Preliminary Excercise 4: Analyzing Mise en Scene

Activity 4: Defining and Analyzing the Elements of Mise en scene and Genre Conventions

 

Objective: Students will learn about the elements of mise en scene and their signification to conveying genre codes. They will research and analyze mise en scene and genre conventions by preparing a case study of a film

·         In this assignment, students will work in groups of 3.

·         Students will define the vocabulary terms in Section A and provide (1) example to support their understanding.

·         In Section B, they will document the general information of the film decided by the group.

·         Section C,

1.      students will pick the opening film clip from the movie and identify the elements of mise en scene in the sequence.

2.      They will select still frames from the movie to support each element and identify characteristics of each element. (Setting = Location, time of day, time period, etc.).

3.      Film producers encode messages in their films, document the messages each still frame is communicating by using each element.

4.      Students will also document how the elements create mood and support the genre of the film.

5.      Document the production jobs responsible for each mise en scene element.

Section A: Vocabulary

Score: ______/32 marks
Word	Meaning and example
Mise en scene in film	Define: the arrangement of scenery and stage properties in a play Example: In A Madea Family Funeral, there is seating set up with a casket in the front of the room.
Codes	Define: represent the underlying systems of signs and symbols which create meaning Example: smoke=fire
Film Genre	Define: a stylistic or thematic category of motion pictures solely based on similarities either in the narrative elements, emotional response, or aesthetic approach Example: Romance, Comedy, Horror
Iconography	Define: the visual images and symbols used in a work of art or the study or interpretation of these Example: Dove represents peace
Characters in film	Define: a person or people being in a narrative Example:
Setting	Define: the scenery, time, place, circumstances in which events occur in cinematography Example: Aunt Bam, Heathrow, and Vianne in A Madea Family Funeral
Acting	Define: the practice of communication messages about emotions, ideas, artistic expression, and plots Example: a character can be dramatic and extra to show they like drama
Costume	Define: an outfit worn to create the appearance characteristic of a particular period, person, place or thing Example: Expensive, name brand clothing to show a character is wealthy
Hair and make-up	Define: portray characters to create a look Example: exaggerated hair and makeup can show a character is different from everyone else
Composition in Film	Define: the arrangement of visual information within a camera frame Example: a person in the front of the frame can be serious while the person in the back can make silly faces, to show the contrast between the two people
Color	Define: sets the tone of a scene before any of the actors have even uttered a word Example: Harley Quinn’s red and blue colors
Set-design	Define: the creation of the physical space in which the action of a performed event takes place Example: A car chase in the city
Props	Define: a portable object other than furniture or costume Example: watch, phone, backpack
Lighting	Define: the contrast of light showcased and how light has been used by the director to create the mood Example: Dim lighting in a cemetery
Blocking in film	Define: where, when, and how subjects are placed and move within the frame Example: a conversation between two people
Tone in film	Define: the attitude that an artist has towards the subject matter of something they create Example: happy tone when a long lost relationship reunites

 

Section B

General Information of Film
Film Title (1 mark): A Madea Family Funeral	Media Institution Name (1 mark):
Film Studio (s) (1 mark):	Director (1 mark): Josh Boone
Year released (1 mark): 2019	Genre and sub-genres (2 marks): Drama Comedy
Cost of production (Budget) (1mark): $20 Million	Box Office (1 mark): 75.8 million USD
A brief synopsis of the film. Three lines max. in your own words. (3 marks):   When Madea, Joe, Aunt Bam, and other family members assemble for an anniversary party that goes horribly wrong, a happy reunion in Georgia becomes an unexpected nightmare. Madea and the family quickly discover themselves attending a funeral that doesn't go as planned instead of having fun and relaxing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section C

 

 

Setting
Definition: the time, place, and circumstances in which something occurs or develops
	Setting is… At a funeral home
	Message: a place where to share your last moments with someone you lost
	Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence: mournful, grief
Location (Where and geographic description): a small funeral home
Time Period: 2010s
Time of Day: afternoon
Culture/moral values of the setting: family and friends come together to celebrate the life of a person
Job title: Lizbeth Aguilar as set dresser
Acting
Definition: movements, gestures, and intonations to portray a character
	The acting is... Lighthearted and relaxed
	Messages
	Something can go wrong at any time
	Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence: humorous, chill
Character portrayed: a strong, street smarted old woman
Character appearance: (Tall, short, skinny, muscular, male, female, attractive, etc.) Female, old, big, exaggerated makeup
Character actions: uses hands to express words (talk with her hands)
Facial expressions and body language: exaggerated facial expressions, calm and unserious body language
Voice quality/ tone: vulgar, with much knowledge
Job title: Tyler Perry as the cast
Set Design: Décor and Props
Definition: movable or portable items on a stage or a set
	Set-design (décor and props)… Hat, book, bookstand, curtains
	Message: sharing how you and the deceased person were connected
	Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence: memorable, Reminiscing
Décor: (Example red and black checkered floors, yellow walls, modern furniture, old shabby curtains, etc.) glittery blue and white curtains
Props: bookstand, book, hat
Job title: Dennis Donegan, Taran Alderman
Costumes, hair and make-up
Definition: help actors portray their characters by using hair and make-up to create a look.
	The costume is…. Detailed and tumultuous The hair and make up is Bright and intense
	Message: the message talks about how old generations can come together and support each other.
	Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence: the atmosphere sorrowful and mournful.
Costumes: blaring
Hair: captivating
Make-up: excessive
Job title: Nikki Bell, Andrea C. Brotherton, Roosevelt Cartwright, Syretta L. Bell, Brian Butler, Char Coats-Crump, Manny Davila, Benji Dove, Julie Hill-parker, Shantel Jordan as makeup artists
Lighting
Definition: the direction, quality, source, or color of light.
	The lighting is key lighting, making the scene look clear and comprehensible
	Message: the message talks about how bright and holy the place is
	Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence: the opening sequence is sorrowful making up for a sad mood at first.
Light Direction: frontal light
Light Source:  Daylight balanced arc lamp
Light Quality: hard light
Job title: Kira Potter, Dwayne Thomas as the gaffers
Composition
Definition: the way elements of a scene are arranged in a camera frame
	The composition is... Madea and the casket are in the front while everybody else is in the background
	Message: to show how important the deceased person was to Madea
	Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence: sorrowful, depressing
Framing Balance: set in the middle so the frame is symmetrical
Depth of Field: Madea in the front center while all other observers and in the back sides
Focus: Madea and the casket
Job title: Richard J. Vialet
Color
Definition: sets the overall tone of the film.
	The color is …… Warm and neutral colors
	Message: Madea and her family hear the news about the passing
	Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence: shocked, flabbergasted
Dominant Colors: yellow, grey, orange
Meanings of colors: to show their age
Job title: Jeff Kujan