Mise en Scene CINEMATOGRAPHY
Dec 27, 2015
Mise en SceneCINEMATOGRAPHY
The frame is defined by the edge of the fi lm or sensor Aspect ratio refers to how high the image is versus how
wide Prior to the 1950s, movies were shot in a variety of aspect
ratios, with the most common being 1.33:1 1950s introduced the widescreen format Until recently, most TV was filmed in 1.85:1 Widescreen is now filmed in 2.35:1
THE FRAME
FULL SCREEN
WIDESCREEN
RULE OF THIRDS
Everyone, even formalists, use center weighting for dominance in basic shots
CENTER WEIGHTING
The edges are viewed as insignificant, but directors often use this space symbolically
Shadows at the edges symbolize the unknown, dangerMysteries often use the edges for lurking figuresDirectors use the edges to place important objects
THE EDGES = INSIGNIFICANCE
In Classical style, the composition of elements in a frame is balanced
Like the angle of the shot being straight, it comforts the eye to see balanced composition
Just like some shots require oblique angles, some shots are intentionally composed in an unbalanced style to make the viewer uncomfortable.
COMPOSITION AND DESIGN
COMPOSITION AND DESIGN
COMPOSITION AND DESIGN
The eye can view up to eight major areas in a frame at a time, generally in sequence.
The director “directs” the viewer’s eye to particular area fi rst by using dominant contrast
This is done in black and white by adding one element in harsh contrast
In color, by using a bold, generally primary color
DOMINANT CONTRAST
DOMINANT CONTRAST
DOMINANT CONTRAST
After the dominant, where do we look next?The director gives you second place to look, often by
size of element or proximity to dominant element
SUBSIDIARY CONTRASTS
SUBSIDIARY CONTRAST
Objects have “weight” or significance based upon where on screen it is
In Western cinema in particular, most people go from left to right in viewing a scene
The upper part of the screen is “heavier” than the lower part
Singular objects are “heavier” than clusters or groupsVisual lines suggest movement and emotionThe sharper the angle of the line off the axis, the
more tension
WEIGHTING
WEIGHTING
Space communicates just as much as every other element of fi lm
We are aware of how people close are in spacing to each other… it can imply many things
Closeness can imply relationships, can be imposing, can suggest power
Distance can imply weakness, detachment
TERRITORIAL SPACE
TERRITORIAL SPACE
Tightly framed can imply restraint. It is also used extensively in horror movies when
something bad is about to come from another angleLoosely framed can imply freedom, escape
TIGHT VS LOOSE FRAMING
TIGHT FRAMING
LOOSE FRAMING
Proximity is part of space… There are four kinds Intimate
Skin contact to 18 inches away Personal
18 inches to four feet away Social
Four feet to to twelve feet Public
Beyond twelve feet
PROXEMICS
INTIMATE SPACE
PERSONAL SPACE
SOCIAL SPACE
PUBLIC SPACE
Generally regarded as an art term, but useful in fi lm analysis
In general, realists use open forms, formalists use closed forms
Open form emphasizes informal, unobtrusive composition. Often, it has no discernable structure and suggest randomness
Closed form emphasizes a more stylized design. Objects and figures are more precisely placed and well-balanced
OPEN AND CLOSED FORMS
OPEN FORM
CLOSED FORM