1. Mise-en-scene
What does mise-en-scene mean?
Everything on the screen (in the frame)
What are the 6 key areas of mise-en-scene?
Colour
Costume
Props
Location/set
Blocking& performance
Lighting
Colour:
How is colour used in the 3 below pictures?
The red inside the coat could suggest that this is a dark and angry character,
the contrast of white and black hair could also suggest a split personality –
half innocent (fake), half evil.
The tinge of green on the skin could suggest she is evil and jealous, and the
dark background with the crow on her shoulder supports her dark character.
The white dress symbolises purity and innocence, and the shine and stars
could represent the producer of the film – Disney.
Costume:
What can we interpret from these costumes?
Costume forms a cultural code – the audience can understand how it gives clues about
characters situations and personality. The dark, smart clothing could suggest high status and
a business-like, professional character; this contrasts with the costumes of the family, which
suggest low class and income.
2. Mise-en-scene
Props:
Option 2 – You have to provide props for a romantic meal between two characters
on their first date. Decide what props you would incorporate and how the actors
should be directed to use them.
Props needed:
Roses, candles, tables and chairs, romantic music – a band
How would actors be directed to use them:
The male would give the women some roses upon meeting, and the waiter would
show them to their candle-lit table whilst the band plays romantic music in the
background.
Location:
Can be a purpose built set or a real location
Blocking/Performance:
Blocking refers to the positioning and movement of actors within the frame,
both in relation to each other and in relation to the camera (which represents
us, the audience)
Performance covers all aspects of the actual acting – gesture, expression,
accent etc
Lighting:
How is lighting being used to create mood in the following examples?
High key lighting – ensures even light across the frame, not shadow or dark
areas so little dramatic effect.
Low key lighting – high contrast between light and dark areas within the
frame, shadows often used for dramatic effect.
Ambient lighting – a scene is lit using natural light
The left image uses low key lighting and the dark light suggests this is a dramatic
scene and conveys a dark mood, however the light shines onto their faces which
could suggest they are ‘good guys’ and important characters. Whereas the right
image uses high key and ambient lighting, creating no dramatic effect in this scene.
