Mise-en-scène is described as ‘the splendour of the audio-visual palettes that help establish film worlds’. I agree with this statement by Sean Redmond as it is a way of engaging the audience through production design, colour and lighting. In this article it describes how certain aspects of Mise-en-scène affects the mood of the audience. For example the effect of lighting can set the scene as it ‘determines what is illuminated and what is left in shadow’. This can affect the audience’s mood for example in a horror film the dark scenes and shadows create atmosphere for the audience which brings tension to the scene. Another factor of Mise-en-scène is the colour aesthetic in a film. Colour within a film can occur multiple times to foreshadow or create an emotional effect on the audience. ‘A colour motif can also define/ follow a character’ I also agree with this statement as the colour of a character clothes can define the characters personality for example dark colours can show anger or evilness. However, characters with brighter clothes are happy and tend to be the hero of the story. Mise-en-scène helps bring mood and feelings to the audience as it is argued that it helps ‘the viewers entire sensorium’ which allows the audience to connect with the film more.
Martha Alderson argues that ‘The most powerful way to reach an audience is through the characters’ emotions’. I also agree with this view as the character is the main focus in a story and when the character feels emotion so should the audience as they should bond with the character. This is important due to the fact that if the audience does not feel a bond towards the main character the ‘audience will ultimately detach from the film’. This means that the film becomes less interesting for the audience and therefore I would agree with Alderson in this case. However, both Remond and Alderson share similar thoughts that the audience should feel included in the film. This is juxtaposed through the way in which this happens i.e. through the character themselves or through Mise-en-scène. ‘Character Emotional Development symbolizes the character’s emotional transformation at the overall story level’ When the character does go through emotional development this can affect the audience in a way if there has been a bond created between the character and the audience. Without an emotional attachment to the character this can make the audience feel less interested in the film. This shows the importance of having the emotions of the characters as this helps the audience attach to the character making the story more interesting.
Maureen Furniss argues that the ‘audience generally remember characters the most, but background art greatly impacts the viewer’s perception and cannot be overlooked’. I agree with Furniss view in this chapter as both background and character is important in setting the mood and tone of the story and to create an atmosphere for the audience. This book also talks about how characters personality is created through Mise-en-scène this is important due to the fact that when an audience feels a connection with the character it is more likely that the audience will feel more engaged with the character. If the character stands out to the target audience it ‘increases a viewer’s comfort level and loyalty, and makes him or her more likely to return for additional episodes’. This relates to both Martha Aldersons and Sean Redmonds view as Mise-en-scène creates an atmosphere for the setting and personality of the character due to what they are wearing and what they are surrounded by affecting the characters mood or personality. This can affect the audience as it creates a character in which they can relate to or feel attached to which draws more people to watch the film or movie as it becomes more interesting to the viewer. Another topic that was discussed in this book was the effect of colour on the audience. For example warm tones and cool tones. ‘ Warm colours might subtly suggest danger of blood and heat or fire, but cool colours are more familiar in … nature’. This quote shows that depending on the colour scheme of the scene or characters clothes can affect the kind of tone the film is portraying. For example in horror films dark gloomy colours suggests danger whereas bright and vibrant colours suggest a more happy tone.
- Sean Redmond. (2014). Explainer: mise-en-scène. Available: http://theconversation.com/explainer-mise-en-scene-27281. Last accessed 01/10/19.
- Sean Redmond. (2014). Explainer: mise-en-scène. Available: http://theconversation.com/explainer-mise-en-scene-27281. Last accessed 01/10/19.
- Sean Redmond. (2014). Explainer: mise-en-scène. Available: http://theconversation.com/explainer-mise-en-scene-27281. Last accessed 01/10/19.
- Sean Redmond. (2014). Explainer: mise-en-scène. Available: http://theconversation.com/explainer-mise-en-scene-27281. Last accessed 01/10/19.
- Martha Alderson,. Connecting with Audiences Through Character Emotions. Available: https://www.writersstore.com/connecting-with-audiences-through-character-emotions/. Last accessed 02/10/19.
