By discussing either The China Syndrome or Apollo 13, discuss the ways in which film-makers can manipulate our emotions.
Answer:.
"Apollo 13" is an exhilarating film documenting the acute tragedies that fraught the Apollo13 moon mission. Through the use of camera techniques, symbolism, and the documentary genre, the audiences" emotions are effectively manipulated, thus compelling them to relive the "edge-of-the-seat" calamity. .
Camera techniques are effective in manipulating emotion, especially during the two climaxes: the sequencing and the re-entry. Firstly, during the sequencing scene, Ken Mattingly is called upon to conduct simulation exercises to find a solution to conserve power for re-entry. However, it was obvious that tension was mounting, despite the little successes that had already transpired. This, combined with close-ups of Mattingly in the simulator, contributes to heightening the tension, thus putting the viewer in suspense. Secondly, whilst preparing for the re-entry phase, the L.E.M. was detached, and as drifted slowly away, it was at this point that one realised that now was their only chance to return home. As a result it causes a rise in tension, and a build up to the climax. During re-entry, a long shot focusing on the Aquarius, combined with special effects, contributed to a build-up in tension, as it allowed the viewer to see the contrasts between the Earth and space, as well as the freezing conditions and the intense heat. As no other re-entry phase had taken longer than 3 minutes, the seriousness of the situation was highlighted through a series of close-up, tilt-pan, low angle, and high angle shots capturing the character" fear and anticipation, accompanied with the repetition of the line, "Odyssey, this is Houston - do you read me?" .
The fact that "Apollo 13" adopts both a documentary and a narrative genre helps to manipulate the viewer's emotions. The subjective shots of the television at the Lovell's home, and the footages in the opening scenes, gives viewers a "feel" for space exploration, as it allows them to realise that the dangers incurred is not just a fantasy, but a reality.
