Mise-en-scene

L.O To consider how performance

creates meaning for the spectator

Focus: interaction of film and spectator.

This unit requires the study of the micro features of film.

Mise-en-scène includes setting, props, staging, costume and makeup,

figure expression and movement and off-screen space.

• Performance includes physical expression, vocal delivery and

interaction between performers (with reference to issues of

staging/choreography where relevant).

Cinematography includes photographic elements (e.g. camera

position, colour, lens, depth of focus), lighting, framing and

composition and special effects.

Editing includes the organisation of time, both within a sequence and

across sections of the narrative and the organisation of space,

especially in creating coherence for the spectator. The principal

conventions of continuity editing, such as shot/reverse shot and the

180 degree rule, will be studied. The uses of montage editing will also

be considered.

Sound includes diegetic sound, non-diegetic sound and the variety of

ways in which aural elements (e.g. speech, music and noise) are used

in relation to visuals.

Figure, expression and movement can be

used to allow us to not only understand that

character, but their relationship with other

characters within the film.

Where are the characters positioned within

the frame?

Does this reflect their importance?/

feelings?/ relationship with others?

What thoughts, feelings and emotions are

evoked by the actors’ performances?

What kinds of movements do we see them

engaged in (fighting/dancing) What does this

convey about them? /their feelings?

What aspects of figure, expression and

movement indicate genre?

Direct bodily contact

The proximity of one character to another

The orientation of one to another (for example are they standing with their bodies towards or way from each other)

General appearance of the character

Head movements

Facial expressions

Gestures

Body posture

Eye movements/contact

Aspects of speech- pitch, stress, tone. volume, accents, speech errors

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swzd0qe

TCAM&feature=related

We know that the slow and methodical

movements of the character reflect his

personality throughout the rest of the film

This is when the characters are touching each other

However it may be for many reasons

It can reveal a characters relationship with another character

It can also reveal their emotions about a particular situation, relief, anger, comfort

This may change

over the course of

the film, reflecting a

change in

relationship

It may suggest the

relationship

between the

characters

It can reveal

a characters

feelings

towards

other

characters It can reflect

working

together/being on

the same team

This is where we consider whether the characters bodies are facing

towards each other or away from each other and to what extent

We can use this to gain information and insight into the characters

relationship

Does this suggest they have similar ideas and beliefs?

A common ground and close relationship? It may be used

to show power

between

characters

Considering the importance of head movements for the character

What is it that they may be trying to suggest?

What can they symbolise?

A nod to agree with something that the character says

A shaking of the head to suggest disagreement or anger at what has been suggested

A tilt of the head to suggest clarity is needed

How does the

character use

facial expressions

to reveal to the

audience their

feelings?

How does body posture or language reveal how our character is feeling

Vulnerable?

Anger

Confusion

Shy/embarrassed

Trying to

protect herself

with her

posture

Body Language Gesture Meaning

Brisk and Erect walkThis body language means

confidence.

Person standing with hands

on hips

This body language means

readiness and aggression.

Person sitting with legs

crossed, foot kicking slightly

This body language means

boredom.

Person sitting with legs apartThis body language means an

open and relaxed person.

Person tapping or drumming

with his fingers

This body language means

that the person is impatient.

Patting/fondling hair

This body language means

lack of self confidence and

insecurity.

Tilting head quickly

This body language indicates

interest in some person or

thing.

Person walking with hands in

pockets, shoulders hunched

This body language shows a

person in dejection.

Person brings hand to cheekThe person is evaluating and

thinking

Touching, slightly rubbing

nose

The person is rejected, in

doubt and maybe lying.

Rubbing the eyeThe person is in doubt or

disbelief.

Hands clasped behind backThe person is angry,

frustrated and apprehensive.

Person Stroking chin

This indicates that the

person is trying to make a

decision.

Person looking down, face

turned awayJust means disbelief.

Someone biting nailsThis is a proof of insecurity

and nervousness.

Pulling or tugging the ear The person is indecisive.

Person with prolonged tilted

headIndicates boredom.

Body movement can be used to suggest

things about the characters situation or

feelings about themselves

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/104916

What did we suggest the movement here

suggested about the characters?

Movement for Jack

Sparrow is highly

symbolic of the

character that he is

Watch clip and

discuss what you

feel you learn about

the character based

solely on his

movements

Eye contact

Length of time held

What is the eye contact trying to achieve?-

representative of lust, love, intimidation,

anger

This could be accents

Tone

The way a voice changes to reflect emotions-

anger, fear, sadness, love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-

Umf_chNHw&feature=related

Watch the scene firstly without sound. what can

we tell about the characters feelings through:

Facial expressions

Eye contact

Body language

Proximity of characters

Posture

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNSxnx3

btr4&feature=related

Consider the ten body codes in this first

scene (2 minutes)

Use the sheet to make notes about what you

see

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/104909

Consider eye contact, facial expression, head

movements and proximity of characters

within this clip.

Pg 27

Seven

Office scene- Consider:

The different ways the actors bodies are

orientated in relation to each other

Their body postures

The facial expressions used by them

Changes in speech patterns

Pausing/timing so of the lines

Brothel interview scene

Consider how the 10 body codes are being

used here

Especially facial expressions, eye movements

and speech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XymKTtP

fG4I&feature=related

Facial expressions

Eye contact

Speech

Be aware that many of the things we have

looked at are non verbal communications

Consider that the camera position and

editing can often allow us to see these

movements more and therefore add to the

meaning created

Consider the impact made on the audience

by certain aspects of performance,

expression and movement.

Due Tuesday

Pick a clip to write about analysing the key

areas that we have looked at today. The clip

only needs to be a couple of minutes long.

Upload either stills or the clip to accompany

your work.