Lecture Notes: Understanding Mise-en-scène in Filmmaking

Introduction

• Directors are often seen pointing, looking through viewfinders, and making gestures on set.
• The director's role begins long before the camera rolls.
• Mise-en-scène is the essence of filmmaking, encompassing design, arrangement, and framing.

Definition and Origin

• Mise-en-scène:
  • French term meaning "placing on stage."
  • Refers to deciding scene inclusions and positioning on stage.
• André Bazin:
  • French film critic who championed mise-en-scène.
  • Differentiated between two filmmaking approaches: mise-en-scène and montage.

Approaches in Filmmaking

• Montage:
  • Creates meaning through juxtaposition of multiple images.
• Mise-en-scène:
  • Focuses on storytelling within a single image.

Example: "Citizen Kane"

• Use of wide angle and deep focus.
• Shows character dynamics through blocking, staging, and composition.
• Uninterrupted take allows personal interpretation.

Elements of Mise-en-scène

• Traditionally visual, but also includes sound design and music.
• Analogy: Like a math problem where elements equal one complete shot.
• Everything visible in a shot is part of the mise-en-scène.

Traditions in Mise-en-scène

• Naturalistic:
  • World is familiar and realistic to the audience.
• Theatrical:
  • Exaggerated and unique worlds, e.g., Tim Burton's style.

Application: "The Shining"

• Mise-en-scène contributes to film's unsettling nature.
• Production Design:
  • Props, set design (e.g., toy vehicles, carpet design).
  • Carpets and mazes create a trapped feeling.
• Sound Design and Music:
  • Contrasts visual elements, adds to tension.
• Cinematography:
  • High key lighting contrasts with horror theme.
  • High angle shots create vulnerability.
• Blocking:
  • Positioning of characters and objects to enhance storytelling.

Exercise and Conclusion

• Challenge: Analyze a single frame for its mise-en-scène.
• Preparation involves script breakdown, storyboarding, and collaboration.
• Next focus: Role of color in mise-en-scène.
• Encouragement to subscribe for further exploration.