Mise En Scene

We have been learning about Mise en Scene recently in our lessons. Mise en Scene is a French word which basically means composing the scene. The definition of Mise en scene is the process of setting a stage, costume, lighting and surroundings. We looked at one film in particular which demonstrates Mise en Scene well, The Duchess.

The extract in The Duchess shows the journey of the newly- wedded Duke and Duchess
of Devonshire from their secret wedding ceremony, through the streets of London to Devonshire House. The scene ends in the wedding bedroom. This extract expresses Mise en Scene as the extravagant  dresses, wigs and jewellery all present how wealthy the couple is, in contrast to the families on the streets of London. As I looked closely I could see that the people on the streets were in dark browns which matched the colours of the floor and buildings. Where as the upper class were all dressed in clean white clothes and the lighting was on them to stand out and present their importance.

Another film we have looked at is Chicken Run. In the extract we see Mrs Tweedie taking one of the hens to kill it. The sky turns  dark red, blue and grey to show death, sorrow and bleakness.



I will be using Mise en Scene in my film opening, by using clothes that are dark and dull and limited lighting  and dark settings to create a uncomfortable atmosphere for my thriller.