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Essay / A view from the Alex Garland film, Ex Machina
In the bathroom scene from Ex Machina (2015), Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) performs a test on himself, to see if he is an android like Ava, and, as he comes to discover, Kyoko. While one might think this scene should resolve the issue, it only muddys the waters. As Caleb examines himself in the mirror, green and blue digital effects flash across his face. Is this a function of the mirror, or a HUD of Caleb's potentially robotic eyes? Or perhaps it is a non-diegetic element intended solely to pique the viewer's curiosity. Sound design also plays a vital role in this scene. When he pulls on his teeth, little clicks emanate from his mouth, which could be pieces of plastic clicking, or just the sound of his fingers clicking on his teeth. The score features electronic instruments and synthesizers playing non-lyrical ascending tones. This reflects both a mechanical vibe, hinting that Caleb might be an android, and instills a sense of growing tension in the viewer, anxiously awaiting a revelation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get an Original EssayCinematography is essential to how this scene works. The camerawork plays with the viewer, first with quick, discontinuous cuts, followed by long, suspenseful shots, keeping the audience disoriented and unable to predict the pace of the scene. As the scene progresses, the lighting changes to highlight his bone structure, tricking the audience into seeing what's beneath his skin. One particular shot is composed so that Caleb's arm and body form a triangle with his face obscured behind it. This separates the audience from Caleb, making the viewer wonder if they can still trust and identify with him. Is this a moment of revelation for him as he looks at her open arm? The framing of the photo, with his eye at the top of the triangle formed by his arm and body, is slightly reminiscent of the Illuminati symbol, which could allude to the conspiracy Caleb is facing. What is most compelling about this scene is Gleeson's portrayal. performance. What kind of human can cut their arm deeply without even flinching or making a sound of pain? Although he begins the scene frantic and curious, he ends the scene staring at his reflection, unblinking in Terminator style. He ends the scene by punching the mirror, creating a shard that very poetically mirrors the shard on the glass between him and Ava. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized paper now from our expert writers. Get a personalized essay. ultimately turns out to be a false lead, this scene almost convinces the viewer that Caleb is also a robot..