Apollo 13
By discussing either The China Syndrome or Apollo 13, discuss the ways in which film-makers can manipulate our emotions."Apollo 13" is an exhilarating film documenting the acute tragedies that fraught the Apollo13 moon mission. Through the use of camera techniques, symbolism, and the documentary genre, the audiences' emotions are effectively manipulated, thus compelling them to relive the "edge-of-the-seat" calamity. Camera techniques are effective in manipulating emotion, especially during the two climaxes: the sequencing and the re-entry. Firstly, during the sequencing scene, Ken Mattingly is called upon to conduct simulation exercises to find a solution to conserve power for re-entry. However, it was obvious that tension was mounting, despite the little successes that had already transpired. This, combined with close-ups of Mattingly in the simulator, contributes to heightening the tension, thus putting the viewer in suspense. Secondly, whilst preparing for the re-entry
Patriotism also manipulates the viewer's emotions. Consequently, these missions were part of America's attempts to win the "Space Race" against the Soviet Union. Secondly, during the telecast scene, there was much relevance when the astronauts played the song, "Spirit In The Sky". It also allowed the viewer to understand that the Apollo missions depended upon the Cold War, as it was to serve the purpose of advertising America's technical superiority, and advancing vital military functions. During re-entry, a long shot focusing on the Aquarius, combined with special effects, contributed to a build-up in tension, as it allowed the viewer to see the contrasts between the Earth and space, as well as the freezing conditions and the intense heat. In addition, when retrieving the crew, there were references to the IWO JIMA. As this is part of America's national pride, similar to "Anzac Day", it allows for a sense of satisfaction, as the tragedy of Apollo 13 united a sceptic nation. Coupled with camera techniques, symbolism, and the documentary genre, each step of the Apollo 13 journey is milked for suspense. The greatest example of this is Gene Kranz. As no other re-entry phase had taken longer than 3 minutes, the seriousness of the situation was highlighted through a series of close-up, tilt-pan, low angle, and high angle shots capturing the character' fear and anticipation, accompanied with the repetition of the line, "Odyssey, this is Houston - do you read me?" The fact that "Apollo 13" adopts both a documentary and a narrative genre helps to manipulate the viewer's emotions. Firstly, the tragedy of Apollo 13 was predicted early in the film when the mission was "bumped" up six months ahead of schedule, when Ken Mattingly was said to have the measles, when Marilyn Lovell bad a dream regarding the mission, and when she lost her wedding ring.
Common topics in this essay:
Ken Mattingly,
Answer Apollo,
Gene Kranz's,
Odyssey Houston,
Union Symbolism,
Cold War,
Anzac Day,
Marilyn Lovell,
Gene Kranz,
Spirit Sky,
apollo 13,
viewer's emotions,
camera techniques,
camera techniques symbolism,
techniques symbolism documentary,
documentary genre,
tragedy apollo,
allowed viewer,
symbolism documentary,
symbolism documentary genre,
techniques symbolism,
manipulate viewer's emotions,
manipulate viewer's,
tragedy apollo 13,
ken mattingly,
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Acceptance Essays
