Description
From a contemporary American movie of your preference, choose a sequence of about 2-8 minutes and discuss the use of mise-en-scene and cinematography and their relationship to the narrative. In this case, a sequence being defined as a series of connected shots (also called, but not limited to, a "scene").
Discuss details of interest in at least three areas of visual style -- setting, lighting, costume, camera movement, figure expression and movement, framing, lens use/perspective, etc. (Bordwell/Thompson, Chapters 4-5) -- and their affects on the sequence and the film as a whole. Don't just describe these elements, but try to determine their function in the sequence. Why might these stylistic choices have been made? What do they seem to mean for the sequence and its placement in the entire film narrative? Note if there are progressions -- or not -- in the use of cinematic elements over the course of the sequence (e.g., the use of camera movement, contrasted with sudden stillness, can provide great emotional impact).
*NOTE: Chapter 11 in our Film Art text book illustrates some excellent examples of film criticism and will help you greatly in your paper writing.
DO NOT: 1) merely re-tell the events of the sequence with little analysis of what is occurring stylistically, nor 2) discuss the sequence with no overall argument about its significance within the film as a whole.
Explanation & Answer
Attached.
Running head: MISE EN SCENE
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Forrest Gump Mise en Scene Analysis
Name:
Date:
University Affiliation
MISE EN SCENE
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Forrest Gump Mise en Scene Analysis
Forrest Gump is directed by Robert Zemeckis, and the character of Forrest Gump who is
an adult with special needs, is played by Tom Hanks. The movie has several scenes where visual
aspects are used to deliver the story. There is one scene that is an especially interesting fiveminute clip that is rich in visual styles in film. It is towards the end, and Jenny and Forrest in a
room and Jenny asks forest if he was afraid in Vietnam. It is this clip that will be our center of
focus for this discussion.
Lighting
In the opening scene of this clip, the lighting in the room is bright as it is already day time
or in the morning and the curtains are drawn. The lighting gives the two characters a look serene
and peaceful in the morning light. In addition to this peace, the light also signifies peace and the
fact that the two characters here do not have anything to hide from each other ("The best scene of
Forrest Gump," 2019). The choice of the lighting here was...