Modeling
We watch as Rich explains to everyone at NASA how he believes the Hermes can get back to Mars. He uses people as planets and a stapler as the Hermes and a pen as the re-supply of the space ship. The imagery does two things: it provides the opportunity for hope as the audience has a way to believe that Mark has a shot at survival and being rescued; but it also calls to mind the reality that it is merely a theory at this point. To accomplish it is beyond the math and must become real.
Mission
Vincent is sending messages from NASA to Mark on Mars. He tells him that they haven't let his crew know he is still alive as they want them to focus on their mission. The film cuts to Mark shouting an expletive which we cannot hear as the camera is outside of his vehicle. But, the image is clear in defining the moment for us as Mark is beyond anger in this moment. This way of filming without the sound allows the audience to insert their feelings into Mark's reaction, furthering the imagery to connect with the experience of the audience.
Screws
We see Mark waking up after pulling 12 g's lifting off from Mark. But, we also see screws floating around inside his space craft. The imagery is clear that Mark is in a state of uncertainty as it appears even his craft is falling apart around him as he seeks to get off Mars and be saved by the other members of his crew.
Smoking
Mark has crafted an experiment to grow potatoes that he exuberantly celebrates a fraction of a second before the experiment backfires. The next cut is Mark sitting down to record on his video journal and we see him still smoking from the explosion. The cut allows us to know he is okay, but the imagery creates the reality of Mark's failed attempt which provides levity to a serious situation.
