‘Mise en scene’ is French for ‘what is put into a scene’ and means just that – everything that is in a scene of a film or TV programme. It includes casting, clothing, make up, positions of characters, props, sets, locations, etc...
Below are some activities to help you consider the different elements that go into mise-en-scene.
1. Setting
Where is the film set? In a city? In the mountains or a desert? In the past, present or future? All of these things can affect the whole atmosphere and appeal of a film, as well as marking it out as belonging to a particular genre.
Imagine these are the opening shots of two different films. What does each setting suggest about the genre and possible plot? What about the actual openings linked below?
Below are some activities to help you consider the different elements that go into mise-en-scene.
1. Setting
Where is the film set? In a city? In the mountains or a desert? In the past, present or future? All of these things can affect the whole atmosphere and appeal of a film, as well as marking it out as belonging to a particular genre.
Imagine these are the opening shots of two different films. What does each setting suggest about the genre and possible plot? What about the actual openings linked below?
2. Props and Set Design
Props (short for ‘properties’) include everything from vehicles to small objects and furnishings. Not only do props tell the audience when the film is set, they can also signal things about the characters. The quality and style of a character’s belongings can indicate their status.
For example, if a character’s house is furnished in an untidy, shoddy style, this could tell the audience that the character is disorganised and/or not very rich.
What do the props in the picture below tell us about:
a) when this film is set?
b) the characters in it?
3. Casting
Which actors should play the characters? Casting the right person to play a character is very important. Various well known actors and actresses have a reputation for playing certain types of characters.
Watch the videos below, then answer these questions:
· What sort of roles is Jim Carrey known for playing?
· What sort of roles is Sandra Bullock known for playing?
· Have either of these actors broken away from their ‘established’ character types? If so, what sort of character did they play?
Try to think of one male and one female actor who is known for each of the character types above or that you think would do well in that type of role. Why do you think they would be successful?
Casting an actor ‘against type’ can be a box office success (think of Tom Cruise in ‘Collateral’) or a disastrous risk.
4. Clothing, Hair and Makeup
How should characters be dressed and made up to show the audience something about them? Dark and light clothing colours are sometimes used to signal who are the good and bad guys. Strong or weak colours can be used to signal something about a character’s personality: strong, bright colours suggest an outgoing, loud or eccentric character, while pastel shades might make a character seem quieter/appear more conventional. Tailored clothes can make a character appear rich and powerful whereas an unshaven, scruffy appearance can signal a character is badly off.
What information do you get about this character from his clothing and makeup?
Do his clothing and makeup influence your feelings towards him at all?
Casting an actor ‘against type’ can be a box office success (think of Tom Cruise in ‘Collateral’) or a disastrous risk.
4. Clothing, Hair and Makeup
How should characters be dressed and made up to show the audience something about them? Dark and light clothing colours are sometimes used to signal who are the good and bad guys. Strong or weak colours can be used to signal something about a character’s personality: strong, bright colours suggest an outgoing, loud or eccentric character, while pastel shades might make a character seem quieter/appear more conventional. Tailored clothes can make a character appear rich and powerful whereas an unshaven, scruffy appearance can signal a character is badly off.
What information do you get about this character from his clothing and makeup?
Do his clothing and makeup influence your feelings towards him at all?
Watch the two trailers below, focusing on the two main characters (Cher and Emma). What is suggested about the characters in these two trailers? Consider their dress, hair and makeup. Also take a look at the settings they are in. Do they have anything in common?
5. Gesture and Facial Expression
An actor’s facial expression or body language can also tell us a lot about them. Think about:
FACE – shape of mouth (smiling or frowning?), shape of eyes (narrowed or wide eyed?), eyebrows (raised or lowered?), the direction the actor is looking in etc.
HANDS – held up in surrender, palms open and outwards, head in hands etc.
BODY – how a person stands, sits; the position of their hands, feet, arms, head etc.
Watch the video below, then answer this question: what do the following gestures/expressions suggest?
Summing Up - Final Task
Choose one of the opening sequences below (or another of your choice) and make notes on what the mise-en-scene tells you about the genre, possible plot and characters. Don’t forget to consider:
- Setting
- Props and set design
- Casting
- Clothes, hair and makeup
- Gestures and facial expressions