Subtle yet interesting show observations -- post yours

POSTED BY: AnimalM0ther
UPDATED: Friday, December 7, 2007 19:19
VIEWED: 121753
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ANIMALM0THER

Saturday, January 28, 2006 7:31 PM

I dont know if this has been mentioned before but I just love how there are always a few little things I pick up that I hadnt noticed from the last time watching an episode.

One of my favorites is from Objects in Space. When the show starts we see Serenity flying by a red/white/green planet then the camera goes through the ship to River. At the very end of the episode, when River and Kaylee are playing jacks, River says "I can do this" and drops a rubber ball that looks pretty much the same as the planet they passed by at the beginning of the show. Then of course the camera goes through the ship again this time to end up with an external view. I just love that whole sequence of how the end shot is in reverse of the opening shot: From the planet, through the ship, to River, then reversed. A beautiful way to start and end the episode, showing us those objects in space literally.

I'll be in my bunk.

KIZYR

Saturday, January 28, 2006 8:41 PM

Two things:

1) It wasn't until I'd watched the Serenity pilot three times that I noticed Mal kissing the cross around his neck at the Battle of Serenity Valley. Me and my friend just looked at each other in amazement, since it was the first time he'd noticed it, too.

2) In the Serenity movie... the entire opening with Mal walking through the ship from the cockpit to the cargo hold is shot in one take. No cuts. Not quite subtle, but really amazing when you realize it. KF

~KF

Lord, I'm walking your way. Let me in, for my feet are sore, my clothes are ragged.
Look in my eyes, Lord, and my sins will play out on them as on a screen. Read them all.
Forgive what you can and send me on my path. I will walk on until you bid me rest.
~Haven Prayer

NANDIFAN

Sunday, January 29, 2006 5:41 AM

I have a Serenity observation.

In the very last scene with Inara, when she tells Mal she doesn't know if she wants to leave, she has absolutely no makeup on. I have to go back through the shows, but I think that is the first time she has ever been on with no makeup. It was like she was giving up being a Companion. Again, I have to double check, and if I am wrong, please let me know.

Basically, seems to be all about the symbolism, and I love trying to figure out what he meant by this shot or this scene. Of course, then I watch the commentary and he explains it! Just love him!

"If they've got guns or brains at all."
"They've got guns."

GUTTERBALL

Sunday, January 29, 2006 5:54 AM

I love how, in both the BDS and the BDM, all the out-in-space shots are silent. Sure, there's occasional background music and you can hear the crew talking through their helmets, but there's no ship noise, no explosions, no air rushing past, no clanking of parts, no lasers whining. It's as it should be, as sound doesn't travel in space -- or so I've heard.

Heh, never been, myself.

It's pretty subtle, but also pretty ballsy after all the Star Trek and Star Wars movies with those noiseful space battles and such. I just like it.

And yes, Nandifan, I noticed that shot of her without make-up, too. I think it's the first time Inara is bare of her companion trappings. Her outfit is relatively non-ornate, too. Very poignant.

________________________________________

Please remember that the 9:30 show is completely different from the 7:30 show. Don't forget to tip your waitress.

LUTHIEN1121

Sunday, January 29, 2006 6:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Kizyr:
Two things:

2) In the Serenity movie... the entire opening with Mal walking through the ship from the cockpit to the cargo hold is shot in one take. No cuts. Not quite subtle, but really amazing when you realize it. KF

I didn't notice that in the theatre, but I did notice when watching the DVD at home. Beautiful, isn't it? Done as if to emphasize the continuity of the set in the movie, just like on the series. And of course to introduce all the characters--including Serenity herself--right away.

We're gonna explode? I don't wanna explode!

LUTHIEN1121

Sunday, January 29, 2006 6:08 AM

P.S.

That opening sequence with all the character interactions is one of my favorites in the entire series. Particularly the PA announcement and Jayne conversation!

We're gonna explode? I don't wanna explode!

AYRAD

Sunday, January 29, 2006 11:22 AM

Anyone noticed Jayne's shirt in "The Message"?
It has a drawing of a man's head wearing something kinda orangy (a hat??).
So, we have Jayne in a very cunning orange hat wearing a shirt with a guy who has something orange on his head, too! Shiny!

AB AMORE NON RECEDAM
www.cthomashowell.net

MISTERDRGN

Sunday, January 29, 2006 12:03 PM

Some of the stuff y'all mentioned is talked about by Joss in the commentary. There's extensive stuff about everything relating to Objects in Space, including the opening/ending parallel. Also, the really long shot at the beginning of the movie Serenity is actually two shots, since the two floors of the ship are seperate sets. Still quite impressive, tho.

I didn't notice the part about Inara's makeup. That's pretty cool.

NCBROWNCOAT

Monday, January 30, 2006 4:37 AM

Joss also mentioned in the commentary that the camera operator in that long stedicam shot only tripped once in 45 takes. I'd be tripping all over the place.

THEONETRUEBIX

Monday, January 30, 2006 4:41 AM

The planet/ball thing in OiS isn't so much subtle as intended parallel imagery.

What IS subtle in OiS is the fact that when Early is leading Simon through the ship, they pass the spacesuit locker... which is open.

Because at that point, although the audience doesn't know it yet, River has already left the ship to go sit inside Early's.

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