1. Props are when an object has a function within the on-going
action. They can serve to drive the narrative or become a
motif to underscore the themes of the film.
To be able to identify props and describe their effect (level 2)
To be able to analyse props and explain their effect (level 3)
To be able to evaluate props and justify their effect (level 4)
If you were to think of yourself as an
object, what would define your
situation right now?
2. To be able to understand how props are used to reinforce character and theme.
Level Grade Descriptor
2 D/E To be able to identify props and describe their effect.
3 B/C To be able to analyse props and explain their effect.
4 A To be able to evaluate props and justify their effect.
Level Grade Descriptor
2 D/E Basic understanding of the way that mise-en-scène is
used to construct representation.
3 B/C Proficient understanding of the way that mise-en-scène is
used to construct representation.
4 A Excellent understanding of the way that mise-en-scène is
used to construct representation.
3. Prop as motif
Over the course of a narrative, a
prop may become a motif. In
Alexander Payne’s Election, the
fussy, frustrated high-school
teacher is shown cleaning out
spoiled food
and hallway litter, and these
actions prepare for the climactic
moment when he crumples a
ballot and secretly disposes of it.
Payne calls this the motif of
trash, “of throwing things away,
since that’s in fact the climax of
the film. . . . So we establish it
early on.”
To be able to identify props and describe their effect (level 2)
To be able to analyse props and explain their effect (level 3)
To be able to evaluate props and justify their effect (level 4)
4. Props – Barton Fink (Joel & Ethan Coen, 1991)
How do the props in the clip give information
about character and setting?
List all of the props you see in the scene.
To be able to identify props and describe their effect (level 2)
To be able to analyse props and explain their effect (level 3)
To be able to evaluate props and justify their effect (level 4)
