Mise-en-Scene Case Study

These last classes we have been reviewing Mise-en-scene which is everything we see in screen which includes location, costume, lighting, props, etc. All of these elements we see in screen are what define the setting, the mood, the situation, and everything we need to know. Our assignment is to choose 3 scenes from a movie or show and explain the possible meaning of the scene we pick and explain all the Mise-en-scene elements we see.

STRANGER THINGS

For my first show I picked "Stranger Things" First of all the costumes in the show is very bright and colorful with overalls and high leveled shorts, which allows the audience to understand the show may take place around 1980's or 1990's. These bright colors and their clothes lets us know they each have their own style with colors and hairstyles. The colors of the wall and clothes also lets us know about when this takes place. The location of this scene looks like a closed gym or a garage because of the bike in the back. The bright colors like yellow, purple and blue doesn't really seem to match with their face expressions so the bright colors creates a more childish scene. Their face expressions seem to be looking at something and seem really scared. The girl with the blue overall seems to be the most protective one because she has her hands in front of them. The bright lighting coming from the top of the room gives off a very bright or that something suspenseful is about to happen.

THE NOTEBOOK

For my second film I chose "The Notebook" released in 2004. In the rowboat scene the mise-en-scène helps convey the deep emotions between Noah and Allie as they paddle on a misty lake. The calm setting, with gray and blue sky and still water, reflects the unresolved feelings they have for each other. The colors, mostly cool shades of blue and white, could suggest both their emotional distance and the sadness of their past. The small boat creates a sense of closeness, forcing them to be near each other physically, even as they struggle with their feelings. The swan or ducks in this scene are white and could represent how perfect or a clean beginning in about to start for them. Also due to the lighting, this scene is given more of a bright and beautiful day. The blocking and framing in this scene overall shows much of the boat, animals, and characters and it positions what each character is doing. Overall, the mise-en-scène emphasizes the romantic and dramatic nature of their relationship.

SCREAM

For my final film I chose a horror film "Scream" released in 1996. In the iconic opening scene where she is on the phone with a mysterious man the mise-en-scène sets up a tension-filled atmosphere that foreshadows the horror to come. The setting takes place in a suburban home at night, with the kitchen brightly lit, contrasting against the dark. This contrast symbolizes the false sense of safety within a familiar environment. Casey, dressed in light, casual clothes, represents innocence and vulnerability, heightening the tension as she answers a seemingly harmless phone call. Casey face describes that she is scared and starting to look around for anything. This fits into the mood because it creates a very suspense about what could be coming next. The props in the background like the drinks, plates, and cereal represent the setting or location being a kitchen. The mise-en-scène manipulates space effectively Casey is often framed in wide shots that show her isolation. The colors of this scene are very neutral and calm complete opposite of her face. Overall, the mise-en-scène creates a very suspenseful mood showing a great horror film.