Mise en scene - Positioning

·      How visual aspects within a frame create meaning for audiences

·      How the positioning of characters and objects can give us clues to relationships and narrative development

·      How lighting and colour can create atmosphere and meaning

In relation to the study of moving images, mise-en-scène translates as 'everything in the frame'.  

It is a French term which refers to:

§  Lighting and colour

§  Setting

§  Props, costume, hair and make-up

§  Character positioning within the frame

§  Body language, expression and movement

The given image is a still from The Core, a disaster film from 2003.  Look at the way the characters are positioned within the frame so all the important characters are visible and how different levels are created to add visual interest to an inactive scene.

Jot down answers to the following questions and then compare notes with a partner.

·      Which characters do you think are the most important in this scene?

·      What gives you this impression?

·      What do the props in the foreground and background tell you about what is happening?

·      What typical elements of the disaster movie genre are evident in this frame?