Lost and Found!

Over the next few posts I'm going to analyze Lost's first episode for you, the Lost fanatic. We all know that Lost got confusing - more than once. So I'm here to help you analyze step-by-step Lost’s pilot episode. Let’s get started, shall we?

"Lost." The Lost Encyclopedia. Wikia, n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2015.

Lost is an outstanding show that constantly captivates its audience through special effects, fantasy, romance, and humor. But you already knew that. In the opening scenes of Lost the creators designed each moment with the intent to allow the viewers to feel the same sense of panic that Jack was experiencing throughout each scene.

Milo, Spencer. "Episode Review: Lost – “The Pilot”." Based on Nothing. Based on Nothing, 29 May 2014. Web. 19 Apr. 2015.

Due to the intense camera angles and up close shots, the viewer is able to truly feel as if they are lying right beside Jack in the forest floor. While he is panicking, you are panicking along with him. This establishes an immediate investment in the storyline that is unfolding in the first scenes of Lost.

The following moments in the show reiterate the investment to the storyline and also the characters. Suddenly, there is a sound of twigs cracking in the distance. You could only imagine that hearing twigs deep in the forest when you’re all alone could only worsen the anxiety attack that you are already having.

As Jack looks to the left, the glimmer of hope and relief that he must feel from seeing an innocent yellow Labrador running by was enough to allow him to stand up and go investigating to see what is happening in the forest around him.

"'LOST': The Ten Best Episodes." - Starpulse.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2015.

The viewer almost feels relieved, that it is only a yellow Labrador and not something more detrimental. However, the viewer begins to wonder why the yellow Labrador is in the unknown forest.

Jack checks inside of his suit jacket to assess what is assumed to be an injury he acquired before Lost began. Jack runs as fast as he can towards what he thinks is safety, or at least something that can give him some answers as to why he is currently in the forest.

The viewer is suddenly racing through the trees along with Jack, wondering why in the hell he woke up in the forest. Panic, adrenaline, and anxiety run through both Jack and the viewer. Jack runs through the edge of the brush and the camera pans out to a beautiful beach scene.

Now, these last few paragraphs were just the first few scenes. Hopefully this analysis helped you put the beginning of the episode into perspective. Stay tuned to analyze the next few scenes in hopes to better understand the mysteries of Lost.

Ally Gagliardo
English 1100-037
Final Project