Mise-en-scene definition

1. Mise-en-scene covers what is on the screen. It includes: Setting, Costume and
make up, Performance, gesture and body language, Positioning of characters
and objects within the frame (Framing), Props, Lighting and Colour.
SETTING: Setting and locations play an important part in film-making. They help inform
the audience about the world of the film. They also help to convey meaning about
characters and build tension.
For example, a horror film is typically set in an isolated location. The isolation means that if
something goes wrong, (which it inevitably will), the character cannot get help easily (if at
all). This creates tension.
COSTUME: Costume helps to inform the audience about the character without the
character even having to speak. In a lot of films stereotypes are used so audiences can
make guesses about the character.
For example, a character who wears smart suits all the time with a gold watch, the
audience will come to the conclusion that the character may be rich and successful. As
well as social status and interests, the audience can be informed about a characters
profession, or even state of mind, based on the costume. A character wearing black may
be in mourning, maybe they are depressed?
PERFORMANCE, GESTURE & BODY LANGUAGE: Facial expressions and body
language provide a clear indicator of how a character is feeling and even their intentions
and relationships with other characters.
For example, a character who is frowning and clenching their fists is angry by the situation
they are in.
POSITIONING OF CHARACTERS & OBJECTS WITHIN A FRAME: The framing of a
shot draws the audiences attention to important characters or props in the scene. This
helps the audience understand what the scene is about, or even a characters frame of
mind.
For example, a character who is towards the middle of a shot and in perfect focus, the
audience knows that this character is important for the action taking place.
PROPS: Similar to setting, props can help inform the audience about the world of the film.
They can help with where the film is set and when the film is set. They are also used to
create drama and make the film appear more ‘real’.
LIGHTING & COLOUR: Lighting and colour in film are very important. Lighting is used to
highlight important characters or objects in the frame. It is also used to create mood and
atmosphere, or to reflect a characters mental state/hidden emotions. (Bright light might
indicate the character is happy mood, or is having a moment of revelation. Dimly lit scenes
may indicate danger or mystery. Flashing (strobe) lights may help to create a confused
feeling.)
Colour carries connotations which add meaning to the scene. For example, red might
signal danger, yellow might signal happiness, pink might signal love etc.
GCSE FILM STUDIES
MISE-EN-SCENE