1. Alien (1979)
In this presentation, I will be explaining the opening of the film ‘Alien’.

2. The opening shot of Alien is a long take shot that slowly pans to the right
establishing the setting of where the narrative taking place. Throughout the pan
many themes of the film are shown.
The shot represents the deep and dark space to connote the emptiness and imply to
the audience there's no help or escape. This builds tension for the audience and can
make them feel uncomfortable and create a vulnerable feeling. The foreign planet
shown emphasizes the fact that they’re far from home and gives a sense of being
helpless and also represents the film title ‘Alien’.

3. These shots make the audience think
about how unknown, undiscovered and
mysterious space is which is emphasized
by slow and gloomy music hinting at this
aspect.
The gradual build up of the title ‘Alien’ is
slowly shown for another way to tell
audience how slow and sophisticated
space really is and that time is slow.

4. The shot finally reaches the other side of the mysterious planet
revealing a space ship which confirms that the film is set in space and
based on this vessel.
The opening sequence is effective because it explains the slowness of
time in space and clearly emphasizes the vulnerability of the situation as
the ship is far from home.