Now I *should* be able to help you ...

I always understood it as meaning 'within the frame' but I have just had a quick scan through any number of text books that don't define it so probably wise not to quote me on that.

In any case, if it is good enough for David Bordwell, then it should be good enough for your teacher.

I had a look in my text books and stuff but couldn't find a definition, they both sound right to me so I really dont know.

http://www.imperica.com/sofia/camera/miseenscene.html ?


(Edited by Stoo 10/04/2002 20:19)

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by Incandenza
I always understood it as meaning 'within the frame'

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That's right according to my class notes (I'm doing Film Studies as well) - it's supposed to be a French term meaning 'what is put into the scene or frame' - what is put in or left out can make a big difference to the signals we, the audience, receive about what sort of film it is and how we are supposed to feel at this point. We're supposed to be able to read the hidden signals of lighting, colour, props and characters and add these to our understanding of what will happen in the film. The elements to consider within mise en scene are:
setting and props
costume, hair and makeup
facial expressions and body language
lighting and colour
positioning of characters and objects within a frame.

It then goes on for several pages and I'm sorry, I'm not typing it all out!! And I don't know where my tutor has photocopied it all from!!!

Hope that helps!