Understanding & Using Mise-En-Scene

Mise-En-Scene is a French term meaning 'to put in the scene'. It is an essential element for the production of film and TV. Producers use Mise-En-Scene to convey ideas about characters, themes, the narrative etc. For example, bright colours, undignified costumes, cramped sets and cheap props can convey a cartoonish, unprofessional style. MES can be broken down into the following elements:

• Costume - what a character wears can convey messages about the style, themes and form of a film. For example, costumes have been specifically chosen for the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and Alice below in order to convey their character's personality and even mental state.

• Location - where in the world the action takes place.
• Setting - specific places within the location where scenes are set. In the shot below, for example, Depp's character appears to be in a position of power because of his placement in the scene.

• Scenery - set dressing (making a set look a certain way).
• Props - can add character and develop the narrative. In Pulp Fiction, we can get an understanding of individual character types through the props that they hold in the shot below. Mia is holding a cigarette which suggests along with her facial expression that she is rebellious. Vincent and Jules both hold guns which connotes a lot about what their job entails.

• Lighting - lighting can effect the atmosphere of a scene. Light vs dark. Lighting can be used to convey a character's importance to a plot and whether he/she is presented as an antagonist or protagonist.

• Actors - arrangement of actors within the frame.
• Framing - placement of objects in the frame/choosing what to include in a shot.