Mise - en - Scene Flashcards
How is mise-en-scene used in the opening scene (the introduction to Ofelia)?
- Blue colour palette and cold tones
- The setting of the underground realm
- Ofelia and her hand on her book with a fairy picture on it
How is mise-en-scene used in the introduction of Vidal?
- The pocket watch
- His leather gloves
- Consistently framed with other soldiers, but dominates the shot
- Framed with other soldiers with a narrow focus shot
- Consistently framed with other soldiers
- Vidal’s colour palette
- The fascist uniform
How is mise-en-scene used in the scene of Ofelia’s narration?
- Blues hues/tones in bedroom which contrast with the red colours of the womb
- The warm red tones
How is mise-en-scene used in the gruesome murder of the farmers?
- Set against the dark, illuminating sky (with the crescent moon in the sky)
- Reality of the setting
- Blue hues
- Murder weapon as humiliating prop (farmer’s beer bottle used)
Why is a blue colour palette and cold tones used in the opening sequence?
- Foreshadows her death (coldness and lack of warmth) and allows the blood from her nose to stand out and contrast to her pale skin, emphasising the danger she is in.
- It evokes a sense of concern and anxiety for her wellbeing
- Creates a fantastical and supernatural atmosphere.
Why is the setting of the Underground Realm used in the opening sequence?
An ambiguous image which isn’t specified if it’s an actual part of Ofelia’s imagination, part of her kingdom or (since she was at the brink of death) challenges the idea of the existence of Heaven and Hell.
Why is the use of Ofelia’s book prop used in the opening sequence?
- Foreshadowing her discovery of the fairy
- Gently traces her finger on it which sows that fantasy and fiction is what Ofelia relies on as a method of escapism from the harsh reality
- Her gentle caressing of the page shows her vulnerability and innocence
Why is Vidal’s watch (prop) used in the Introduction to Vidal sequence?
- A symbol of Vidal’s macho need to ape his father’s bravery
- Signifies his power
Why are Vidal’s leather gloves used in the Introduction to Vidal sequence?
Synonymous with fascists, especially Nazi’s in Schindler’s List and Raiders of the Lost Ark
Why is Vidal consistently framed with other soldiers (in narrow focus shot) in the Introduction to Vidal sequence?
- Dominates the frame so depicts him as powerful and the superior (and supports his want of being in control and everything happening as fast as clockwork - links to his mechanical world
- The soldiers supporting his fascist ideas
How does Vidal’s costume contribute to the Introduction to Vidal sequence?
- Wearing a typical fascist uniform
- Leather gloves, boots, insignia on his uniform, short hair and clean shaven appearance.
Why are blue hues and tones used in Ofelia’s story sequence?
It is synonymous with the fantasy world.
It also contrasts with the warm colours in the womb.
Why are the red tones/warm colours in the womb used in Ofelia’s story sequence?
- Connotates danger so foreshadows that the baby will cause the eventual death of Carmen and then Ofelia
- Could connotate the warmth and safety the brother feels throughout the film
- Reflects how he is protected by the women who, along with their nurturing nature, are his caregivers
Why is the gruesome murder of the farmers set against the dark illuminating sky?
It presents the blurring of real life and fantasy.
Why is the crescent moon used in the gruesome murder of the farmers sequence?
- Symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, death and rebirth (growth and fertility)
- It also matches the mark on Ofelia’s shoulder.
