Saturday 2 February 2013

Mise-en-scene analysis


The  protagonist is framed centrally, suggesting his importance. He is slouched, which reflects dominance, assurance in his environment and career, a laid-back attitude. His coat is reflective of the '70s and police-work, giving context to the scene. By wearing a tie, this also suggests his status over the supprting character, who is framed to one side and does not wear formal attire. His stance faces the central character, which further conveys the relationship between the two

Supporting characters are in the background of the frame, and out of focus, simply being used to fill out the setting. The scene is lit with key light to prioritise the protagonist from one side of the bar. Back light is provided naturally by the window, to give shadow to the other side of the characters from behind. Fill light is used to flesh out the environment as it is fairly dark, and the camera would require additonal light in the room to capture the images. Overall this gives a raw and natural atmosphere. The room features patterned curtains and wallpaper which also reflects the time in which the programme is set, and suggests an environment trying to be friendly and warm but unimpressionable.



The scene is taking place in a hospital, and so there are more clinical lighting choices. There is a balance of key light and backlight so that little shadow is created and the two characters are lit brightly. This reflects the clean and neutral aesthetic of the scene. The plain surroundings and neutral colours also suggests their careers, and a lack of personality to them due to the ethics of their profession.

The two characters are framed in a Two Shot, as despite a difference in status they are both important in the scene. They are both immersed in their duties, conveying professionalism. This is also achieved through their costumes and medical equipment which reflects their jobs. The male character is wearing an apron, and is physically tending to someone, which suggests a resourceful nature and attitude, though also less status than his colleague, who is overlooking him. Her stance shows intelligence and sympathy.




Within the frame, there is a cluttered composition. The room is comprised of furniture and items which reflects the character in the scene; the disorganisation therefore suggests her confusion and weakness. Objects are placed in the foreground of the room to give a sense of depth as well. The character is to one side of the frame, which allows for the cluttered surroundings and isolates the character rather than suggest importance.

The character's posture suggests defeat and loss, as she is looking down rather than at the level of the camera. There are connotations of domestication and old age through her dressing gown, which may just be due to the time of day or temperature but suggests the character is withdrawn, seeking comfort and shelter.

There is use of key light in the scene which is intended to be coming from a window out of the shot. This is effectively used to cast shadow behind the characetr on the wall. Back light is also used to balance out the character and keep her in full light, so as to keep her in focus. This also adds to the atmosphere of the room by suggesting naturalness and a lack of colour - subliminally connotating the lifestyle and emotions of the character as well.



 The scene features two protagonists within the frame equally. This allows for the viewer to focus on the relationship between the pair of them, as extras within the scene are not centrally framed and are in the background. The environment uses the colour red through the low lighting and wall to effectively connotate the sexual and lustful nature of the programme, as well as link to the themes of blood (the bar serves blood as a drink for vampires). Use of props on the table adds to the authenticity of the scene as well.

The female character in the scene looks up at her counterpart, which suggests his dominance over her. Rather than conveying weakness, this portrays the character as being youthful, innocent and in awe of him. This is supported by her costume - a floral, low-cut dress which reflects her age and confidence. The man, however, is dressed in a dark-coloured shirt, which juxtaposes the two characters and suggests a mystery and darkness to his nature. The scene also reflects the characters feeligns and mood through the lighting. Key light is low and comes from the direction of the female protagonist, which leaves the man in shadow. This creates focus and prioritises the woman. Fill light is used to great effect as well, by creating shadow to the environment. This gives the conversation and the scene itself more romanticism through the stylish aesthetic.




This scene relies on framing and costume, rather than setting, to convey the scene and the characters. There is a deep depth of field, allowing for the camera to focus on the two characters. They are framed centrally, which will also suggest their importance. The two doors of the police box fill out the frame on either side, and subliminally suggests movement by contextualising where the characters are and their placement within the room - they are about to exit the room, conveyed through the doors opening out.

