demonstrates the growing technological phenomenon. All the humans are tuned into their TV or computer monitor. They sit in hover chairs, never walking for themselves. Continuously, they communicate through video chat, even though their communication partner may be sitting right next to them. Their growing ignorance to the world around them keeps them from realizing the pool or other activities offered to them upon the cruise.

The irony of it all is that two robots, Wall-E and Eve, weres the spark to reinitiate contact between a few humans. The technology and the emotional connection they shared was the starting point to promote humans to physically interact. Wall-E chases Eve down throughout the ship. He runs into things and causes damage, but these mistakes cause the humans to “wake up” from their technological dream. For example, Wall-E wants to move past a woman on the train. She is tuned into her screen and does not even acknowledge Wall-E until he causes a scene. Her and another man are interrupted by Wall-E at different points in the movie, which bring them together. Their physical interactions are the first real human contact in (we assume) a very long time. We see a growing interest in engaging in human contact as these two humans connect. They splash around in the pool, which they previously had no idea existed.  Eventually, all of the humans get out of their hover chairs and finally contributes to the well-being of humanity and earth’s conservation.

While kids watch the movie, they see all the cool robots. When parents watch Wall-E, they have the opportunity to take a valuable message about the direction in which technology is headed. As mentioned before, social media sites take up hours of time that used to be for human contact and creating relationships. It is a real issue that our society faces. This technology could truly hurt us in the development of our social abilities. Wall-E tells a story that is a very possible direction that our future may be headed. There are many programs out there that want to promote getting off the internet and going outside. Nintendo Wii has hourly reminders to “get up and go outside!”  Nickelodeon has a day of no television shows which is meant to promote going outside to play. Wall-E is another movie that brings awareness to our growing attachment to technology. As helpful as technology can be in many cases, there cannot be a reliance on it. Our attention needs to shift back to the natural world and physical connections. 

A Man on the Moon

What begins as a rather put together looking “human,” ends up turning into a disheveled and depleting clone.  Makeup and performance, two important elements of the mise-en-scene, are carefully chosen to aid in to the progression of the movie, Moon.

Sam Bell starts off as a normal looking guy. His skin looks healthy, his eyes look bright, and he seems as if he takes care of his appearance.  This makeup is purposefully chosen to portray his well-being. It is the beginning of the movie and the part of understanding the movie must have him start in good health. Sam Rockwell, the man who plays Sam Bell, is most likely told to play Bell as a typical human. By acting human-like, we find his character believable and relatable. Bell is supposed come across as normal as possible; only in small, discrete moments do we see his quirky features come out. These moments are what spark our interest and cause us to question his authenticity.

As the movie progresses, we see a change in his makeup and mannerisms. After the discovery of Sam 2, Sam 1 takes a turn for the worse. His makeup is done to show his deteriorating health. His eyes begin to look more sunken and yellowed, his face looks pale, and his wardrobe gets stranger and dirtier. In the pictures below, you can see the side by side comparison of Sam 1 early in the movie to Sam 1 towards the end. With the makeup as a prominent visual aid, his performance only contributes more to the decline of Sam Bell.

With these two elements working in harmony, we are able to see the obvious downfall of the main character. Not only do they manage to do this, but they contribute to some of the deeper meanings of the film. One of the meanings I took away was that “all things must come to an end.” Sam 2 was determined to make it back to earth so that he may have some kind of life there. He told Sam 1 that he, too, could be free. Sam 1 realizes that he does not have much time, so he offers himself as a sacrifice for the lunar accident. Sam 1 knows he can do more good by serving this purpose rather than attempting to escape. In doing so, Sam 2 will live a life on earth (or so we are led to assume) and Sam 3 will continue on harvesting energy on the moon. The makeup and acting add to this by providing the visual aids necessary to convince the audience of Sam 1’s impending end. All components of the mise-en-scene are of high importance to creating this gloomy, dark progression of Moon.

Theo, the boat! We are safe now!

In the final scene in of movie, we see Theo and Kee emerging in a rowboat from an underground canal out into the open sea. The new born baby is crying and cannot be consoled. With his last bit of energy, Theo teaches Kee how to subdue her baby. The baby is quieted as the boat “Tomorrow” appears in the distance. Theo then either dies or passes out from blood loss; we are left with a black screen and laughter of children.

There are a multitude of elements that make up a scene: setting, costumes/makeup, lighting, and staging. I will discuss both the setting and costumes/makeup. In this final scene, as mentioned above, they are in a small boat in the sea. The water is relatively calm. I feel as if this symbolizes they have finally reached their journeys end. They no long have to fear the constant threats they were faced with throughout the movie. The air around them is misty and foggy; this adds the effect of “the unknown.” Kee worries that “Tomorrow” has already come and gone. When the fog breaks, it does so around “Tomorrow” to show that not all hope is lost. Also, floating behind the rowboat is the buoy with a single light on it. Through the mist and fog, there is “a light at the end of the tunnel” so to say. The hardships have paid off and they will finally be able to start anew in a safe location. There is no real need for use of any props. There is so much symbolizing with the nature surrounding the boat.

When reflecting back on the use of costumes, I could not remember what the characters where wearing in this scene. Though the scene was simple, the makeup contributes its fair share. The rowboat is covered in blood, but Kee thinks it is hers. Theo quickly reassures her that it is his blood. The camera pans over to show all the blood in the rowboat. I feel like even though he’s pouring out a significant amount of blood, there is no sense of urgency. Usually when one sees that much blood, there is a high level of panic, but both Theo and Kee act strangely serene. I still question as to why that is; Kee should want to save Theo’s life.

The end when we hear laughter and the screen goes to black reminds me of how Inception ended. Was it a dream or was it real life? For Children of Men, does Theo die in the boat because his journey is now over or will he continue on?

What is LOVE? Robot, don’t hurt me.

Humans have created robots that are capable of giving love. There are so many wonderful possibilities for this accomplishment. Families who cannot have children can have a robot child, friends for those who are lonely, etc. But no! Even though these robots can give love, the trouble stems from the human side. The humans are the problem; they are not willing to trust and give the love these robots need to survive.

Unlike humans, these robots imprint on a person or people. They are programmed to love. Humans have the free will to choose who they love; robots have essentially been assigned who they are supposed to love.

The sad truth is that humans are idiots.

Humans have many external variables influencing their love. Attractiveness, timing, culture, age, location, and so much more. They are incapable of putting these aside to have “unconditional” love as the robots do. I purposefully use unconditional in quotations. Since the humans are the ones who made these robots, I feel as if their love is flawed because humans don’t really know what unconditional love is. The robots’ love might be the most unconditional that can be achieved. Confusing? Think about it.

Humans made these robots, but their human love is flawed. Humans create the robots. Therefore, how can humans expect to have robots with perfect unconditional love? When David makes mistakes, the humans FREAK out. They expect perfection. The people creating these robots are flawed themselves. There is no way to create the perfect, loving robot.

The robots need love; it is their purpose for existing. When the humans deny them the love they need, that’s when things go bad. What the humans needed to realize is perfection is impossible when they themselves who are creating are not perfect. If they could have realized this, David’s small errors could have been regarded as flaws to his programming by humans. Instead the robots long for something that can never be truly attained. It’s like the old carrot on the stick analogy.

Side note, I also can't help but be reminded of the BroBot episode from Jimmy Neutron.