The document discusses various elements of mise-en-scene that contribute to how a film is perceived by audiences. Mise-en-scene includes everything visible in a scene from actors and costumes to lighting, setting and props. It is under the director's control and aims to convey meaning through realistic, symbolic or atmospheric visual choices. Specific mise-en-scene techniques are described like high-key lighting used in romantic films and low-key lighting for thrillers. Costumes, settings and plot structures can also influence audience interpretation and experience of a film.

1. Mise-En-SceneWhat Makes A Film Work

2. What is Mise-En-Scene?
• Mise-En-Scene is the arrangement of just
about everything that appears in the
scene/framing of a film; actors, lighting, décor,
costumes, props, etc. Although many are
involved within the process of its creation, it is
entirely up to the director who oversees the
entire mise-en-scene and all of its elements. It
is also the director who has a final say on both
pre- and post-production of the film.

3. Setting
• Realism – the time and place of the setting is
often revealed to the audience
• Symbolism – is conveyed through the use of
setting via using props and such to present a
symbol that active viewers can deduce from.
• Atmosphere – this is when the desired mood
is conveyed and reinforced towards the
audience.

4. Costumes
• Costumes are important parts of a film as they can affect the
interpretations of the audience of the characters. The
costume used in Alice in Wonderland (2011) used for the mad
hatter clearly reflected on his character, making him look
rugged and crazy, which is what the direction and actor was
trying to convey. Costumes are integral to portray a certain
period of time the certain film is set in.

5. Lighting
• High-Key Lighting: this type of lighting is often used in
romantic comedies and musicals. It encompasses an even
lighting pattern and avoids the use of dark areas within
the frame. Everything is bright, with usually only a little
to no shadow at all. This type of lighting has little to no
dramatic effect at all, and is often for scenes that lacks
tension.
• Low-Key Lighting: this type of lighting is often used for
horror or thriller films. Low-Key lighting accentuates the
form of an object via using a strong contrast between
light and darkness. It is often used to unnerve the
audiences.

6. Example of high-key lighting: As you can see the scene is
evenly lit throughout; we can see that there are little to no
dark spots within the scenes to accentuate its simplicity.

7. An example of Low-Key lighting is within the film Casablanca (1942) this very contrasting, as you
can see both dark and bring areas are of equality in the frame. As we can see on Humphrey
Bogart’s face, there is a difference within the lighting as there is darkness in the left, contrasting
with the light in the right. This could tell us something about his character being in the neutral
when it comes to the decision of good and evil.

8. Plot
• Linear Plotting – this is when directions use the
affiliation of real life within a film, where events
could occur at the same order as real life.
• Time Manipulation – when time is highly
manipulated within a film, such as the use of
flashbacks and nightmares scenes, e.g. X-Men:
Wolverine.
• Suspense – when the audience is hinted that
something dramatic will happen within the scene,
thus creating a build up as they watch the film.

9. Plot Part II
• Climax and Resolution – this is when the
equilibrium is disrupted, where the main
character does everything they can to fix the
issue and return to the peace of the equilibrium.
• Sting In the Tail – this is when the ending is a
complete surprise, one that is highly unexpected.
E.g. Drag Me To Hell
• Open Ending – there is no reassurance as to what
happens to the character afterwards, thus the
audience is left to think of how the ending goes.
A classic example is The Truman Show.