Mise-En-Scene

Mise-En-Scene

Mise-En-Scene is a French term, which literally means 'placing of the scene'.

The main elements of Mise-En-Scene are:

~ Setting and Props

~ Costume, Hair and Make-up

~ Facial Expressions and Body Language

~ Lighting

~ Positioning of Characters and Objects in the Frame.

Setting is where the film takes place. For example, a hospital, a farm, a school. Props are the objects that are used in the film, often the props are distinctly associatated with the setting of the film. For example, if the setting was a hospital, the props would typically be hospital bed, medical equipment etc.

Costume are in particular very important to a film, as the audience can instantly recognise a characteristic, or job that character. For example, someone wearing clothing that covers their body, the audience would assume that person is shy, or conservative. Make-up is also important in the look of a character, as it can heavily make a character, like Costume. As well, make-up can with extreme detail can show wounds, or injuries, and even in some cases make actors into Aliens or Inhumane Creatures.

Facial Expressions and Body Language are key in films, as audiences are able to recognise feelings and expressions immediately. For example, if someone is nervous they would shake and their body language would be tight, or if someone is happy they would be free and loose in their movements.

Lighting is important in films, as it can determine a scene before audience members are certain of the scene. Lighting can also show throughout the film, an overall mood, feeling or atmosphere. For example, having key light, make the audience aware of who is the point of focus.

Positioning of the characters and objects, are important because it can give clues to the audience, and can even bring dramatic irony in. For example, if someone is positioned at the top a stairs, and another person at the bottom, could highlight that the person at the top is powerful, or strong, and the person at the bottom, is a weak, and vulnerable. Also, objects in the frame can allow the audience become familiar with the people in the shot.

All these Mise-En-Scene elements are essential in films. :)