Review this presentation before writing the response paper for The Graduate.

1. Mise en Scene Response
The Graduate

2. Response Question
• Chose ONE scene in The Graduate and
analyze how the mise en scene
communicates an idea.

3. Response Question
• Chose ONE scene in The Graduate and
analyze how the mise en scene
communicates an idea.
• Consider the topic and what its asking

4. Mise en Scene
• Mise en scene refers to what the director
puts into the scene
• It does NOT include editing

5. Mise en Scene
• Mise en scene refers to what the director
puts into the scene
• It does NOT include editing
• When choosing a scene it helps to focus
on a sequence with minimal editing

6. Consider the grammar
• The mise en scene lecture and the
grammar sheet contain the terms needed
to conduct the analysis

7. Consider the grammar
• The mise en scene lecture and the
grammar sheet contain the terms needed
to conduct the analysis
• After choosing ONE scene begin the
process of analysis.

8. A close reading
• An analysis of a scene requires a close reading
• It also requires multiple viewings
• First, begin by isolating the elements of mise en
scene that communicate the most information

9. A close reading
• An analysis of a scene requires a close reading
• It also requires multiple viewings
• First, begin by isolating the elements of mise en
scene that communicate the most information
• Then watch it again, and again, and again…
• Take notes before you begin your first draft

10. The introduction
• Make sure your introduction gives the reader the
following information:
• A brief overview of the scene under analysis
• The elements of mise en scene used as
evidence
• The “idea” being communicated to the viewer

11. “The Party Scene”
• View the “Party Scene” and begin the note
taking process
• Which elements of mise en scene
communicate information to the viewer?

12. Mise en scene grammar
• Believe it or not, all elements aren’t
equally strong in this scene
• Your job is to pick the elements that
contribute the most meaning to the scene

13. “Party Scene”
• Because this analysis is concise focus on
no more than 2 or 3 elements of mise en
scene

14. “Party Scene”
• Because this analysis is concise focus on no
more than 2 or 3 elements of mise en scene
• Consider the following:
• The intimate proxemic patterns
• The territorial positions (profile and back to
camera)
• Hand-held camera movement

15. What is being communicated
• Ben is the focal point (or dominant) in this scene
• The idea being communicated is Ben’s state of
mind
• How is Ben feeling?
• Ben is uncomfortable
• Everyone is invading his space
• Ben wants to leave his own party

16. Chose ONE scene in The Graduate and analyze how the
mise en scene communicates an idea.
• Ben is so uncomfortable he’s trying to
escape from his own graduation party. The
intimate, proxemic patterns, territorial
positions and hand-held camera
movement reinforce Ben’s state of mind in
the Party Scene.
• (this introduction gives the reader a clear sense of the
direction of the mise en scene analysis)

17. What do avoid
• Do not begin your response with a vague
sentence like, “There are many elements
of mise en scene that communicate an
idea.”
• Do not including, “The are many scenes in
The Graduate with mise en scene.”

18. Chose ONE scene in The Graduate and analyze how the
mise en scene communicates an idea.
• Let the topic be your guide
• Address it directly in the introduction by
making a critical claim
• Include specific elements of mise en
scene
• Your introduction should be direct and let
the reader know the direction of your
analysis