1.1 the two reveal sequences

Sequence 1

1. Dream world
[wposflv src=http://www.wiredcrow.com/serenity_analysis/videos/01-01-01.flv]
2. River being experimented on
3. Back to reality
  • Sequence #1 is of the mind, Dream world in the mind of River who is being experimented on, which in turn is basically a video recall of the incidents that happened as viewed by the Operative
    • This opening is the also the straight up inciting incident
    • Though Mal is not in this one yet, it’s worth talking through parts of this:
      • The Dream World
        • Opening narrative reveals the world in which all our characters live in
          • Stark contrast of pristine, sophisticated, elegant world with seedier outer planets: cowboy, wild west feel
            • The strong contrast is very prevalent throughout the film and is reflected in the contrast between Mal the protagonist and The Operative, the antagonist
        • Feels bright and airy
        • We will return to this dream world again and each time, it will appear more and more fuzzy, dream-like. However, this first time, it appears more solid
        • It also shows a curious blend of Asian and Western influences that make the world of this movie unique
        • The dialogue from the teacher establishes several things right away:
          • The quick background/history/world in which Mal lives in
          • An important theme: River’s rebuttal to the teacher means government trying to tell people how to think (not just what to believe in)
          • This theme is the one that allows Mal to grow as a character though not one he carries as part of his personal growth – it IS his motivation for the growth though
      • The Lab
        • Blue tint: darker tones potentially reflecting the “seedier” side of the Alliance
      • To introduction of the Operative
        • More normally lit suggesting 100% back to “reality”
        • Worth spending a bit of time to talk about The Operative who in many ways is a foil for Mal
          • Established as a man of honour, carries a sword that looks like a cross between a tanto and a katana
            • Suggests feudal ideals of honour and even helping a man commit seppuku (he even mentions it)
          • He mentions another theme-word “Love” which doesn’t get as emphasized in this movie but one Mal talks to at the end of the movie

Sequence 2

[wposflv src=http://www.wiredcrow.com/serenity_analysis/videos/01-01-02.flv]

  • Sequence #2 of more physical camera view: Serenity as the movie title screen, to the ship’s logo, panned out to reveal the ship, then rotated and zoom back in to reveal Mal, our man of the hour
    • The music here starts with almost lonely sounding violin, reflective of alone in space, then kicks in sound of thrusters accompanied by guitar, again a cowboy, adventure sounding. Both instruments join in in full orchestra as the camera pans to Mal before the a part of the ship suddenly flies off, interrupting the music
      • This dichotomy reflects Mal in all sorts of way and finally we get a reveal of our main character.
      • Pause here to study Mal (10:00)
        • In many ways, Mal and Serenity are reflections of each other
          • Serenity’s logo is chipped, a little worn
          • Mal’s costume: Collared shirt, but long worn jacket, rustic brow colour
          • Mal and Serenity’s logo both have very earth tones
          • He’s always clean-shaven though implies that he does take some care in his looks
          • Later on as we catches more full body glimpses of the character, you’ll see belts and gun hostlers that reminisces of a cowboy
            • This in itself is aligns with the way he speaks and in how he holds himself.
      • As the panel flies off the ship, Mal’s reaction is shown first, which doesn’t only subtly hint that he’s the leader, but also sets precedence that a good chunk of the narrative will be from Mal’s point of view
        • The dialogue and announcement quick establishes him as captain of the ship
        • His quick dialogue with the pilot Wash, also shows he knows the ship very well
        • Mal’s actual discernible reveal is also triggered by a broken panel