1. Stating a message without words
Mise en Scene
Stating a message without words

2. Mise en Scene
The arrangement of everything that appears in the framing – actors, lighting, décor, props, costume – is called mise-en-scène, a French term that means “placing on stage.” 

3. Elements of Mise en Scene
Visual Elements of Photography
Frame: area of action that is captured by the camera
Subject: object, person, or matter being studied in the frame
Cropping: cutting off or concealing unwanted parts of an image within a photograph
Lighting: the overall effect produced by the amount or type of light in a photograph
Image: likeness of object, person, or scene found and/or arranged in a frame
Composition: the way in which the parts of something are arranged to present a visual image
Space: area established or set apart by the arrangement of subjects or matter

4. Here’s an Example
In some instances, the mise-en- scène is designed to evoke emotions that permeate the whole movie. For example in the German expressionist film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), distorted shapes and claustrophobic scenery are implemented to disturb the audience and enhance the horror.

5. Some specific elements to consider

7. Camera Angles

8. High Key Lighting creates upbeat, energetic mood

9. Low Key Lighting for Mood

10. Side & Low Lighting

11. Back Lighting

12. Do you want or need to know more ?
Click on the picture to go to a website with examples

13. Activity 1.4
Select one of the following pictures (next 8 slides) that captures your interest.
Analyze the elements of mis en scène
Complete the OPTIC strategy on p 9
Write a one to two-paragraph description of the mis en scène elements you see and the effects (message or mood) these elements have on the picture, overall. (use the specific directions on p 7 of your packet)

16. Lunch Atop a Skyscraper (New York 1932)

17. Paris 1989
By Elliott Erwitt

18. Hard Work in Hong Kong

19. Afghan Mona Lisa
By Steve McCurry