Mise en scene

In this particular lesson we learnt about Mise en scene, which is a French term which means "Put into a scene or frame". A prime example of this could be visual information which is essential to a specific audience.

The focal points of Mise en scene are Set, Design and Space, Make up and Hair, Costume, Facial Expressions and Body Language, Lighting and Colour, and finally the positioning of each character. Each of these items have different effects to the reaction of the audience, and they can also have hidden meanings which are there for the audience to think about every perspective of a story.

The Set, Design and Space are key when Mise en scene is included in a scene. This particular point is important as it is more of a setting/ location rather than a background. In each individual scene made, they have to make the setting original as it gives the scene a distinctive appearance. The audience can be manipulated as the angles of the camera can make a large character seem small or a large character seem small. This is why space is an important factor of Mise en scene.

The Costume, Hair and Make Up can make an audience stereotype a certain character as soon as they visualise them. The producers will sometimes make the characters stand out to make sure that the audience know that the character is important and that it's key to focus on them. You can also see what time period the film/ programme was created and what the culture is.

The Facial Expressions and Body Language of a character brings out each individual emotions and thought. The body language could have an effect as the character could be gritting their teeth, which symbolises that the character is angry, but if the backing track was more joyful, then this would confuse the audience as the character is shown as angry but the backing track makes him seem happier in this sense.

The composition is key when using Mise en scene. the positioning of each frame will focus on one specific item or character which is important so the audience are given a hint of what's happening, this could also make a connection between two characters seem obvious.

The colour of a scene can give a particular feel, mood or look. This is because each colour can symbolise something. For example, blue is a colour which is seen as calm or peaceful, whereas red is seen as angry and being evil, so it gives it that dramatic effect.

Low key and High key lighting also create a scene. Low key lighting is where you have darker shadows so it gives the scene more of a dark and descending effect. High key lighting is the complete opposite, so something that is bright and colourful which creates a feeling of happiness in a scene.