Spatial Narrative in the Intercept Of Cinema and Architecture: A Review of Alien (1979) on Storyboards

Abstract

<p>The disciplines of cinema and architecture have a common denominator that is related in terms of spatiotemporal content. Movie spaces imply a mutual interaction with the discipline of architecture in terms of the expression of the existing built environment or the design of architecture in the film. The editing of the architecture of the film in this interaction defines an important field of production for the universe design of science fiction cinema. Since designing spaces in sci-fi films requires an innovative approach in the context of the script, various tools are needed to develop the designs in the process of transforming the scenarios into film. Storyboards, which are created to design spaces, events, and characters in the visualization of movies and to build their time flow, are a potential tool for universe design in sci-fi narratives. In this study, Alien (1979), a cult science fiction film, was reviewed through the storyboard sketches of director Ridley Scott and the movie scenes corresponding to these drawings. Knowledge of the setting and design of the creature and how the iconic scenes were designed in the film was explored through storyboards representing the Nostromo spacecraft and the unknown planet. In these storyboards, it has been seen that space and sequences of events are built on a temporal flow through frames, and spatial expressions can be strengthened with visual effects such as movement, color, and light. As a result, it is known that the spatial potentials of storyboards, which are a preliminary draft in the expression of cinematic spaces, are frequently used for architectural expression today, and it is believed that it is important to expand into a design tool.<br></p>