Mise-en-Scene By Bethany Dennett

Set Design The set design is the way that the whole set looks when in production. The set design is very important as it sets the scene for the whole film. The viewer gets an idea of what the entire film is about just from the single set design. Set design can be used to amplify the characters and the plot of the story. For example the set design for the Shire in Lord of the Rings is very green and sunny. This is used to reflect the prominence of the Shire in the film, and to show it is a very happy place.

Props The use of props in films makes the film come to life. Without props the story can be very boring and we wouldn’t understand what is going on. The use of wands in Harry Potter informs us that it is a series about magic. Without them we would be confused as to what is going on, and would not understand the storyline.

Lighting The use of lighting in films can be used to create drama. The use of shade can be just as powerful, and can emphasis a dark or evil character. The direction or intensity of the lighting can inform the viewer of what is going on and we get the idea of what is about to come. Lighting can also be used to emphasis cliff hangers, by hiding important details that play an big part in the final plot. For instance, this photo shows the emphasis lighting causes on the actor.

Space The use of spacing and area shows the viewer many things, including where the place is. The proportions on things in the film can make the viewer very intrigued and can be manipulated using camera angles and lenses used. The change in spacing can also be used instead of editing, lowering the amount of post-production time needed. In this picture space is used as an impact to create the emotion of loneliness.

Costume Costume is very important in films because it shows the characters and the time setting of the film. We can sometimes get an impression of what the film is about by the costumes the main characters wear. Costume can also show powerful emotions such as prejudice or sadness. For instance in ‘This is England’ the costumes are used to portray the time the film is set, as well as the theme of racism.

Movement The movement used by the actors is very powerful, as it creates the mood and the emotions in the film. The movement can be used to portray the actors emotions, and can be used to show things that aren’t said. For example, George Clooney is known as a ‘face actor’ as he can use his facial expressions to portray emotions and how his character is feeling.

Camera Angles Camera angles are used to create emphasis on specific characters and objects to create an impression of power. Things like long shots are used to establish the shot and the location of the film. Full body shots show the viewer the costumes of the characters, allowing them to observe the setting of the film and also to establish the relationships between characters. A mid shot is used for facial expressions. Close ups and extreme close ups show more personal relationships with the character and are generally used to create empathy with the character. For instance, in this picture we can see the emotion on the characters face.

Framing Framing is very important as it shows the viewer what will happen next. For instance, in this picture the baby has room to crawl, showing the crawling will take place. The subject needs headroom, looking room and movement room to show the actions going to happen. The rule of thirds is very important in framing, as it emphasises the aspects of the person on the crosses of the lines.

Weather Conditions The weather conditions in films are used to emphasis a mood or an aspect of the film. Wet, dark weather is used to show dark moods or horror films, whereas sunny, bright weather conditions are used to show good moods. For instance, in this picture, the boy and girl in (500) Days of Summer are very happy and the weather shows this.

Make-up Make up is used to show the characters feelings again. It can be used to add dark eyes, pale skin or blood. This can support fights, deaths or other more unrealistic aspects of the film that need to be emphasised. It can also wok with costume to add to character identity or opinions. In this picture, Harry Potter has lots of dirt and blood on his face, this adds the character being in a battle. Rubber masks can also be used to create mythical animals, that would not other wise be able to be made.