Spalko's Erection! (not what it sounds like...well, actually, yeah it is)

kongisking

kongisking

Active member
Did anyone pick up on the interesting moment where, during the teaser in Area 51, Spalko's sword is pulled up into an, ahem, "erect" position by the magnetic alien's body? Did this have any significance, or am I just a pathetic pervert who likes to insert hidden sexual meanings in my favorite movies? It just looked very...deliberate to me.
 
Gear

Gear

New member
For those who've studied a little film and directing, you'd know that directors constantly embed subliminal messages in their work, whether it's as simple as the use of camera angles, music, and lighting or more complex use of significant colors, body language, or items in particular positions*. The director is constantly trying to convey meaning in all sorts of fashions.

You might also know that guns*and swords, most notably, are used as phallic symbols.

Good directors, or actually any artist (see some works of painters such as the Mona Lisa or look into the Beatles' "Paul is Dead" "messages"), put tremendous efforts in their material to translate meaning to the public.







*Look through this thread.
 
TheLastCrusader

TheLastCrusader

Active member
Lonsome_Drifter said:
I just think that you're looking too far into this popcorn flick.
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How ignorant of you. This is a Spielberg film. The reason he's one of the great directors of our time is because you can never look too far into his movies... Not even his popcorn flicks.

I noticed this too, and indeed. She just found what she was looking for and the sword represents her having a boner because of it.
 
The Drifter

The Drifter

New member
TheLastCrusader said:
How ignorant of you. This is a Spielberg film. The reason he's one of the great directors of our time is because you can never look too far into his movies... Not even his popcorn flicks.

I noticed this too, and indeed. She just found what she was looking for and the sword represents her having a boner because of it.
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Hey, buddy get your head outta the sand. This scene represents nothing. It's a summer movie, and nothing more. I liked the movie, but stop acting like there is a deeper meaning.
And, you yourself are the one who is ignorant.
 
Indy's Fist

Indy's Fist

New member
Lonsome_Drifter said:
Hey, buddy get your head outta the sand. This scene represents nothing. It's a summer movie, and nothing more. I liked the movie, but stop acting like there is a deeper meaning.
And, you yourself are the one who is ignorant.
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I think Spielberg would agree with both of you! As with all art it is open to inturpretation. Any any great artist will not say which is right, it's up to the viewer to make the call.
 
Pale Horse

Pale Horse

Moderator
Staff member
gear guardian said:
For those who've studied a little film and directing, you'd know that directors constantly embed subliminal messages in their work, whether it's as simple as the use of camera angles, music, and lighting or more complex use of significant colors, body language, or items in particular positions*. The director is constantly trying to convey meaning in all sorts of fashions.

You might also know that guns*and swords, most notably, are used as phallic symbols.

Good directors, or actually any artist (see some works of painters such as the Mona Lisa or look into the Beatles' "Paul is Dead" "messages"), put tremendous efforts in their material to translate meaning to the public.
Click to expand...

ding ding ding. :hat:
 
Moedred

Moedred

Administrator
Staff member
4694.jpg

LPGA's Christie Kerr, 2002. The photographer claims it was accidental...
 
Rocket Surgeon

Rocket Surgeon

Guest
I talk in a way no one gets

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Dewy9

Dewy9

New member
Well I do have to admit that I thought the part with Mutt and Indy's knives in the cemetary was going to be some ***** joke the first time I saw it.

Whoops! Looks like that word's a no-no.
 
Violet

Violet

Moderator Emeritus
Yes, I did notice Spalko's sword erection and as Gear said, swords and guns are phallic symbols though I never thought to discuss it.

I guess I would interpret it as a way of giving Spalko masculinity (perhaps lesbianism? you know what I imply by that. ;) Though often women in power or a position of authority almost always are judged as lesbian or having lesbian connotations attached, see Lara Croft or Xena), and dominance over men. She has the same power as men ergo she's one of them and since she's in a position of authority is more powerful than them. The fact she has a sword could even allude to her having the power to castrate her henchmen.

I however, wouldn't be surprised if her character was a lesbian. :p
 
Agent Z

Agent Z

Active member
Man, this may be the most awkwardly-titled thread I have clicked on. *LOL*

We have talked about this scene before on the forum. I think, with the way the shot is staged, it seems to be a definite wink and nod moment there. Which is fine, as it is subtle enough for the viewer to either take or leave it anyway they see fit. ;)
 
kongisking

kongisking

Active member
Indy's Fist said:
I don't know about all of that, but I do know Spalko gave ME an erection!:D
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I'm right there with you, pal.

BTW, I kinda was half-kidding with this topic, but I do think that the framing of the shot, Spalko's obsession with the IDB's and the character's tomboyish nature, this quick little Scooby Snack was intentionally meant to be semi-erotic. No, I'm not a perv, either.

And that odd Lion King reference? Are you serious? I didn't know that! That is so cool. ;)
 
Stoo

Stoo

Well-known member
I just think that you're looking too far into this popcorn flick.
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When it comes to setting up the composition of a shot, Spielberg's no dummy so it could very well be intentional. What it implies is anybody's guess. Something like this is nothing new either. Classic Warner Bros cartoons have tonnes of examples of "erections" in them. Chucks Jones and Tex Avery were constantly trying to sneak things pass the censors of the time and, in 2008/09, this gag is an oldie.

(For those who consider "Skull" to be too cartoony...there's some more ammo for you.:p)

kongisking said:
And that odd Lion King reference? Are you serious? I didn't know that! That is so cool.
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I'm pretty sure it has been removed.
 
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