Akeldama: Mise en scene Research

Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Mise en scene can determine the genre of our film alone, therefore is an important aspect to look into.
Props such as cars, guns and briefcases (see ‘Props research’ blog post) add to the sub-genre of a action-thriller film. It shows that there will be a lot of stunts and action in the film which is very important for us in reaching our target audience.

Location is very important as it affects the conventions of the thriller genre. Run-down, abandoned warehouses would be ideal for our film as it would portray a sense of eeriness and enigma and would support the thriller genre.
The weather is usually dark and cloudy in thriller films, also creating a sense of enigma and gives the dismal theme in the genre.

Lighting such as low key and high key can be used in different rooms and surroundings.
Low key lighting would be used to give a sense of eeriness and danger to the scene, adding to the sense of isolation.
High key lighting would be used to show characters emotions clearly, and could indicate a bright and happy scene.

A lot of makeup is used in thriller films such as fake blood and wounds, because there would be a lot of fight and death scenes.
Makeup such as red lipstick would be used for one or two of the female characters to show dominance and can give a sense of romance and manipulation if used in the right shade.

Decor is an important element to put into a scene in our film. It can be used to signify characters emotions by the use of colours (such as cold blue colours to warm red and orange colours).
It can also indicate social class, background, and age of the character by using old or new products and the use of new technology to represent the younger generations and older technology to represent the older generations.

The use of screen space is also very important in our film.
Limiting the camera to one small section/corner of a room or building shows how confined the space is and how isolated everything is around the victims. It gives the audience an insight into how the victims feel.
An open spaced area shown on camera allows the audience to see how airy and free the characters in the scene are. This also allows the audience to see and feel what the victims do.

Akeldama