Mise-en-scene

Mise en scène encompasses the most recognizable attributes of a film – the setting

and the actors; it includes costumes and make-up, props, and all the other natural and artificial details that characterize the

spaces filmed. The term is borrowed from a French theatrical expression, meaning

roughly “put into the scene”. In other words, mise-en-scène describes the stuff in the

frame and the way it is shown and arranged.

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Mise en scene consists of:•Setting•Props•Lighting and colour•Costume and hair/makeup•Facial expressions and body language•Positioning and space•Visual effects Each of these elements can be analysed and usually convey hidden messages about the plot line of a scene or the characters emotions.

The setting is important to the plot of the film, and is good at giving some sort of insight into the

situations the characters are in, during a screen shot being examined for mise-en-scene. In this example, the setting is a labyrinth. This is not only a mirror of the film title, but is also reflective of how the main

character, Sarah, must travel through her mind, and solve the puzzle of her brothers disappearance in

order to get back the child that the Goblin king has stolen.

Nothing is done by accident in film production. The props used by each character are usually reflective of the characters personality in some way. For example in this scene from Highlander (1986, Russell Mulcahy), the swords connote which character is the evil one. This is done by Connor Macleod having the simple sword, with a white handle, which is commonly associated with good and innocence, as where Kurgan has a purely chrome weapon with additional blades, thus reflecting that he is excessively brutal and therefore the evil character. This is also supported by another element of mise-en-scene: positioning. The fact that Macleod comes in from the right, depicts that he is the good character as he is travelling in the ‘right’ direction.

Lighting is usually used to convey an atmosphere for a scene. Dark lighting stereotypically is associated with a negative atmosphere and is a convention of horror productions. Brighter lighting can be used to preserve the verisimilitude of a scene or to display happiness. In this example from Dracula (1992) the atmosphere connoted from this scene is demonic and cold, based around the lighting being mainly moon-light.

The costume/ hair and makeup is individual to each character, and usually plays into stereotypes. The clothing is representative of their characters. For example in ‘The breakfast club’ (1985, John Hughes), Allison (the character in the middle) is depicted in baggy clothes, with dark, yet minimal, eye make-up. The baggy clothes are reflective of the fact she likes to keep her personality hidden, and the dark colours are representative of how she feeling negatively about the way in which she is treated at home.

Facial expressions and body language, are reflective of the mood in the scene, as well as being reflective of individual

characters. They display, usually excessively, the emotions of each

individual character, in order to help the audience understand the situation. In this example from Labyrinth, Sarah is

shown to be confused as she walks around the ball room of which she is

hallucinating. Throughout the scene, her body language is very minimal and timid,

thus reflecting that she feels uncomfortable in this senerio.

Positioning within the frame is a typical way to subtly show the characters relationships

with one-an-other. In this example, the female is stood behind the male, thus

showing his dominance and her inferiority. However her red lips and dress are

stereotypical to those of a 'femme fatale' therefore implying that she may be

manipulating his superiority for her own personal gain. This is also implied as his body language is slouched, in comparison to hers, thus reflecting that he is vulnerable around

this woman.

Visual effects are usually part of post production, as a cheaper way to make the piece seem more interesting. They

can be used to show things that are supernatural, or just overly dramatic. In this example, Connor Macleod is shown

during the 'quickening' to be surrounded by spirits as he floats into

the air. The floating is accidently shown as being done through wires, however the supernatural aspect is added after recording through sfx, and adds to the understanding of the scene, by making

it more interessting to an audience.