Kayla Poland

ECL 305

Pressman

24 March 2024

Dual Reality

In Sirenomelia by Emilija Skarnulyte at 4:32, framing the mermaid in a small canal then immediately the vast ocean creates a drastic divergence between the two moments. These binary spaces contrast each other to reiterate the dual reality of the environment and the life it holds while being mistreated by humans. This alludes to creating a separation between human and nonhuman, in other words natural viruses not. This malalignment of visuals and sounds tells us we have created a separation power amongst these worlds. 

While understanding the first frame, it is important to recognize that she is moving through a canal that is manmade, and contains metal barriers. She is surrounded by the remains of what once were a NATO base, which is now fully decommissioned. One could say the remains being left here is presumptuous, as they could have been removed or properly disposed of. This scene itself can identify where the line is drawn between human and nonhuman. She continues to wear goggles throughout, in this polluted space that is becoming more unnatural with time because of human acts. It is important to note how the sounds accompany this scene and how they are somewhat eerie. The power of humans is seeming to overtake the natural form of the environment, making us separate from it. Humans left the remains, polluting the entire ecosystem that resides there while trying to maintain its biodiversity. 

In the following clip she is welcomed into the open ocean, while the sounds take a drastic shift to become calm and relaxing. As she becomes free from the small, enclosed area she demonstrates how marine life ought to be free and uncaged. This again highlights the separation between human and nonhuman whilst emphasizing the power that humans have granted themselves over the natural world. The sound of the open ocean is peaceful and inviting, while the enclosed space with manmade parts blares. This allows us to feel different emotions during each moment, and have the noise be the words that were not said aloud. 

It is important to note that the mermaid herself was not in a realistic costume, but clearly a human dressed up while she was swimming through the water. This provides another moment where it is made clear that humans try to remain in control in a place that is meant to be natural. Also noting that she wears a mask for the sake of protecting herself from the toxicity of the water from the remains. 

Having these binary scenes parallel to each other brings forth alternating perspectives of the environment. The one that is altered to fit human needs, and on the other hand the one that is in its natural form. These next to each other allows us to compare the two worlds and see how we have separated them from each other. Emphasizing the ability that humans have to create and destroy as we wish and build while breaking down the natural world. 

There is this strange power dynamic that humans have taken on, but there is an aspect where Sirenomelia reminded us how big the ocean is and how much life can be held within. Almost in a way warning us to proceed with caution, because the environment can regrow itself around our destruction. The constant comparison, especially in literary work we have studied, goes to show how humans comprehend this power dynamic. When really there is clearly a lack of knowledge, and maybe even misunderstanding when it comes to other creatures and the depth of the ocean. This film allows us to take a step back and recognize how we treat the environment and understand its effects, but also that human and nonhuman do not have to be parallel, and can work together.