Mise-en-Scène

Question 1

Mise-en-Scène

Answer 1

literally “putting into the scene”

Question 2

Four main components of Mise-en-Scène

Answer 2

Setting (including props)
Costume (including make-up)
Lighting
Behaviour of figures (movement of actors)

Question 3

Setting

Answer 3

The setting in mise-en-scène can be planned or accidental, but it is always present: a person standing against a white wall, or suspended naked in space is still contextualized by mise en scène.

can be constructed on a set or exist on location in the form of a building, a street, a natural feature.

This does not mean that it is necessarily more realistic. Many realistic looking settings in films are, in fact, constructions, while many natural settings are used to amplify specific aspects of setting or character.

Question 4

Realist Tradition

Answer 4

films shot in location to emphasise authenticity of characters and narrative.

Question 5

what can setting tell us?

Answer 5

Broad context of the space
Tells us where and when the film is happening, the historical period (1960s Cape Town, the England of Austen or Dickens)
Alludes to nationality, ethnicity (Samurai movie, Bollywood)
Indicates an imaginary realm (Star Wars) or the move between two worlds (The Matrix)
Star Wars vs Gangs of New York (CGI vs the built environment).

Question 6

Props

Answer 6

Apparently insignificant but often key components to a scene

What makes a part of the setting a prop?