The costume of the female character is a bridal dress. This ought to denote that she has just been married, but her facial expression contradicts this, suggesting annoyance or shock. Her red hair colour also contrasts with the white dress, and connotates strength and defiance as opposed to purity. The colour of white creates focus for the character in the scene, and almost ironically reflects her personality in contrast to the Doctor. His posture and eye contact adds focus to the bride further, and as she slightly leads the way they are walking there she is further portrayed as the strongest character of the two. The Doctor's suit is intentionally smart casual, and suggests his casual attitude and humour through the casual way he wears the suit. An undone top button and loose tie adds to this feeling, and gives the scene a humorous nature as a result.

Back light coming from within the room is bright, and along with the key light gives a balanced feel to the scene, giving even light to the characters. There is a lack of shadow which allows for focus to be on them both.









Cinematography definitions - Angles and Movements

A list of camera angles and movements:

High Angle
In a high angle shot, the camera in this case is placed above the actor, and can be used to suggest the insignificance or lack of status of a character.



Low Angle
Taken from beneath the actor, a Low Angle shot can suggest the importance or strength of a character.

"intentionally seedy"

Dutch Angle:
A Dutch or Canted Angle places the camera off-position so that the frame is at a tilted angle, normally during moments of disorientation. This can reflect the confusion of characters.



Over the Shoulder Shot:
An Over the Shoulder Shot involves the camera being placed over the shoulder of one actor, normally during a conversation. These can also form the Two Shot, which features two characters within the frame. These are found frequently in Film and Television Dramas.



Crane Shot:
These shots can be taken from a high level or from eye level initially, and involves the camera being raised above the characters on a crane, allowing for a smooth camera movement. These are often used to introduce characters being introduced to new surroundings.



Point of View Shot
These shots are normally taken at eye level and involves the audience by making them a voyeur. They see what the character sees, and therefore sympathy is built for the audience and they can be portrayed as the protagonist.



Tracking Shot:
This camera movement involves the camera being moved either in or out, or side to side (crabbing), in order to follow or focus on a character. This term derives from the camera usually being placed on tracks to achieve smooth movements.

 

Pan/ Tilt
This involves the camera being on a fixed axis and turning from this point from side to side (a pan) or up and down (a tilt), which allows for a camera or object to be followed. This is usually to suggest the speed at which something is moving.



Zoom
A zoom does not involve any camera  movement, but suggests speed by quickly moving in onto an actor's face, for example, and bringing them into focus sharply. This can be used to shock the viewer or show dramatic impact.



Other cinematography terms:

Follow focus
This is an additional camera trick which can be used, involving two characters or objects within the frame (in the background and foreground). The character out of focus in the background will come into focus and the foreground out of focus, or vice versa, to show change or juxtaposition.

Rule of thirds
This is the theory used in the composition and framing of shots, by splitting the frame into nine sections or 'thirds' which intersect. At these intersections are the places onscreen wherein characters and objects are most usually placed, as they are easily in focus for the audience.

Depth of field
This refers to the amount of space or distance between objects within the frame. If there is a deep depth of field, the camera keeps all characters within the frame in focus. If there is a small or shalow depth of field, there is distance between the characters and one area of the frame is in focus.


Cinematography definitions - shot types

A list of definitions of cinematography terms:


Shot types

Extreme Long Shot
(Is used to contextualise a scene and establish the setting - can be called an Establishing Shot also)
 

Long Shot
These shots feature the entire body within the frame, usually to show where a character or object is moving in a scene.



Medium Shot
Medium shots provide additional detail to show characters' emotions but with enough space for them to move around in the frame.


Medium Close Up
A Medium Close Up is a variant of the Close Up, and normally features a character from the chest up.





Close Up
A Close-Up typically features a character from the shoulders up. These are commonly used in Television Dramas as they show facial expressions.

Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard

Extreme Close Up
A variant of the Close Up, these shots can be of a part of an actor's face or an object in order to show small details for dramatic impact.