Mise-en-scene

Objective: To develop understanding of textual analysis and mise-en-scene.

Key Terms: - Denotation - Connotation - Semiotics - Symbolic - High key lighting - Low key lighting

Denotation: The literal meaning of the image - What it is. !

Connotation: The ideas or feeling that an image evokes - what it means.

Denotation: The literal meaning of the image - What it is. !Connotation: The ideas or feeling that an image evokes - what it means.

Mise-en-scene

Lighting

ColourCostume

Make-up

Setting/Set

Body language

Positioning

Props

Lighting

Key Light Backlight Filler Light

The main light source, creating

the strongest sense of the direction of

lighting.

Illuminates the back of the

subject, providing definition and

depth.

Softens the effect of the the key light

and removes unwanted shadows.

Key Light

Back Light

Filler Light

Three Point Lighting System Key Terms:

- Denotation - Connotation - Symbolic - Semiotics - High key lighting - Low key lighting

What does the lighting reveal? What does it hide?

What does the lighting emphasise? What does it reduce in importance?

Does the lighting create contrasts between particular elements of the mise-en-scene?

Does the lighting create mood?

COLOUR

Can you explain the many ways colour has been used to develop meaning?

Key Terms: - Denotation - Connotation - Symbolic - Frame - Semiotics - High key lighting - Low key lighting

Setting/SetKey Terms: - Denotation - Connotation - Symbolic - Frame - Semiotics - High key lighting - Low key lighting

Positioning What can you say about the positioning of these two characters?

Film Focus: Schindler’s List !

Oskar Schindler is a vainglorious and greedy German businessman who becomes unlikely humanitarian amid the barbaric Nazi reign when he feels compelled to turn his factory into a refuge for Jews. Based on the true story of Oskar Schindler who managed to save about 1100 Jews from being gassed at the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Denotation: Describe how colour is used in the clip.

Connotation: Identify and explore the potential meanings created by the use of colour in the clip.

Writing Your Response 1. Contextualise the scene by explaining to the reader what is happening 2. Use evidence from the text and your knowledge of mise-en-scene to construct you point (D/C Grade) 3. Explain the meaning created (C/B Grade) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Analyse the impact on the audience (B/A Grade)

Positioned on a hill, Oskar Shindler is looking down into a German village watching as it’s Jewish inhabitants are being forced from their homes. Oskar’s attention is drawn to a little Jewish girl as she moves through the chaos seemingly undetected.

The scene is shot in black and white with the exception of the little girl’s dress, which is deep red. This causes her to stand out within the frame, immediately drawing the attention of the audience. The colour red could represent the danger in which she finds herself and symbolise the death that surrounds her. However, the film makers decision to only colourise her character could also be interpreted as a symbol of her innocence.

Using colour in this way has created an emotionally charged scene. The viewer is forced to identify with her character, knowing what her likely fate will be. The audience also share the experience of Oskar Shindler as he begins to question his role within the war.