The document provides a detailed analysis of the cinematography and mise-en-scene in the climactic fight scene between the Alien and Predator in Alien VS Predator. Shots show the Predator as dominant over humans but on equal footing with the Alien. Close ups reveal expressions of anger, shock, and fear. Rapid editing and changing perspectives of who has the upper hand keep the audience guessing as to who will win. Shadows and limited lighting maintain suspense. Ultimately, the Alien defeats the Predator, shocking audiences who may have been rooting for the Predator, but ensuring the Predator's comeback and the film's continuation.

1. An analysis of cinematography and mise en scene
in Paul W.S. Anderson’s Alien VS Predator.
The set is decorated to shows a pyramid with ancient
markings on the wall suggesting that it has been there a
while. It also uses visual effects to make a Predator barely
visible and the main character scared and backed into a
corner looking up at where the predator is standing, her
costume is a torn modern outfit where props such as science
equipment can be seen. This shows that she feels threatened
by the Predator and that the predator is the threat here. Her
torn costume shows a struggle may have taken place. A close
up of the character’s face shows make up making her look
beaten and the shot shows fear as the Predator is killed by
an Alien and lifted into the air, the camera tilts to show the
height that the predator is being lifted and the size of the
Alien. This gives the effect of being small and insignificant
compared to both the Alien and the Predator however it also
makes us question who is the most dominant and dangerous
out of the Alien and the Predator as they have both been
shown as powerful and dominant over the humans. It then
shows a two shot of both the Alien and the Predator showing
the classic shot of both of them in the same scene and that
they will be facing off against each other. It also shows that
these are the main two focuses of the movie.

2. We see in a medium shot of
the a character being lifted
into the air by a Predator, in
this shot we see that the
characters costume is
modern clothing showing
they have either stumbled
upon the pyramid
accidentally or they are researching it. Within the medium
shot we see the props in the scene and the equipment they
are carrying which shows they are most likely researching
the area, as the props used are not equipment that anyone
there by accident would have with them. This shot also
shows the power between the characters. The fact that the
predator is lifting the character into the air shows us that the
predator is dominant in this scene and that he will hold the
power within the film.
After seeing the
Predator turn we see a
point of view shot
showing the predator
switching to a thermal
vision within the mask.
This is put here to
show the Predators superior technology and tells the
audience that there isn’t much point in trying to hide from
them. The superior technology is a common thing to see in
sci-fi films as it shows futuristic and technology
advancements, which audience usually find fascinating. The
Predators advanced technology makes the audience nervous
every time a character hides from them, as we know there is
a high chance of them being found. We then see the Predator
throw the character he is holding and turn toward the Alien
this is another indication of power and dominance. This

3. shows us two things: the
strength of the
predators and that the
Predator’s main motive
is the Aliens.
We then see both the
Alien and the Predator sprint toward each other. This is an
indicator that the action is about to begin and leaves the
audience excited for the action starting. Close ups show that
there is anger in their faces. As the fighting begins the shots
get shorter and faster showing that it is a fast paced scene,
we see longer shots focusing on fatal blows. We also see a
close up of the Predators mask as it is clawed and marked by
the Alien. This makes the audience think that the mark will
be a key feature in the Predators costume and telling the
predators apart.
We then see a close up of the
characters face, which
shows shock and confusion
at what she is seeing the
make up use in this shot
makes her look as though she has been in a struggle as there
is dirt and dust on her face. We then see shots of the actions
in the fight, which keeps the audience guessing at how it will
end, the constant change in who has the upper hand makes
it hard to predict the outcome. This also keeps the audience
wondering who is the most dominant of the two threats. A
shot is shown where the Predator throws the Alien and the
camera slowly moves back before the Alien reaches it. It also
becomes a point of view shot just before it hits the ground.
This gives the audience the same sense of being thrown
through the air with the Alien. And puts them in the Aliens
position. The lighting in this scene is mainly dark with most
of the light on the two threats and light shining through
smoke in the background this shows them loosing track of
where they are and also shows how they are focused on each

4. other rather than their surroundings. Through out the scene
we are continuously thrown back and forth for which side to
feel the most pity for and which side we want to win. This
scene is a reflection of us being thrown to the Aliens side.
The shadow and darkness in the scene also makes it hard to
track the fight, which once again keeps the audience
guessing.
The Acton slows as the Alien disappears and the Predator
and the audience are left on edge. This creates suspense,
tension and may even leave the audience terrified to look at
the screen, as they do not know what will happen next. We
see the Predator looking for the Alien from a point of view
shot where it shows the room full of shadows and mist, once
again showing how they are focused only on each other and
how easy it is to loose track of each other. This suspense and
fear built up puts the audience into the action making them
feel as scared as the characters. A bird’s eye view is shown to
show the audience that the Alien is nowhere to be seen again
building tension. The Alien slowly moves into the frame and
the camera is focused onto the Predator with the Alien to the
side of the shot. A slow reveal of the Alien staring at the
Predator where the Alien is just out of focus waiting for the
right moment to resume its attack, this choice of focus is to

5. show what the Alien is focusing on and a pull focus on the
alien shows it is ready to strike. This lets the audience know
where the attack will come from and reduces the tension
slightly. It also shows that the predator still does not know
where the alien is and keeps the audience guessing at who
will win the fight.
The Alien then reveals itself to the Predator and we see a
point of view from the Predator as the alien jumps toward
him however this time we see another point of view shot
from the Alien showing the predator quickly shooting a net
around the alien showing the predators reflexes. These shots
give the audience a shock and leave them curious as to what
will happen next. We then see a long shot of the Alien falling
through the ceiling of another room as the Predator follows.
In this shot we see more shadows and little light shining
through the hole that the Alien just made in the ceiling, this
once again shows the focus on these two characters. This

6. leave the audience shocked as they likely did not expect the
predator to react in time, it leaves them on the edge of their
seats and continuing to wonder what will happen next, the
ground breaking so easily shows the relief the audience feel
as the fight draws nearer to the end as they will finally get
what they want to see. We then see a close up of the Alien as
we learn the net is tightening around it. This also shows a
mark being left on the alien leaving the audience wondering
if this is another way to tell it apart from the other aliens.
This leaves the audience thinking that the fight is coming to
an end but not how we expected and they will resume the
fight later. However we are reminded that the alien is
trapped in a net and the Predator may have won.
As the Predator goes to finish the fight a medium shot shows
the alien breaking out of the net prop. This leaves the
audience shocked and wondering what will happen next it
may also confuse them and get them thinking what would
have happened if the predator got there first. We then see a
close up of the predators mask as he is knocked to the floor.
The shadows in the shot show a dark and possibly
devastating ending reflecting on the audience’s feelings. The
reflection of the Alien in his visor shows us the fear in the
Predator’s eyes, which leaves the audience wondering if the
predator will make a comeback as the alien did. Finally the

7. alien finishes off the predator and escapes this leaves the
audience shocked and some devastated as they were routing
for the predator, however there are some who were
relieved, as they prefer the alien. This final scene also
destroys the shock in the rest of the film as there is only one
predator left this ensures that the predator will win the rest
of the fights as if he did not there would be no reason for the
film to continue.