One Trek Mind
Spock greatly illustrates logic versus emotional binary in the film, since he is partially a Vulcan and partially a human being (Oliveira 56). Vulcans are perceived to have suppressed their emotions since they are illogical while Spock has to often times deal with the added pressures of the human nature. There is an obvious duality in Spock since he is partly a human being and partly a Vulcan. He exhibits the struggle of human passion and Vulcan logic that becomes interesting aspects of the character. He can deeply feel the emotions but has to suppress them due to his restricted duality. This duality is strongly expressed when Spoke lost his mother and failed to hide the wave of unspeakable grief. The character was torn between the insensate human grief and the warm human emotions, which he secretly exhibited. Though he could excuse himself as a Vulcan and turn off his emotions, his share was unhealthy eventually as it constantly led to volatile anger. Spock depicts the logical aspect that is similarly shared by human beings. He, just as human beings, set reasonable boundaries for behavior and set aside space for explosion of emotions. By allowing feelings to explode, Spoke managed to think and plan on his next strategy.
Film elements such as sounds, color, and time sequence that strongly emphasized the logic/emotion binary are highlighted in the film. The music is equally beautiful and heart pounding. This makes it easier for the audience to relate with the scene and emotions that accompany it. For instance, there is the introduction of Jerry Goldsmith’s Score that introduced the scene further highlighting the title of the film. Other sounds become alien and hostile just like the Vulcan in the film. The visuals allow the audience like the villains the more irrespective of the initial perception towards them and their inhumane behavior. Emotions of annoyance crop up and can blind the viewer from appreciating the logical capability of the characters. Shinzon is more of a tool for B-4 that complements him and gives him the choice of becoming whatever he desires to be (Oliveira 34). This is really distasteful of his character. The visuals associated with the characters reveal their behavior. For instance, Lore is mostly depicted in dark scenes and unaccompanied. This depicts him as a villain and his ultimate petition alerts the audience of his half-heartedness and untrustworthiness. Data on the other hand, shows his emotional nature through the sounds he produces when he deactivates his brother. The sounds, “The Offspring” are closely related to his emotional send off he gives his dying daughter. The bold visuals allow the audience to understand the piece and enjoy the plot. Other than being entertaining, the film exercises the logical side of the viewer by influencing them to set reasonable boundaries
Emotion and logical are clearly in conflict during Spock’s childhood when he is being bullied by other Vulcan children so he can elicit emotional response. Vulcan’s as logical beings have grasped emotional control and apply logic to dictate their character rather than emotions. Bullying, which is aspect of emotions and being in a psychological state here on earth is used in an illogical manner. The children ought to be practicing sufficient emotional control due to their logical ability (Johnston 29). This makes Spock’s father to be disappointed at him for reacting and thus solves the conflict by directing Spock on the expected conduct. From the scene, it is apparent that Vulcans are expected to exhibit higher level of emotional control while they are still children. The scene accentuates the idea that although Vulcan is expected to exhibit much control, their children have a varying concept of logic from adults and hence display uncontrolled emotional rights to adolescence stage. The scene further proves that a partial Vulcan cannot control his emotional state as much as a complete Vulcan and hence, the reason for bullying.
From the studies of the emotion/logic binary I have widely gathered sufficient knowledge which has helped me to understand this film intellectually, and not simply as entertainment. I have come to acknowledge the emotional aspects that human beings have to grapple with. This knowledge is derived from the life of Spock who has to make independent decisions and live independently due to arising conflicts. Humans often encounter deeply rooted conflicts due to aspects such as duality of personality (Hoffman Para 3). A human being can be outgoing as well as withdrawn and introspective. This is clearly illustrated in the mind against the heart creation in Spock’s journey. I have learnt of the significance of allowing adequate space for others as well as ourselves to have and experience feelings. As human beings, this is an important aspect to us since we have feelings, and at times, difficult and explosive emotions that ought to be worked on. People should have therefore had adequate time to go through their feelings and prevent it from limiting our behaviors. Talking about our feelings with trusted people enables human beings to control the feelings.
Works Cited
Hoffman Jordan.” One Trek Mind.” Star Treck. 2012 Retrieved on 9th October, 2016 from>
Oliveira Carmen. Return of the Jedi Serenity Star Trek. NJ: Telotte. 2009. Print
Johnston M. Keith. Science Fiction Film: A Critical Introduction. Oxford: Fantasy Film. 2011.