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Essay / Can religion and science coexist? - 1724
Can religion and science coexist?Gabrielle BergerCan science and religion coexist? In The Day the Earth Stood Still and The Man Who Fell to the Earth, the idea of science versus religion is challenged. The films show how our world is changing rapidly and how society reacts to the events of that specific era by questioning spiritual faith. Certain sounds heard throughout both films allow us to sense the tone each film is trying to convey. These sound effects help viewers understand moments of tension, fear, despair, peace, just to name a few. Additionally, certain cinematographic techniques that feature rapid cuts, long, complex scenes, and more allow viewers to explore the relationship between science and religion. This causes the viewer's mind to recognize that these scenes are meant to elicit an emotional response. Ideas of science and religion are challenged in the films, even though the films were made twenty years apart. The films examine how our world can cope with unexpected situations by allowing society to implement science or religion as a coping mechanism. Since there is no confirmed answer as to which is more accurate or effective, people assume that they turn to one or the other for help and believe that all what happens is a direct result of their beliefs. These films explore the evolution of science and religion in both forms, as well as how reality can obscure them. The Day the Earth Stood Still is known for its use of dramatic music to depict the mood the audience should be feeling. "While these unusual instruments and recording techniques had previously been used in Hollywood film scores, Herrmann's score for The Day the Earth Stood Still was undoubtedly ... middle of paper .... .. net as a whole, while bringing new technologies that could change planet Earth. What we see through the film is that the changing human race corrupts the divine Thomas Newton. He is seen drunk on a cafe chair at the end of the film, suggesting that he was unable to save himself from the corruption of the human race. What is able to highlight these two ideas in each film is the sound effects. Through sound, viewers can understand the tone that each film represents. Obviously, they both address important social issues in the world and suggest that the human race reacts to situations in unreasonable and impractical ways. Science and religion will always remain opposing spectrums of belief and will be questioned until the end of time. Both films recognize the importance of curiosity and believe that faith is the only answer to our questions..