Mise-en-scene Andrew Goldman

What does mise-en-scene mean?An element showing everything recorded on the screen

What are the 6 key areas of mise-en-scene? Colour Costume Props Set and Location Performance Lighting

Colour:How is colour used in the 3 below pictures?

Their clothing colours signify the type of character they are. For example Cruella de Ville has red and black clothing to signify her dark and dangerous. Cinderella’s white, sparkling dress represents her purity and magical aura. Maleficents green skin and dark clothing represents her evil persona and despite trying to look grand, still reeks of dark themes.

Costume:What can we interpret from these costumes?

We can interpret their class and social billing from the clothes that they wear. For example the clothing worn by the first picture brings up the interpretation of a lower class family with less money and social standing. Whereas Sherlock and Watson have well worn, expensive looking suits which interprets a higher social standing and greater wealth. Also it shows their profession, long coats are often associated with well-kept detectives.

Mise-en-scene Andrew Goldman

Props:Option 1 - You have to provide props for a tense police interview between two officers and one suspected murderer. Decide what props you would incorporate and how the actors should be directed to use them.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: Option 1 = A table with a single standing lamp directly shone in the suspects face to signify tension and put focus on the suspect. Pitch black but for lamp.

How would actors be directed to use them: One detective sat behind desk and one standing behind suspect holding lamp in his face to show authority and intimidation.

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?

In the first picture, lighting is used to create an eerie, uneasy type mood as its dark around the outside, however the actors prominent in the shot are well lit up to show the importance of the characters present.The second example uses light as both a mise-en-scene to show the shot and to signify the characters tone. Mostly ambient lighting coming through the window could signify the woman being a pure character and the man the opposite.