Invasion Of The Body Snatchers Close-Up (“BBQ And Greenhouse” Sequence)
This blog post will be used to explain how this sequence uses the key elements of film form and fits into the film as a whole.
Summary
Doctor Miles and Becky arrive in their car and join the others they then processed to set up a barbecue with time each doing jobs, it looks like quite a nice party. Eventually Miles discovers the pods while trying to find something to fuel the fire he calls everyone over and they are all shown in one 4 shot showing all their reactions. The Doctor miles goes to call the government in LA but can’t get a signal they keep trying and the Belicec go to get help in a car eventually they give up on the phone and run away as well after forking the pods.
Cinematography
Don Siegel uses lots of good shots that expertly capture al four people such as in the green house or when they are all separate preparing the barbecue . This is used to show all of the action and reactions, however the focus is always doctor miles to show that he is the main character as he is always in the centre of the lens.
He also uses a canted angle shot inside the green house which is often used to show something is amiss this is before the characters find out that they are Alien life forms so is also a form of foreshadowing. This is use of dramatic irony as we know more than the characters at this point.
the camera tracks Dr miles through most scene this centres the attention on him even trugh there are 4 important t characters there. This focus on Dr Miles also shows how he is the main character and helps create the mystery as we only know what doctor miles knows as he says it through exposition.
Sound
The sound uses non-diegetic composed score in only certain parts o the sequence with the vast majority having little to none. This use makes the parts where it is used stand out. These parts have non-diegetic composed score to tell us what to feel when they happen.
This sequence is the first time we the alien pods and Don Siegle uses this to show us how disgusting and evil they are by adding slimy sounds to them. This is reinforces the idea of black and whit as the human looking aliens are dehumanised by the pos and there disgustingness
Editing
This Sequence uses lots of cuts to show action and then glance object shot repeatedly. This is mainly used to show how we should be reacting to the pods and other things. It also pairs with the common 4 shots to make it easy to show every characters reaction at the same time. However Don Siegel also uses close up reaction shot for individual characters.
Most of this film uses continuity editing opener this part of the film uses some element of parallel editing as it shows the 2 POVs from Doctor Miles and Becky. This is used to show how both are important in this part of the movie. It also contrasts with most other parts of the movie which is used to somewhat signify the change after this sequence where they realise how much of a problem the invasion is.
Mise-en-scène
This sequence uses Yoni imagery in the pods. This makes them seem more realistic as they are giving birth to new humans which is what yoni imagery symbolises. This also helps to explain exactly what the pods do as we as the audience can relate them together. Additionally it makes them seem more natural and disgusting for the viewer to look at.
They use a pitch fork as a weapon in this scene which is common troupe amount alien invasion films particularly. It shows how dire the situation is especially as this is the point that Dr Miles realises that the Aliens are taking over and how.
Context
In this sequence the women follow the men around do what they say and do stereotypical roles at a barbecue. At the time this was expected shows how women were treated. The women are also shown to be more scared of the pods and what could be happening. Additionally Becky is usually asking Miles questions so that he can say exposition. This shows how at the time this was us all and correct.
Genre Features
This sequence uses 2 obvious genre conversion of scone fiction films.
The sequence uses alien eggs which are normally assorted with alien invasion films as the alien are born from them. These eggs also use the previously mentioned yoni aesthetic t to seem disgusting but still natural.
The sequence also includes makeshift weapons like a pitchfork which is used to show their dire situation.