MISE-EN-SCENE - Wednesday March 30th

The idea of the next two lessons is to develop a better understanding of how all different elements of a shot, both in design and composition, work together to create meaning. We call these elements the "mise-en-scene", which is a french term meaning "put in the scene".

The first thing to do is discuss the following still shot of The Last Emperor (Bertolucci, 1987), which we have talked of in class. Discuss the various elements within the shot, their relationship - spatial or otherwise - with each other, and the feelings the help create in us, the audience.

Consider:
camera position/angle
characters and objects
set, buildings, landscape
light and shade
colour





After making notes based on your discussions, everyone needs to write a paragraph showing your understanding of the mise-en-scene in this shot. Remember to use all the film terminology you have learnt so far.

Post the paragraph on your blog by Monday, 4th April.