Mis-en-Scene
The Art of Scene Composition
Images in the Frame
The camera creates a relationship with the image it captures. The image itself is arranged in a certain style to illicit a response from the viewer. This arrangement of the image within the frame is the definition of scene composition, or as the French have dubbed, mis-en-scene. There are several points to consider when viewing the image within the frame.
Consider the elements and how each aspect affects the other. How do these elements communicate character, relationships, theme and possibly visual symbolism? Filmmakers expertly create a visual world that is planned and considered in a pain staking manner during pre-production and beyond.
The camera creates a relationship with the image it captures. The image itself is arranged in a certain style to illicit a response from the viewer. This arrangement of the image within the frame is the definition of scene composition, or as the French have dubbed, mis-en-scene. There are several points to consider when viewing the image within the frame.
- Use of color and contrast
- Lighting (realistic vs. pictorial)
- Sets and surroundings
- Costumes and make-up
- The actors in the frame
Consider the elements and how each aspect affects the other. How do these elements communicate character, relationships, theme and possibly visual symbolism? Filmmakers expertly create a visual world that is planned and considered in a pain staking manner during pre-production and beyond.
mis-en-scene.pptx | |
File Size: | 1101 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Gladiator (2000)
Director: Ridley Scott
Writer(s): David Franzoni
Cast
Russell Crowe (Maximus)
Joaquin Phoenix (Commodus)
Connie Nielsen (Lucilla)
Oliver Reed (Proximo)
Djimon Hounsou (Juba)
Richard Harris (Marcus Aurelius)
Derek Jacobi (Gracchus)
Ralf Moeller (Hagen)
Synopsis: General Maximus, well-respected by his troops and highly skilled in warfare, finally brings Ancient Rome's years long subjugation of Germania to an end. The ailing emperor Marcus Aurelius seeks to create a long lasting legacy by installing Maximus as protector of Rome in order to re-establish the Roman Republic. However, in giving Maximus power, Marcus Aurelius bypasses his son and natural heir, Commodus. Thus begins a power struggle that begets violence and vengeance in which Maximus loses everything. In his bid to return Rome to its former glory, Maximus begins a rapid and brutal ascent as a gladiator to finally return to Rome via the Colosseum. Gladiator is a visual spectacle that contains incredible acting performances by legendary screen actors, including an Oscar-winning performance by Russell Crowe.
Class focus: Students will analyze the visual composition of Gladiator. An examination of sets, costumes, lighting and dramatic composition will reveal a stunning and dramatic experience that immerse viewers into the world and former glory of ancient Rome.
Purpose: SWBAT understand, analyze and evaluate the value of scene composition in creating an immersive visual experience for the viewer
Journal Questions
1. DAY ONE: Watch the overall mis-en-scene of this sequence. How do the colors, costumes, light source(s) create a mood/atmosphere for the opening of the movie? How do the objects in the frame create a contrast between the “barbarian” army and the Roman army? Explain in detail using specific examples (there should be several). Secondly, observe the camera work in the introduction of General Maximus (Russell Crowe) and his troops. Observe the camera work and how the camera work helps demonstrate Maximus’ relationship with his troops. Many point-of-view shots (when the frame shows what a character sees) are utilized. Provide several examples of how the camera work (angle, position, movement) shows how the troops feel about the General and vice-versa. Due Friday November 20
2. Discussion Board Question #1: Thus far in the film Gladiator great care has been given to the sets, costumes and general imagery in presenting the glory of the Roman Empire. Discuss the most impressive elements of mis-en-scene (scene composition) you have seen.
3. Discussion Board Question #2: Now that Gladiator has finished, what scene stands out as your favorite scene? Discuss how the scene was put together using the camera and mis-en-scene (scene composition).
Director: Ridley Scott
Writer(s): David Franzoni
Cast
Russell Crowe (Maximus)
Joaquin Phoenix (Commodus)
Connie Nielsen (Lucilla)
Oliver Reed (Proximo)
Djimon Hounsou (Juba)
Richard Harris (Marcus Aurelius)
Derek Jacobi (Gracchus)
Ralf Moeller (Hagen)
Synopsis: General Maximus, well-respected by his troops and highly skilled in warfare, finally brings Ancient Rome's years long subjugation of Germania to an end. The ailing emperor Marcus Aurelius seeks to create a long lasting legacy by installing Maximus as protector of Rome in order to re-establish the Roman Republic. However, in giving Maximus power, Marcus Aurelius bypasses his son and natural heir, Commodus. Thus begins a power struggle that begets violence and vengeance in which Maximus loses everything. In his bid to return Rome to its former glory, Maximus begins a rapid and brutal ascent as a gladiator to finally return to Rome via the Colosseum. Gladiator is a visual spectacle that contains incredible acting performances by legendary screen actors, including an Oscar-winning performance by Russell Crowe.
Class focus: Students will analyze the visual composition of Gladiator. An examination of sets, costumes, lighting and dramatic composition will reveal a stunning and dramatic experience that immerse viewers into the world and former glory of ancient Rome.
Purpose: SWBAT understand, analyze and evaluate the value of scene composition in creating an immersive visual experience for the viewer
Journal Questions
1. DAY ONE: Watch the overall mis-en-scene of this sequence. How do the colors, costumes, light source(s) create a mood/atmosphere for the opening of the movie? How do the objects in the frame create a contrast between the “barbarian” army and the Roman army? Explain in detail using specific examples (there should be several). Secondly, observe the camera work in the introduction of General Maximus (Russell Crowe) and his troops. Observe the camera work and how the camera work helps demonstrate Maximus’ relationship with his troops. Many point-of-view shots (when the frame shows what a character sees) are utilized. Provide several examples of how the camera work (angle, position, movement) shows how the troops feel about the General and vice-versa. Due Friday November 20
2. Discussion Board Question #1: Thus far in the film Gladiator great care has been given to the sets, costumes and general imagery in presenting the glory of the Roman Empire. Discuss the most impressive elements of mis-en-scene (scene composition) you have seen.
3. Discussion Board Question #2: Now that Gladiator has finished, what scene stands out as your favorite scene? Discuss how the scene was put together using the camera and mis-en-scene (scene composition).
gladiator_writing.docx | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
File Type: | docx |
gladiator_notes.docx | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
File Type: | docx |