Mise En Scene
Session Aims
By the end of the session you will be able to: Understand the concept of mise en scene Apply the concept to a film extract
Every still reveals a numbers of visual codes or signs which have a particular associated meaning within our culture. The process of understanding or reading the various meanings of these signs is known as deconstruction. Denotation involves seeing the sign. Connotations involve understanding the signs associated meaning. In other words we move from the literal (denotative) to the metaphorical or associated (connotative) meaning.
Connotational Meanings
Sign/ What is denoted
The colour white The colour pink A rose A phoenix A swan This font skhkaslklalahflahflhal This font lkdsflsdflsdflsdflsllssl A sword Champagne Lager Black and white
Signified/ Connotations
Connotes .....
Facial Expressions & Body Language Lighting & Colour Positioning of characters/objects within the frame
Settings & Locations play an important part in filmmaking and are not just backgrounds
Sets are either built from scratch or a great deal of time is spent to find a setting which already exists Settings can manipulate an audience by building certain expectations and then taking a different turn (
TASK: What settings and props you would find in these genre: 1. A Science Fiction Film 2. A Romantic Comedy 3. A Horror Film
Symbolism
Hitchcock
CharaCharacter Info.
IMAGE 1
IMAGE 2
IMAGE 3
IMAGE 1
Set design cluttered coffee table may indicate the chaos in their relationship. Body language is closed (clasped hands/crossed legs). Tense facial expressions with no eye contact and no attempt to face each other. Clearly a physical distance between characters.
IMAGE 2
Low key lighting of Willis in foreground close up suggests his anxiety coupled with tense facial expression. The figure in the background is out of focus meaning it is his reaction that is important but also that she troubles him.
IMAGE 3
Both characters are well lit high key. They are equally important, occupying similar space in the frame. Body language is symetrical and costume reinforces both serious purpose and their comradeship.
IMAGE 4
Shot composition and lighting create a sense of mystery about the character.
Colour
Colour carries certain connotations which may add meaning to a scene (i.e. Red = Danger/Passion) Can give a scene a particular look, feel or mood Can be used for dramatic effect
To highlight important characters or objects within the frame To make characters look mysterious by shading sections of the face & body To reflect a characters mental state/hidden emotions (i.e. bright = happy, dark = disturbed, strobe effect = confused
Types of Lighting
LOW KEY LIGHTING:
Created by using only the key & back lights Produces sharp contrasts of light and dark areas Deep, distinct shadows/silhouettes are formed
Example: Horror Films
Types of Lighting
HIGH KEY LIGHTING:
More filler lights are used. Lighting is natural and realistic to our eyes Produces brightly lit sets or a sunny day (right)
Example: Rom-Coms
BACK LIGHT
FILLER LIGHTS
KEY LIGHT