Mise en Scene LO: To understand the term mise-en- scene To be able to apply my knowledge of mise-en-scene to analyse a clip from Rome

 This French phrase was originally used in the theatre to refer to the setting, lighting, costume and behaviour of the actors on the stage.  It means ‘placed in the scene’ and is now used in film studies to explain all of the elements that make up a scene in a movie.  The director uses mise en scene to guide or manipulate how the audience responds to the film.  Everything we see in a film is mise en scene but to make it easier the term can be split into different areas.

 Denotation refers to an actual word, place or object – e.g. Los Angeles.  Connotation refers all the images, metaphors, words and associations that flood into our mind when we mention that word, object or place.  Cinema is a visual medium so relies on the audience decoding the images they see to make sense of the movie they watch. This process relies on the concept of denotation and connotation.

 The location of the drama refers to where it is set geographically and creates connotations which the viewer would expect to be fulfilled.  The setting is more specific and refers to where the action takes place. Setting can contribute as much to the narrative as characters do.

 How a character is dressed is one of the most important signifiers to the audience to how that character will then behave. The clothes that are chosen for characters will always have social significance. Every item worn will have been specifically selected to create a character.  It is not just clothes, but also makeup that help make an audience understand a drama and the characters role within it.

 The objects or props that are placed in the scene or used by characters are deliberately chosen to create a certain atmosphere (reality) and may also have symbolic meanings (a divorced man looking at a photo of his ex- wife.) One basic example is that if a character is shown in a room with full bookshelves the audience assumes they are intelligent.

 Communication by characters without dialogue.  The way a character walks, stands, looks and their body language all help the audience understand the character.

 The colour of a drama, achieved through the use of filters and lighting, can set the mood of the drama, distinguish between the past and present and emphasise certain aspects of a character.

 The room in which a scene occurs adds meaning to the character. Furniture can represent a person’s age and class for example. If we see dying flowers in the room this can be linked to the protagonist’s psychological state of mind.

 Low Key Lighting – When the scene is bathed in shadows and darkness, to create suspense, tension and unease  Naturalistic Lighting – Sense of normality, make the scene as realistic as possible  High Key Lighting – When the scene is extremely bright and highly lit. This represents heat, passion or extreme emotions.

Let’s watch the opening of Rome What can you say about:  Setting and location  Costume and makeup  Props/iconography  Non Verbal Communication  Set Design/Décor  Lighting mJU&feature=bf_next&list=PLCE549D17B170 F6E1 mJU&feature=bf_next&list=PLCE549D17B170 F6E1