What Is This? (TMP Question)

[CoveTom]

At the end of TMP, right after Decker joins with V'Ger but before the reveal of the Enteprise, there is this shot. What are we supposed to be seeing?

 

[David cgc]

It’s a section of the exterior of the craft. We see the Enterprise fly over it earlier, it’s between the engine and the big fins. It’s probably the big black chamber where the actual Voyager probe was situated.

 

[Christopher]

Yes, that's an "overhead" view of V'Ger's exterior as the energies of the transformation swell out from the heart of the ship.

 

[Firebird]

It’s a section of the exterior of the craft. We see the Enterprise fly over it earlier, it’s between the engine and the big fins. It’s probably the big black chamber where the actual Voyager probe was situated.

For reference, here's the moment Enterprise passes over that section of V'Ger:

​

IIRC, the mold used for the small model in this shot was later utilized for the South Bend toy.

 

[Sketcher]

I love how TMP handles scale. First time we're flying over the Enterprise in drydock, the ship looks massive. Then you get these shots of V'Ger absolutely dwarfing her.

 

[Maurice]

Yes, it's the "brain case" part of V'ger that contains Voyager 6. It's one of several details on V'ger designed to suggest eyes.

 

[Mage]

I love how TMP handles scale. First time we're flying over the Enterprise in drydock, the ship looks massive. Then you get these shots of V'Ger absolutely dwarfing her.

Which is why I feel that a lot of long, drawn out shots some people found too much to rely help give a sense of what is going on.
Plus it's very pretty.