- Martha Alderson,. Connecting with Audiences Through Character Emotions. Available: https://www.writersstore.com/connecting-with-audiences-through-character-emotions/. Last accessed 02/10/19
- Martha Alderson,. Connecting with Audiences Through Character Emotions. Available: https://www.writersstore.com/connecting-with-audiences-through-character-emotions/. Last accessed 02/10/19
- Maureen Furniss (2014). Art in Motion. 2nd ed. USA: Indiana University Press, John Libbey Publishing. 66.
- Maureen Furniss (2014). Art in Motion. 2nd ed. USA: Indiana University Press, John Libbey Publishing. 68.
- Maureen Furniss (2014). Art in Motion. 2nd ed. USA: Indiana University Press, John Libbey Publishing.
Further Research:
- Logan Baker. (2016). Manipulating the Audience’s Emotions With Color.Available: https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/manipulate-emotions-with-color-in-film/. Last accessed 03/10/19.
Logan Baker explains how colour affects the audience and how certain colours have symbolism. For example the colour red can symbolise danger, anger and violence. I chose this article as it shows what colour symbolizes and why they are important to use within a film. This is relevant as it relates to Sean Redmond as it explains further how colours can portray characters or surroundings.
2. Lauren McGrail. (2016). 5 Essential Elements of Successful Mise en Scène in Film. Available: https://www.lightsfilmschool.com/blog/mise-en-scene-in-film-afk. Last accessed 03/10/19.
Lauren McGrail explain each area of how Mise-en-scène helps further explain the surroundings of a character and the mood which is set. For example the setting can reveal more about a character as it can reveal the characters mood or state of mind. I chose this article as it can help me go into further detail about specific section of Mise-en-scène such as setting, lighting and depth of space. This is relevant to my work as it goes into more depth on how each section of Mise-en-scène helps set the mood for the story.
3. Constantin Preda. (2019). What are the Key Elements Of Mise-en-scène.Available: https://www.careersinfilm.com/mise-en-scene/. Last accessed 03/10/19.
Constantin Preda explains different areas of Mise-en-scène such as composition, Production design and film texture. I chose this article as it helps to go into further detail about other areas of Mise-en-scène. For example composition is used during the storyboarding phase to help frame shots in a more interesting way for the audience. This is relevant to my work as it shows other aspects such composition which helps engage the audience.
4. Alex Ferrari. (2016). Mise en Scene: What the Heck is it & Why is it Important?Available: https://indiefilmhustle.com/mise-en-scene/. Last accessed 03/10/19.
Within this article written by Alex Ferrari the section which I felt was most useful was costume design as it relates to Sean Redmond as he talks about how costumes can mimic the personality and emotions of the character. I chose this article as it helps to further develop Sean Redmonds idea. This is relevant to my work as costume design can affect the audience as it foreshadows what the character personality may be like.
5. GABE MOURA . (2014). SHOT SIZES: Telling What They See. Available: http://www.elementsofcinema.com/cinematography/framing-shot-sizes/. Last accessed 03/10/19.
Gabe Moura’s article talks about how certain shots can manipulate the audience view on aspects of the film. This article goes in depth how each shot can create different atmospheres for the audience. I chose this article as it shows how certain shots have different effects. For example full shots are to show a character’s entrance. This is relevant to my work as it shows how effective certain shots like a close up shot is more effective than full shots to show facial expression.
6. Julia Smith. (2016). What Is Mise-en-Scène? Pt I: Setting & Costume.Available: https://www.filminquiry.com/what-is-mise-en-scene-pt-i-setting-costume/. Last accessed 03/10/19.
Julia Smith’s article explains how settings and costume effect the audience and the story. For example, if the setting is bright the character will tend to be happy. Also costume design allows the audience to further understand the character which relates to Alex Ferrari’s point. I chose this at was useful to understand further how both settings and costume design help understand a character’s traits and personality. This is relevant as it will help me expand on Alex Ferrari’s points.
Visual References:
