Mise-en-scene refers to everything that appears in front of the camera and how it's arranged. This includes composition, props, the set, costume and lighting.
Balanced Composition
A balanced composition is if the key focus point is centred in the frame, and the negative space is positioned symmetrically. This is the most common type of conmposition and is most pleasing to the eye.
This still from Full Metal Jacket is an example of a balanced composition
Unbalanced Composition
An unbalanced composition is when the focus points are not centred within the frame and there is too much negative space, or an irregular proportion of negative space. This can connote that a characters inner world is out of shape or disorientated
| This still from Trading Places is an example of an unbalanced composition |
Setting
Setting and location is one of the most important aspects of Mise-en-scene. The space that characters inhabit is key to the meaning of the scene. Films can be shot either in a studio or on location. Shooting on location increases believability, but can be more expensive and tricky as it gives less options when shooting. Shooting in a studio allows film makers to control and exactly recreate spaces how they want to
This is a still from The Lord of the Rings. Most of this film was shot on location in New Zealand
This still is from Star Wars which was shot in a studio. Many of the scenes were shot on a green screen
Lighting
Lighting is used to set the mood. There are lots of ways in which a scene can be lit. As it is a micro element, lighting is used in such a way that it won't be noticed.
Lighting can:
- Highlight Elements within a scene
- Obscure elements within a scene
- Establish character
- Establish Mood
- Establish Verisimilitude
These are both examples of how lighting is used in Films
Props
Props are the objects that a character uses in a scene that are significant in some way. They function in the same way as setting in terms of meaning.
Props can specify period, genre, provide information about a character, provide information about a specific place and act as a reflection of a characters inner self
The spinning top in Inception is an example of a prop used in a film. It explains wether a character is awake or dreaming.
Costumes
Costumes specify period, genre, character information, information about a certain place, and can act as a reflection of a character's inner self
This costume specifies the genre, clearly showing that it is a sci-fi film
