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Mise-en-scene on costume and make up in the film:

The Heartbreak Kid (2007)

Although this is not usually a film I would choose to talk about, there are many elements that are shown in this film when looking for the mise-en-scene.  The main protagonist is a middle aged man that is looking for love. The heart-warming story makes an impact instantly when the first scene tells us Billy Stiller’s story.  Billy Stiller’s costume and make up is very average, there is nothing major about him. He has a brown jacket and a brown top on right about the beginning of the film. This can indicate how the main protagonist is hiding within him and is trying to blend in with society. Ben is very baggy blue jeans also, this shows how he is not trying too hard with his dress sense and wears things that are comfortable to him. Ben has short hair and no parting either, this shows how the main protagonist is not comfortable with experimenting with who he is. The grey in his hair can also show elements of aging, depression and weak. Ben comes across a very shy character and this is all demonstrated by his costume and make up.

Mise-en-scene about lighting in the film:

Halloween (1978)

The lighting in Halloween creates a more powerful message than any words could be expressed. Throughout Halloween there are all different types of lighting that are used to create more of an impact with the thriller/horror type of genre. An example of a type of lighting that is used is when Mike Myers is in the very first scene and grabs a knife in the kitchen. The lighting that is used at this point is low key lighting, not only is it low key but it is also very hard key lighting. The reason for this is to show the dark side to the story, but to then create hard lighting to make it seem real and more dangerous. Throughout when Myers is walking around the house there is a very low key lighting and this shows us that the main protagonist is mysterious and us as an audience will not recognise who he is while walking around in the dark. The fact that this is also low key lighting with the main protagonist shows us that he is someone that you should be careful around as you never know what will happen to you in the dark. About 12 minutes into the film is then turns into high key lighting but soft key, this is shown when the women is outside and it is daylight. High key lighting at this moment is seemed to be a safety net; the way this is brought forward is because the first scene was low key and had a dangerous element where someone had been killed. When we then see high key lighting it makes us as an audience believe that everything can be okay for now.

Mise-en-scene about the setting in the film:  

Taxi Driver (1976)

The rain at the beginning of the first scene can tell us a lot of hidden messages. The messages that can be seen while looking at this, these are either about the surroundings or the main protagonist. The main protagonist can come across as down and alone when looking at this scene. This impression is because the rain is symbolising bad weather and could then represent the main protagonist’s mood. However this could also be to do with the atmosphere of where the main protagonist is at this current time. It could show that the taxi driver feels out of place and doesn't feel he should be where he is. Then later on about 30 minutes into the film there is a scene where Travis Bickle is with a woman and they are in a busy city. The reason for this being mentioned is because it shows a huge contrast. Although Travis is very mentally unstable as we learn more throughout the film, it seems that moment of time the only crazy part is the traffic in the background. This illustrates how love is powerful and has more control then hatred does. We then later find out that love is what pushes Travis as he cannot handle any rejection.

Mise-en-scene about figure expression in the film:

The Warriors (1979)

Figure expression is very important in this film. Just by looking at different character’s you can analyse each by just looking at their figure expression. An example of this is when looking at the character’s Vermin and Rembrandt. They both come across vulnerable and weak when looking at their body language and actions. The only thing that shows to be their strength is that they will not live anyone behind from the group and shows how loyal they are. On the other hand you can see completely different types of figure expression in The Warriors when looking at Swan known as war chief of the gang and Ajax. They both come across and dominant people in the gang, this is also shown to be the truth as they both want to be the leader. They have great posture, which indicates their confidence, but having two of these characters in one gang like for obvious reasons caused conflict. Although they are dominant they do not actually look out for the group as much as the others do. The real figure expression is seen when the Warriors go against The Punks. Straight away by looking at figure expression Swan, is the first person that the camera looks at. The expression is still and there is not emotion, this shows Swan trying to look in control and then matches his character completely. However it can also be said that because Swan was the first look during the gang war it could show how distant he is from the gang as they aren't by his side. As Swan is walking away, the way he walks is with great confidence and this again shows how much power he has within the film and how confident he is as a character. Then when looking a few minutes into this scene we see Rembrandt holding his arm and shows that he isn't the strongest. However although we see this in the scene Rembrandt is surrounding with his gang and this then creates strength even when he is hurt. 

Mise-en-scene about props in the film:

Scarface (1983)

Props are a very interesting way of showing a characters true identity. In Scarface there are many props that are used to help bring a story together. The interesting thing about props is that you need to hear about them to understand there hidden message. An example of this is 7 minutes into the film of Scarface there is a USA flag. This can represent many things, but when looking at a flag you think of respect and honour. Due to this feeling we have when seeing flags, we instantly feel that whoever owns this should be respected for whatever they are doing. The reason for this is that they are seen as very powerful and dominant people.  It makes more sense when you realise that they are police officers that own this flag in their office.  After then being in the office we are then in a scene where we are in a bus going on our destination, the bus gives the impression that the characters are crowded and stuck. This impression is given just by looking at what has been decided to be placed in that scene. The main protagonist Tony is seen wearing a gold chain on his neck an hour and twenty minutes through the film; this shows how high his status is. When you think of the typical stereotypes of people that wear these styled necklaces it is normally someone you shouldn't mess with. Tony gives that impression about him just by looking at a prop that is placed on his neck.  A more intense prop that is used in the film is a chainsaw, this indicates great intimidation. Although this is not the only weapon that is used in the scene it is the one that gets the most attention. This scene is where Tony has a gun to his face, another gun near him and chainsaw by his side when they are threatening to kill his friend. Just Tony’s friend having tap on his face is enough to show that he should be silent and do what he is told. But to have a chainsaw in the scene as well it creates a much bigger danger and you are instantly drawn thinking of what may happen. 

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-Gemma  Card