Mise-en-Scene

Mise-en-Scene 
''In The Scene Or Frame''

The setting where a media text takes place.

The elements of mise-en-scene are:

• Settings and Props
• Costumes, hair and make-up
• Facial expressions and body language
• Lighting and Colour
• Positioning of characters and objects in the frame

Denotation and Connotation (colour):

Denotation - the literal description of an idea, concept or object.

Connotation - what we associate with a particular idea, concept or object.


In film, the colours are usually thought about as they work on the subconscious mind to create mood. As, for example, in film 'We need to talk about Kevin.
In this film colour red is used a lot as it creates tension and foreshadows the ending of the film.

The colour red in films are usually connotated with danger. 

Facial expressions and body language:

Facial expressions is the main aspect in a film as it allows to understand the emotions and feelings of a person. For example, fear, confusion, happiness is mostly shown through facial expressions by using close up shots in a film. 

Body language is also is one of the most important aspects when talking about emotions. Body language, the way the person is standing, walking, moving around can give out what he feels.

Positioning of characters in objects in the frame:

 Positioning of character is showing the importance of character within a frame. Focus and blurring out as well helps to understand, as if only one character is in focus that might mean he is the main character in a scene or character might be the one who is talking.

When a shot is in deep focus both foreground and background are in focus. This allows the audience to choose what they want to focus on, as for example in a film 'The best years of our lives'.