ClassX Video Lessons Subjects Art Designing the World of Film: Film Production with Lily Gladstone #9
Mise-en-scène is a fancy term that means “placing on stage.” It refers to everything you see in a movie scene, like the set design, lighting, costumes, props, and how everything is arranged. Each part is carefully planned to help tell the story and show the director’s vision.
Every part of mise-en-scène is important for moving the story forward. Whether it’s the big set designs or the small details like an actor’s makeup, everything is chosen for a reason. Some directors, like Tim Burton or Wes Anderson, have a very unique style, while others, like Lynne Ramsay, aim for a more realistic look.
The production designer is the person who creates the film’s world. They work closely with the director, starting with research about the time period and setting of the story. This research helps them make design choices that feel real. For example, they might need to find materials that fit a specific era.
After the research, the production designer makes plans and drawings for the sets and visits locations with the director. Once they agree on a design, the art department starts building and decorating the sets.
Within the art department, the set decorator is in charge of picking and arranging the details that fill the film’s world. This includes choosing props and decorations that match the vision of the production designer. The teamwork between the production designer and set decorator is key to creating a believable environment.
Costume design is another important part of mise-en-scène. The costume designer works to understand the characters and how they change throughout the film. By creating unique looks for each character, the designer helps tell the story’s themes and emotions. For example, in “Jurassic World,” Claire’s changing wardrobe shows her growing connection to the park.
Costume designers also do a lot of research to make sure the clothes fit the film’s setting and time period. This attention to detail helps make the characters feel real and relatable.
The hair and makeup teams are crucial for transforming actors into their characters. They work with the director to create hairstyles and makeup that match the film’s look. Like costume designers, they research to create styles that fit the time period and keep things consistent throughout the film.
Makeup artists often create illusions, whether by enhancing an actor’s features or using special effects makeup. Their work should be seamless, so the audience can connect with the character without being distracted by the makeup.
Good communication between departments is essential for a cohesive mise-en-scène. A great example is in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” where the costume designer, hair and makeup team, and production designer worked together to associate the color orange with the character Clementine. This color choice not only enhances her identity but also hints at important plot points.
In summary, mise-en-scène in a film is a mix of different artistic elements like set design, costumes, hair, and makeup. Each department helps create a believable world that enhances the story. Understanding these components allows you to appreciate the artistry behind your favorite films and the teamwork that brings characters and stories to life.
In the next discussion, we will explore the roles of the Grip and Electric teams, who add the final touches to the mise-en-scène through lighting.
Watch a scene from a film known for its strong mise-en-scène, such as a Tim Burton or Wes Anderson movie. Identify and discuss the elements of set design, lighting, costumes, and props. How do these elements contribute to the story and the director’s vision? Write a short analysis of your findings.
Choose a theme or setting for a hypothetical film. Create a mood board that includes images, colors, and textures that represent your vision for the film’s mise-en-scène. Consider how these elements would influence the story and characters. Present your mood board to the class and explain your choices.
In groups, take on the role of a production designer for a specific film genre. Research the time period and setting, then sketch a basic set design. Discuss how your design choices reflect the film’s themes and how they would support the director’s vision. Share your sketches and ideas with the class.
Pick a character from a well-known film and redesign their costume to fit a different time period or setting. Consider how the new costume would affect the character’s development and the story. Present your redesigned costume with an explanation of your choices and how they align with the film’s mise-en-scène.
Work in teams to create a short scene that emphasizes mise-en-scène. Assign roles such as director, production designer, set decorator, and costume designer. Plan and execute a scene using props, costumes, and set elements available in the classroom. Perform your scene for the class and discuss how each element contributed to the overall mise-en-scène.
mise-en-scène – The arrangement of scenery and stage properties in a play or film, encompassing all visual elements that appear on stage or screen. – The director’s attention to the mise-en-scène was evident in the way every prop and piece of furniture contributed to the overall mood of the play.
production – The process of creating a play, film, or performance, including all aspects from initial concept to final presentation. – The production of the school musical involved months of rehearsals, set building, and costume design to ensure a successful opening night.
designer – An individual responsible for creating the visual aspects of a performance, such as costumes, sets, or lighting. – The designer’s innovative use of color and texture in the costumes helped bring the characters to life on stage.
set – The physical surroundings in which the action of a play or film takes place, including scenery, furniture, and props. – The set for the play was constructed to resemble a 19th-century parlor, complete with period-appropriate furniture and decorations.
decoration – Ornamental elements added to a set or costume to enhance its appearance and contribute to the overall aesthetic. – The intricate decoration on the ballroom set included chandeliers and elaborate wall hangings that added to the grandeur of the scene.
costume – Clothing worn by actors in a play or film, designed to reflect the character’s personality, status, and the time period of the story. – The costume designer meticulously researched historical garments to ensure the authenticity of the characters’ attire in the period drama.
character – A person or figure portrayed in a play, film, or performance, often defined by specific traits and behaviors. – The actor’s portrayal of the character was so convincing that the audience was completely absorbed in the story.
realism – An artistic movement or approach that seeks to depict subjects as they appear in everyday life, without embellishment or interpretation. – The play’s realism was enhanced by the actors’ natural performances and the detailed, lifelike set design.
collaboration – The process of working together with others to create a performance or piece of art, often involving multiple disciplines and perspectives. – The successful collaboration between the director, choreographer, and musicians resulted in a seamless and captivating production.
art – The expression or application of human creativity and imagination, often in a visual form such as painting, sculpture, or performance, intended to be appreciated for its beauty or emotional power. – The art of theater combines elements of storytelling, acting, and design to create an immersive experience for the audience.
