Research Into Mise-en-scene

Research Into Mise-en-scene

Within this analysis of 'Mise-en-scene' I am going use the famous scene from The shining ('Here's Johnny!'- http://youtu.be/otG4G1xI39U) to help explore the five key elements of mise-en-scene.. these elements being:

 *Setting and iconography

*Costumes, hair and makeup

*Facial expressions and body Language

*Lighting and colour

*Positioning of characters within the frame

All films include a combination of all of these element and subsequently allow us to decipher what type of genre the film falls into. The reasons for my choosing of 'The Shining' were simple, not only does it include all of these five elements, it is also one of the most famous thrillers to date. Each segment of mise-en-scene plays a different role within a film. The setting and iconography presents the location to the audience whether it be, a gloomy forest at night or a bathroom, this provides crucial information to the viewer in terms of, whats happening in the scene and what is about to take place. Costumes, hair and make-up provide a key insight to a character without even being introduced to them yet, as we can analyse and configure an assumption based around their status and personalities. Facial expressions and body language are crucial especially within a thriller, as the key focus for this genre is usual upon the traumatised and terrified state the protagonist is enduring. Lighting and colour, although typically a thriller film would not include much light or colour, this in itself is a powerful adaptation to these two elements, making it very clear to an audience, what is about to happen and how the characters are feeling. The positioning of characters may not seem as important as the other elements, but this is not at all true. The positioning allows the audience to see the characters from many different angles leaving them fully understanding of the scene, creating an emotive response from the viewer.

The Shining

Setting & Iconography

At the start of the of the scene the father figure 'Johnny Torrance' slowly walks through a brightly lit, yellow themed, hallway. The wallpaper is peppered with summery flowers, however the walls are dirty, seemingly untouched for many years. The summery yellow theme of the hallway juxtaposes the tension building within the scene (enhanced by the dramatic music) and creates a foreboding of something out of the norm about to take place. Also, the dirty, unkempt walls present an eerie tone as the audience is reminded that the hotel has not been inhabited since the murder took place, many years prior. The juxtaposition between the happy sunny setting and the seriousness of the situation builds tension for the audience- a classic device of any thriller film.

Costume, Hair & Make-up

'Johnny Torrance' is featured within this scene wearing a red jacket. The bright red coveys connotations of blood, which subsequently forebodes what is to come. As well as this, the blood red colour of his jacket contrasts with the pure and completely white themed bathroom (where the wife is trapped). This is especially accentuated when he finally breaks through the door and extends his arm through the opening he created, in order to unlock the white door. This contrast may convey that, the innocence and pure mindedness of the protagonists (wife and son) will be broken by the surge of violence and bloodshed. This idea of destroyed innocence is typical to the thriller genre. As well as this, the clear red colour presenting connotations of blood and anger is extremely prevalent within this genre of film. This is because, it builds tension for the viewer as they anticipate extreme acts of violence. 'Johnny's hair within this scene also subtly helps to build tension. It is presented as unkempt and moist with sweat. This presents the idea that his character is completely tunnel visioned upon inflicting pain to his family, and doesn't not have time for menial tasks such as, keeping up a presentable appearance. In turn this highlights to the audience how dangerous this character can be, leaving them tense with what he will do next.

Positioning Of Characters

The child 'Danny Torrance' is placed at the bottom of the snowy hill outside the window, whilst his mother 'Wendy Torrance', is stuck/ struggling through a window at the top. By positioning the child at the bottom of the vast snowy mound, and the mother at the top, it presents a metaphor for their mother and son relationship. Throughout the film their relationship is not very close, considering that Danny is predominantly raised solely by his mother. Danny is presented throughout as a very solitary child. The mother struggling to get out of the window represents how she is trying to emotionally reach out to her son, however, the father is continuously standing in the way of this ever happening. Recognising that the colour white is generally seen as portraying innocence, Danny standing at the bottom of this snowy hill may present how, the violence and serious threat inflicted by his father has forced him to leave his childlike innocence behind. Danny is literally seen running away from the snow mound in this scene. The theme of a family, broken and destroyed by violence is common in thrillers. The reason this theme is effective is the because, the audience are left comparing the extremes of a murderous rage within a family, to their own. Thus providing a sense of sympathy within the viewers as they consider the normality of their families they would often take for granted. Therefore, not only are the audience tense in anticipation, but sympathetic. This creates an intense watch for the audience as they experience a variety of emotions. The intensity created makes it perfect to scare the viewer as they are gripped- something every thriller film aims to achieve.

Facial Expression & Body Language

The mother 'wendy' is clearly presented as extremely distressed and terrified as 'Johnny' is hacking at the bathroom door with an axe. Her clearly visible facial features allow the audience to grasp the emotional pain she is enduring as her husband shows no sign of remorse and continues to break through the bathroom. The redness of her face also presents how she is exhausted with terror and from crying tears of horror. The exaggerated facial features of 'Wendy' are perfect for a film of the thriller genre as they allow the audience to visualise from the protagonist's point of view how terrified they are of the antagonist, thus causing the viewer to also fear the antagonist, and what they will do next. As well as this, 'Wendy' can be seen cowering in the corner of the bathroom. This not only accentuates her 'dansel in distress' role within the scene, but presents how literally and metaphorically 'Johnny' has put her in a corner. Whether it be manipulating her to live in the abandoned hotel or in more subtle ways, 'Wendy' is presented as being dominated by 'Johnny' and his alpha male persona, most likely enhanced by his abusive upbringing. The theme of male higher Archy is very common within the thriller genre. This is because the women is usually presented as the protagonist and a weak target.

 

Lighting & Colour

The bathroom 'Wendy' and 'Danny' use to imdediately to hide from the murderous 'Johnny' is featured as brightly lit with a white wash. The pristine bright white lighting presents a similar look to that of a doctors surgery. With this in mind a juxtopostion is made, as we view look into the connotations of a doctors practice. The main connotation being trust (shared between doctor and patient), contrastingly the scene presents how a family has been torn apart as, the trust the mother and son once had for the husband is destroyed by his sudden thirst for blood. This bright lighting also presents a paradox by the dark and severity of the scene. This varity of paradoxes makes it typical to the thriller genre as the film pushes the audience out of their comfort zones, by introducing sistuations far from normal.

In conclusion, I have extensively researxched into mise-en-scene and through the use of the 'The Shining' clip I have developed a greater understanding, and grasped many ideas I can use within my thriller film.