1. Pick one shot from a movie. You have 2 options: either pick a shot from a movie you have watched already, or, choose a movie from the list below. If you choose your own movie, your teacher must approve it before you start. The rationale here is that not every movie out there has artistic merit, and if your choice is inadequate, then your analysis will be weak.
2. I recommend that you choose the opening shot of a scene; these shots often contain rich mise-en-scene potential as they set the scene for what follows.
3. To get the image of the scene, I suggest taking a screenshot of the movie. Remember to cite you movie in MLA format! You do not need to use outside sources in your analysis, as everything you need is in the lessons I provided. However, in the rare circumstance that you do, please cite them in MLA format.
4: Your analysis will be presented in a powerpoint presentation. Each slide should be devoted to one of the following elements of mise-en-scene:
Dominant
Lighting Key
Shot and Camera Proxemics
Camera Angle
Colour Values
Subsidiary Contrasts
Density
Composition
Form
Framing
Depth of Field
Character Placement
Staging Positions
Character Proxemics
Purpose, effect or function: directors use the elements of mise-en-scene to achieve a specific purpose or effect in a scene. The director can be trying to establish a motif, dramatize a theme, evoke an atmosphere, give us information, set up an expectation or provoke a response. Please explain the purpose, effect or function of mise-en-scene in your chosen shot.
Movie List:
Comic Book Adaptations:
The Dark Knight (Batman), (2008), Director: Christopher Nolan
The Avengers: Endgame, (2019), Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo
Sci-Fi/Fantasy:
The Martian, (2015), Director: Ridley Scott
Jurassic Park, (1993) Director: Steven Spielberg
Ready Player One, (2018), Director: Steven Spielberg
Inception, (2010), Director: Christopher Nolan
2001 A Space Odyssey, (1968), Director: Stanley Kurbrick
Thriller:
Memento, (2000), Director: Christopher Nolan
Psycho, (1960), Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Drama:
There will be Blood, (2007), Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, (2004), Director: Michel Gondry
The Great Gatsby, (2013), Director: Baz Luhrman
Dunkirk, (2017), Director: Christopher Nolan
The Green Mile, (1999), Director: Frank Darabont
Anime:
Spirited Away, (2001), Director: Hayao Miyazaki
My Neighbor Totoro, (1988), Director: Hayao Miyazaki