Mise en scene and lighting

• • H.R. Giger and Ridley Scott were crucial in the mise en scene and of the design of the Alien
• • The Alien monster (Xenomorph) has been read as a psychosexual symbol, something typical of Giger's artwork
• • The head of the Xenomorph is phallic shaped, and various face-hugger and egg openings have been read as vaginal.
  • The life cycle of the Alien is presents rape metaphors.
• • The mise-en-scene of the spacecraft is industrial and also 'futuristic', adding to the verisimilitude of the fil.
• • The ship itself has been seen as a character in itself, as it's unsettling; cluttered spaces, darkened corridors and decomposing organic matter.
  • This atmosphere is reinforced by low-key lighting making certain areas seem dangerous, which adds to the darkness of the film.
• • This decision was made as the team wanted to shock the audience and make them feel uncomfortable.