Mise En Scene- Media Language

Positioning of characters & objects within a frame:

Task 3: What does the positioning in the following images say about the characters/film?

Image 1- The horizontal position of the camera across from the male and female on the sofa allows the viewer to gain a look upon their setting which suggests they are at home and may be living together. The fact that the two characters are sitting away from each other suggests that they are in an argument.

Image 2- This image of an axe stuck in a piece of wood tells the viewer that some dangerous event may have occurred. The fact that we can see the axe upon beams above maybe a warehouse, suggests some character has found themselves in a positon where they would have to climb away someone or something.

Image 3- This lowered angle of the two men holding guns makes the viewer feel as if these characters have authority and power.

How does MES convey period?

Through looking at a certain image or video, the colouring, props, costumes and angles used allow the viewer to acknowledge a certain time period. For example, the characters of a period production will be costumed in long heavy dresses depending on the era. To demonstrate the ancient atmosphere of a period, the colouring of a shot may be gloomy and dark or even a sepia effect may be used. Certain props will also be used. For example, in an old London Victorian period, horse and carriages, top hats, smoking pipes, quills and feathers may be used to expand the scene of a Victorian scene.


Types of lighting in different productions:

• Image A- The lighting is bright, however the shadows have been darkened to create a shadowing effect. This distinguishes the light from dark and good from bad within the characters.
• Image B- The lighting is in Black and white with a bright spotlight on a character. This black and white feature suggests that the film is maybe old or sad.
• Image C- This image has a bright and natural lighting which causes the viewer to believe its a realistic.
• Image D- This image has a major contrast of lights. The background light causes the figure to be in a shadow. This causes an almost sinister and mysterious atmosphere.

Different types of lighting and their significance:

Task: 3 questions- For each image answer the following questions.

1. What type of lighting is used in each image? (high or low key)
2. where are the filler lights, back lights and key lights in the image?
3. What meaning does the lighting suggest?

Image 1-

1. The lighting is low key and dark.
2. the back are lights are where the window is covered with blinds, the key light is the lamp next to the mirror and the filler lights is also the window behind him.
3. The lighting suggests that it is late at night and the man has only bothered to turn one lamp on due rushing to clean his nose. This also suggest there is danger present.

Image 2-

1. The lighting is low key in this image.
2. The back lights are the lights on the field next to the man, the key light is the lamppost and the filler lights in also the light upon the fields.
3. This low lighting suggests that the man is in despair and lost in the dark with only a lamppost to help him see.

Image 3-

1. The lighting is low key.
2. The key light is the light coming from the open door. The filler light is the mans white jacket.
3. This focus of one key light with no back light causes the viewer to see a contrast of light and dark and maybe good and bad between the characters.