ISP Week 10: Moon- Binary oppositions (Middle sequence)
Explore how binary oppositions contribute to dramatic conflict in ‘moon’. [20]
In the film Moon, dramatic conflict is explored through binary oppositions within the performance. In this, the new Sam is constantly compared and seen as different to the old Sam, through their opposite viewpoints and motives. The new Sam is suggested as revolutionary and provoking change, whereas the old Sam is shown to be in denial. An example of this is when the old Sam is building his model village. This could demonstrate how he is rebuilding his memories and perhaps creating an idealised utopia world. In terms of mes en scene the old traditional buildings within the village could suggest how he is reflecting on the past and feeling nostalgic, however isn’t seen to be doing anything to change that. The binary oppositions of new Sam vs old Sam within the social ideology show how two exploited working-class men who share the same identity are fighting about an issue the company has caused when they could be finding a solution to their plight, suggesting how Lunar Industries creates self-doubt between the same person. In terms of mes en scene binary opposition is explored through the quality and colours of their uniform. The old Sam’s company uniform is seen to be worn and fade whereas the new Sam wears a clean and new one also with the colours of the American flag. This could show change and rebellion, suggesting how the new Sam as a fresh mind-set compared to old Sam. Although this is ironic since when the two Sam’s fight they are still wearing the companies uniform, suggesting how Lunar industries always has a certain degree of control over the two workers in space. Binary opposition is also explored through the film’s narrative during the convocation in the middle sequence. The new Sam is shown to be addressing the crisis using ironic dialogue such as ‘Wake up,’ however the old Sam’s belief that Lunar Industries is helping them sustains his own exploitation, for example when he refers to his wife ‘Tess’. This creates conflict in the film as the two different personalities clash which therefore inevitably leads to Sam fighting himself. Next dramatic conflict in Moon is explored through the binary oppositions of the false hero vs the real hero, relating to Propp’s theory. At the beginning of the movie the old Sam appears as the protagonist, however during their fight status shifts and the new Sam is shown to be the protagonist, which is explored through cinematography. The camera angle uses a handheld point of view shot looking over new Sam’s shoulder suggest how we sympathise and relate with him more, suggesting he has a greater power and strength over the old Sam who is growing weaker and more vulnerable. Also within the film, specifically the middle sequence, the narrative devices through editing are used as binary oppositions. For example, during the scene the editing shifts from continuity editing to montage editing. The montage editing reflects how both of the Sam’s have lost control, suggesting chaos and disorder as well as demonstrating how they share a fragmented mind. In terms of cinematography used to explore binary oppositions in the film, the contrast of blood and cleanliness contributes to dramatic tension created. The colour red firstly suggests a sense of danger and pain creating an added tension, as well as this symbolising how he has his own blood on his hands at the expense of the company. The constant high key light and white background give the impression that they live in a cold, sterile and harsh environment suggesting how they are socially forced to live an unnatural existence. Throughout the entirety of the film and within the sequence, the binary opposites of humans and artificial intelligence are explored. Within this, humans are represented only as obstacles and impediment on the company’s growth, shown when the new Sam rebels against the system as he looks for a hidden room and the old Sam refuses to move out his way. This links to ethnicity in the film and is supported by Marx’s theory as Sam is presented as the default worker, showing how he will inevitably fail due to the fault of human nature. This closely links to the binary oppositions of the company vs the worker. This suggests how the company’s profit is worth more than the lives of human, demonstrating how if the company relies upon the working class it could potentially result in protest and retaliation, reflected by the motives of the character Sam. Lastly, Binary oppositions are explored through mass vs individual. In reference to social and political ideology, dramatic conflict is created as the company relies on a single human to carry out their work, suggesting how individuals like Sam are neglected and exploited at the expense and profit of the company, only to be replaced three years later by a new and healthier clone of the same human being.
Emma Coe Film Studies 