Critical Analysis

Mise-en-scène—the French theater term for “placing on stage”—refers to the arrangement of everything that appears in a frame of film, including the settings, actors, lighting, props, costumes, and composition. For this essay, you are tasked with conducting a critical analysis of the function of two elements of mise-en-scène in a selected film clip. Your analysis should explore how these elements work to convey meaning, create mood, and support the themes or narrative of the film.

Either:

A. Choose ONE of the scenes below, then analyze how TWO of the following points function in that scene

B. Examine how TWO elements function in ONE scene 

The Scenes:

1. Setting and Props: How does the setting (location, time period, and physical space) and the use of props (objects used in the scene) contribute to the tone or atmosphere of the scene? For instance, consider how these elements help to establish a character’s motivations.
2. Costuming and Makeup: What roles do costuming and makeup play in defining a character’s identity within this scene? What do they help reveal about that character to the audience about who they are as a person?
3. Framing and Composition: Consider the way the shot is framed. Are characters positioned within the frame in a specific way to suggest power dynamics, isolation, or connection? How do camera angles, shot size, and movement shape our understanding of the narrative or themes?
4. Color and Tone: Explore the color palette of the scene. What is the dominant color—and what is its effect? Is the scene cool or warm, bright or muted? How do color and tone function in the film to express a theme?
5. Music and Sound Effects: How does music can help convey how characters relate to each other and their world? Likewise, how do sound effects (e.g. traffic, crowd chatter, sirens) contribute to the overall atmosphere and meaning of this scene?

The scenes:

Billy Elliot (Stephen Daldry, 2000, UK)

The Royal Tenenbaums (Wes Anderson, 2001, USA)

 Frida (Julie Taymor, 2002, USA)

Bridesmaids (Paul Fieg, 2011, USA)

Wonder Woman (Patty Jenkins, 2017, USA)

Roma (Alfonso Cuarón, 2018, Mexico) [In Spanish]

Knives Out (Rian Johnson, 2019, USA)

Nope (Jordan Peele, 2022, USA)

  Priscilla (Sofia Coppola, 2023, USA) The Holdovers (Alexander Payne, 2023, USA)  

Your essay should critically engage with these aspects of mise-en-scène, drawing specific examples from one scene to support your argument. Ensure your analysis is focused and clearly organized, with a well-defined thesis that outlines your main argument.

Helpful mise-en-scène resources:

• What is Mise-en-Scène?—How Directors Like Kubrick Master the Elements of Visual Storytelling (StudioBinder)
• Twenty Mise-en-Scène Elements Every Filmmaker Needs to Know (Studiobinder)
• How to Read Mise-en-Scéne | Visual Film Analysis Explained (The Media Insider)
• Understanding Mise-en-Scène (GripUp)
• What is Mise En Scène | Examples in the Horror Genre (Scott Lien) [Slightly NSFW]
  

Required:

• MLA Style, including works cited
• ≈ 500 words (2 pages)
  

Due: Fri 2.28 (via Canvas)