People’s perceptions of films vary depending on the viewer. Some people simply watch it, while others are fascinated by the art of cinematography. One of the film techniques that directors use is “mise en scène.” In filmmaking, the phrase “mise en scene” refers to the positioning of several components within a frame. In other terms, mise-en-scène refers to the objects that are seen and placed in the frame.
The term was first coined by Alexandre Dumas. The French phrase mise-en-scène, which has its roots in stage and theatrical productions, translates to “placing on stage” or “what is put into the scene.” Since 1913, filmmakers have employed this approach in films including Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane and D. W. Griffiths’ Birth of a Nation, which served to create a realistic atmosphere for these films about that period in American history. It has been used in film criticism since Roland Barthes’ essay from the 1970s regarding the significance of a particular scene from Jean Renoir’s 1938 movie The Rules of the Game. Analysing a text’s staging and setting is done through a mise-en-scène analysis. This literary technique might reveal a lot more about the text than you first imagined if you read it closely.
Film directors from the 30s used to be theatre artists, and for them, everything about a scene is how it is presented to the audience on stage. Therefore, from its theatrical origins, we can see how even basic details like props and costumes can tell a viewer a lot about the setting, the action, and the identities of the actors they are watching.
It should be noted that characters and their surroundings are perceived differently by the audience depending on the director’s choice of mise-en-scène. They are tangible and visible things, but they also affect the audience emotionally. It is crucial to the overall tone and style of a movie. It creates an illusion for the audience so they can engage in the story that happens on stage. It describes the movie’s overall visual design in terms of cinema, and the most recognisable aspects of a movie are the setting and the performers.
Elements of mise-en-scène
One of the first things that you notice in a mise-en-scène is the set design. The location is developed further through set design so that it truly feels real. Elements of the set design include a chair, table, drawer, etc. Another important thing are the props that are used in the scene. Props are set items that actors can physically interact with; however, they typically belong under set design.
The actors’ costumes are crucial since they help the audience understand their identities, origins, etc. To further develop a character’s identity and backstory, hair and makeup are essential in every film. Another important thing is the lighting. The look and feel of a scene can be greatly influenced by lighting.
A shot’s mise-en-scène heavily depends on how actors are blocked and given instructions on how to move around the set. The depth-of-field and focal length should be regarded as important mise-en-scène elements as they assist in directing the audience’s attention.
Films with mise-en-scene
The Graduate
Director Mike Nichols skillfully played with the costumes. Mrs. Robinson is depicted in the Taft Hotel wearing a fur coat with an animal print, which supports her predatory persona.
Citizen Kane
In the film Citizen Kane, the director Orson Welles carefully considered the composition and depth of space during a flashback to Charles Kane’s childhood. Kane was positioned in front of the adults, discussing his future, while they were outside playing in the snow. To direct the viewer’s attention, Welles also used deep focus, a technique where everything in the frame is in focus simultaneously.
Amélie
To convey characteristics of Amélie’s persona, director Jean-Pierre Jeunet used production design. She creates the impression of a positive, playful person in the audience with her cozy and charming bedroom.
Next time you watch a movie, pay close attention to the aspects of mise en scène. Every element, including the props, angles, and colours, was carefully picked to further immerse you in the world the film creates.