Mise en scene

A French term meaning what is put into a scene or frame. It is the visual information in front of the camera, and communicates essential information to the audience.


Consists broadly of 8 areas:

• Colour
• Costume
• Lighting
• Body language/posture
• Framing
• Hair and makeup
• Setting and props
• Facial expressions

Task: Split into groups of 3; you will be each given an element of mise en scene to explore.

1. Brainstorm what your element of mise en scene is and what it might include. Think about how your element of mise en scene might represent: mood, action, atmosphere, relationships, 7 areas of representation
2. Analyse the still for your element of mise en scene. Look firstly at what is there, and then consider what it symbolises or represents Make sure you annotate your individual still - not the A3 version!
3. Be prepared to present your element to the class; you are teaching them about what your element is and what it represents in the still. So be thorough!
4. Post the picture of the still, and write up the complete analysis (including all areas of mise en scene) on your blog.

American Beauty Mise en Scene Picture