Mise-en-Scene & Symbolism in Film
Subject Overview
Students are introduced to the concept and meaning of ‘mise-en-scene’. You will learn about four elements of mise-en- scene: space, lighting, performance, costume and makeup. Students will explore the symbolism present within the elements of mise-en-scene, (also known as ‘elements of cinema’), and how directors can convey ideas, feelings and themes within film without using words, but rather throughsymbolic colour, lighting, props, framing and performance. Students will also develop their opinions surrounding the symbolic meaning of an image and articulate their reasoning.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognise and identify at least four fundamental shot sizes based on seeing the shot and use their abbreviated forms in context.
- Compare shot sizes and communicate why one shot size would be a better choice over another in relation to creating meaning for a character or scene.
- Communicate how various angles help to create meaning, focusing on ‘Dutch’ angles, low angles and high angles and how this relates to power and or chaos and disorientation.
- Explain the difference between shot sizes and camera angles
- Present connections between camera angles and shot sizes with emotion and the power status of characters in a scene
- Demonstrate understanding of the importance of storyboarding in helping to visualise ideas about shot sizes before shooting
Prerequisites
No prerequisite knowledge required.