Mise-en-scene blog tasks

 Still Image Analysis: Mise-en-scène

Film: Inception (2010)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Scene: Hotel hallway fight scene

In the selected still from Inception, where a character fights in a rotating hallway, the mise-en-scène is a vital tool in communicating the disorienting nature of the dreamworld and the character’s struggle for control in an impossible situation.

Costume:The characters are dressed in formal suits, which establishes their role as professionals within the context of a high-stakes mission. The use of neutral, dark tones for their attire blends with the muted setting, giving the scene an intense and business-like atmosphere.

Lighting:The lighting is low-key, casting shadows across the characters’ faces and the environment. This emphasizes the tension and danger, while also making the spinning and tumbling movements more dramatic and visually confusing.

Actor Placement and Movement:In this scene, the actors are frequently positioned against the walls, floors, or ceilings of the hallway as the set rotates, creating a visual metaphor for the loss of control in the dream. The actors’ movements are choreographed with precision, making their fight seem both chaotic and controlled.

Make-up:Make-up is minimal in this scene, reflecting realism. The main character may show slight signs of wear, like a sheen of sweat, conveying the physical exertion of the moment.

Props:Few props are present other than guns, which symbolize the danger and stakes of the mission. The clean, empty hallway emphasizes the isolated, surreal feeling of the dreamworld.

Setting:The setting is a sleek, modern hotel corridor, with walls that could belong to any luxury hotel. However, the twist is that the hallway’s ability to rotate removes the sense of normalcy and creates an otherworldly feel, representing the manipulation of time and space within the dream.

Film Extract Comparison: Sci-Fi vs. Costume Drama

Film 1: Blade Runner 2049 (Sci-Fi, 2017)
Scene: K’s visit to Las Vegas
Blade Runner 2049 - Las Vegas Scene  
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y481Mpaxnc 
Film 2: Pride and Prejudice (Costume Drama, 2005)
Scene: The first ball
 Pride and Prejudice - First Ball Scene 
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPjnatedrm8

Comparison of Mise-en-Scène Elements:

Costume:In Blade Runner 2049, the costumes are futuristic, with K’s leather coat reflecting the cyberpunk aesthetic. The muted, utilitarian clothing is functional and blends with the dystopian atmosphere of the future. In contrast, Pride and Prejudice uses historically accurate costumes, such as elaborate gowns and tailored suits. The bright colors and luxurious fabrics convey the elegance of the Regency era, highlighting the social hierarchies of the period.

Lighting:The lighting in Blade Runner 2049 is moody and dim, using high contrasts of light and shadow to evoke a sense of mystery and dystopia. Neon lights punctuate the darkness, creating a futuristic, yet bleak atmosphere. In Pride and Prejudice, the lighting is warm and natural, emphasizing the period’s connection to nature and the romance of the story. Candlelight and daylight in the ballroom scene create a soft, inviting glow that heightens the sense of intimacy and social harmony.

Actor Placement and Movement:In Blade Runner 2049, K often moves through vast, desolate spaces, highlighting his isolation. His placement in large, empty settings adds to the existential themes of the film. In the Las Vegas scene, K is alone, with his movements slow and deliberate, conveying a sense of exploration and discovery. In Pride and Prejudice, the ballroom scene is filled with bustling activity. Actors are closely grouped, reflecting the social nature of the period. Their dance movements are precise and elegant, reinforcing the formal structure of the society.

Make-up:Make-up in Blade Runner 2049 is minimal, with characters appearing somewhat gritty and weathered, reflecting the harshness of their environment. In Pride and Prejudice, make-up is subtle but polished, adhering to the social norms of beauty for women of the time. Characters have a clean, refined look, adding to the sense of decorum and propriety.

Props:In Blade Runner 2049, props such as holographic devices, flying cars, and weapons signal the technological advancements of the future. They serve both functional and symbolic roles, highlighting themes of artificiality and humanity. In Pride and Prejudice, props like fans, carriages, and ballroom accessories are essential in establishing the historical setting. These items reflect the characters’ social status and are carefully selected to enhance the authenticity of the Regency period.

Setting:The setting of Blade Runner 2049 in Las Vegas is desolate and apocalyptic, filled with decaying statues and dust. The emptiness and ruined grandeur emphasize themes of abandonment and loss. The artificiality of the location contrasts with the natural world outside the city, reflecting the film’s exploration of human versus machine. On the other hand, the ballroom in Pride and Prejudice is opulent and lively, with luxurious decorations, chandeliers, and intricate architecture. This setting reflects the social event’s importance in the characters’ lives and underscores the themes of romance and societal pressures.

Conclusion:Both films use mise-en-scène to create vastly different atmospheres, reflective of their genres. Blade Runner 2049’s futuristic, dystopian design reinforces its bleak outlook on technology and humanity, while Pride and Prejudice uses the grandeur and elegance of the Regency period to emphasize its themes of romance and social status. Each element of mise-en-scène—from costume to setting—contributes to the distinct tones and narratives of these films.