Relationships Between Shots

In the 1979 movie Alien, the scene in which crew member Brett is killed contains editing that has made a significant contribution to the storytelling and the feel of the film. In this scene, Brett is searching for Jones, the crew's pet cat. Although they are in space, you hear chains rattling and water dripping from the ceiling--things you wouldn't expect to see and hear on a space craft. The setting is reminiscent of a medieval dungeon, giving it a Gothic feel. Throughout the scene, you can hear the sound of a pulsing heartbeat. However, it isn't clear who's heartbeat it is. It could be Brett's, the alien's, Jones', or the viewer's. With no non-diegetic sound, it makes the arrival of the titular alien even more suspenseful. It puts the viewer in the position of Brett--unknowing of what is going to happen next. The only time where non-diegetic sound is heard is when the alien's tail curls down from above, mimicking the chains in the room. The surfaces in this scene can be described as greasy, dirty, dark, wet, and viscous, which one would find in an element of the Gothic. While the scene itself goes relatively slow, the death of Brett is quick and painful. Brett does not die alone, however, as Jones watches as the alien hoists him up to be killed. The scene gives us a sense of isolation, where no one can hear you scream. http://dai.ly/x2n2pzh?start=3775 start at 1:02:55, end at 1:05:33.