Chapter 4 Flashcards
What does mise en scene mean
putting into the scene
which cinematic technique is most noticed by viewers
mise en scene
mise en scene
director’s control over what appears in the film frame
what components make up mise en scene
- setting
- lighting
- costume
- makeup
- staging
- performance
What is the power of mise en scene
to achieve realism
setting
a container for human events or narrative action
role of costume and makeup
- enhance characterization
- trace changes in attitude
- usually coordinates with setting
role of lighting
- helps composition of shot
- articulates textures.
What are the 4 components of lighting
- quality
- direction
- source
- colour
hard lighting
- crisp textures
- defined shadows
- sharp edges
soft lighting
- diffused illumination
- “overcast” appearance
- soft shadows, subtle conrast
underlighting
lit from below
role of underlighting
distorts features, creates drama (used for horror)
backlighting
lit from behind
role of backlighting
emphasizes silhouettes
top lighting
lit from above
role of top lighting
- creates glamour
- “harsh lighting”
- clear shadows
what are the two primary light sources
key light and fill light
key light
primary source of light in a scene
fill light
reduces harsh shadows created by key light
3 point lighting
backlit + key light diagonally from front + fill light from a position near camera
high-key lighting
- fill + backlight to create low contrast or low “ratio” of lighting onscreen
- appears natural
low-key lighting
fill is reduced or eliminated to create stronger contrast onscreen.
what colour of light is preferred by filmmakers and why
white, so that they can filter whatever colour they want overtop
staging
- directing the position figure/animal/human/shape
- controlling movement within the frame
what are the two dimensions of acting
- individualization
- stylization
individualization (acting)
an actor putting a unique/signature twist on a character
stylization (acting)
expressing motions elaborately rather than “naturally” or “realistically” to get emotions across onscreen.
motion capture in CGI
whole body capture for CGI
performance capture CGI
facial expression capture for CGI
how do filmmakers usually arrange space when it comes to framing
usually, try and balance right and left halves of frame
depth cue
ability to perceive the volume of the space in the frame using the differentiation of distinct planes.
how does the director control time in a film
controls when we see/notice things and for how long.
MacGuffin
a “red herring” prop, not central to the story but sparks conversation/action/etc. onscreen.
chiaroscuro lighting
low-key lighting with an emphasis on shadows and blacks onscreen.
low key lighting usually has how many light sources
1
high key lighting usually has how many light sources
3
