Mise En Scene

Task 1: What settings and props would you find in...
a. A Science-Fiction Film?
In a Science Fiction film, the props used would typically be futuristic, and feature a high amount of digital technology and displays. For example, holographic projections are used quite often to convey this. It is entirely possible that props could very well be considered as 'abnormal' or 'out of this world'. Setting is a mixed-bag. There are a number of settings that can be used within this kind of film.  One example in particular could be the 'Star Wars' series of films, which not only take place within futuristic spaceships etc. but also take place in more traditional areas and natural scenery to add to the variety.

b. A Romantic Comedy
The props used within this film would be general everyday things, normal and realistic objects that people have access to. A mobile phone would be a good idea of this. The props are used to not only show the romance, but also the comedic aspect of the film, often times being used to create a sense of calm and chaos at the same time. The setting could be anywhere, however, the most common used in films of this type would be the home and possibly an office. It is important to note the significance of the individual locations in the settings though, for example, focusing on the sofa at home.

c. A Horror Film
The props used in this type of film will be the kind that will strike fear into the audience. This could include weaponry of sorts, and seemingly innocent looking objects which can be used in all different ways to create different effects. Some films could go as far as adding further detail to the props, such as covering them in blood. The settings used here are rather cliche. For example, very dark settings such as forests and abandoned buildings could be used, but there are a wide range of notable exceptions to this, some horror movies could be based in someone's own home for example.

Task 2: What meanings/emotions are conveyed in the following?

In this image, it would appear that the two of them are working together to plan something very quickly, such as an escape or similar. It would appear that the person on the right could very well be in mid-speech, in the middle of talking to the person on the left, who at the same time looks to be concerned, they seem to be engaged and interested into what they are saying, carefully analysing it all. They also are not looking at each other, instead, the eye position suggests they are surveying the area around them, which helps to further secure this thought. 

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These two people look rather panicked. To begin, its noticeable that the person on the right is clearly hurt in some way, because of the rather large bandage on their arm. It is possible that he has been hurt recently because of the large amount of blood staining his shirt. It would appear that the person on the left is helping him, and his facial expression is expressing a very large amount of concern for him. There are also two extra people in the background of the scene, both looking rather concerned for this actor. All of this really suggests a horror genre. 

The first thing to note of this image is the person in the centre. His stance and arm position suggest a position of contempt, and is correcting the soldier to his right who is holding his helmet. This could suggest that the soldier is rather worried and stressed and is expressing a concern for the events. It appears he is the only one who is not doing something, so posssibly, be is being told do do something (and rather forcefully). On the right , we a soldier who is armed and holding a sheet of paper, looking at some sort of a plan. This tells us right now that a squadron is possibly teaming up for some sort of operation/drill. The amount of soldiers in the background can show us this. 

Task: What does the positioning of the following image reveal about the characters/film?

The first thing to nice is the distances that the couple are sitting from each other, which can tell us about the characters. At least at this point, their relationship isn't very good.  It's worth noting that some films that do this can very well have a couple repair their relationship. However, at least her, we can deduce this. The fact that they are also sitting on separate sofa cushions suggests this separation as well. Something that I find interesting is how they're not actually sitting at the end of the sofa, which will very well suggest that they could be about to make some sort of a recovery. The camera angle used here is a perspective of a television, rather cliche for romantic comedy films. 

This image immediately shows the axe cut almost perfectly into the wood, but it is hanging out ever so slightly. The rather small plank and the open level below it however shows that the axe could have very well hit the lower level, and potential, hurt or killed someone. From the point of the audience, this is potentially very tense. It can be considered from both perspectives, either a villain could have been killed, or someone innocent. From this, we can deduce that the film the image is from is either n action or a horror film. 

It is firstly very easy to gain an idea of science fiction or spy as the genre of this film. This is due to the rather futuristic appearance of the main setting, mostly gained through the use of circular lighting and greys through, all which help to create the futuristic feel. The positioning of the weapons also helps the audience to gain an idea of some sense of seriousness. They are armed, and ready for something to happen.