A GUIDE TO MISE-EN-SCENE

• LIGHTING

Definiton? Lighting in thriller movies are often used to convey the current mood experienced by the characters. The set often accompanies this convention to signify the total abyss.

THE EXORCIST III

Key elements? Key elements of lighting in thriller movies are typical in movies like the Exorcist. William Friedkin was interested in designing ambiguous scenes and directing the central lighting towards the characters who are relevant in that scene. For example the picture on the left (from the interrogation scene of Exorcist III) the beam of light from the roof hatchet heavily draw out their figures, while the other objects from that scene remains encapsulated by the shadow; an example of dimmed lighting.

Effect on the atmosphere? The effect this creates forms a suspenseful panic towards the audience, as they feel stunned by the lack of activity going around the scene. Furthermore the scene illustrates the equal authority and dominance of the characters due to the similar width and depth of the central light.

For atmosphere the lighting depicts the gothic and noir feel, important when trying to create a 'thriller' movie as it expands the viewer's dark imagination.                    

THE DARK KNIGHT

View on Heath Ledger's Joker…”it’s a character you can’t take your eyes off of, and we needed an amazing actor to play him. Heath delivered on every front. He completely made the character his own, from every physical nuance, to each vocal turn of phase. It’s just an amazing performance”. (Film Review Magazine, July 2008).
The key lighting in the modern version of the 'Batman' series; Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight' (second instalment of the widely know DC trilogy) has been noticed. The villain amazingly portrayed by Heath Ledger assembles the dark, witty, and slightly insane 'Joker'. His figure seems to be constantly caught in the darker field of light in comparison with other characters during his conflicts with the batman, metaphorically stating that he's the antagonist, creating an unnerving feel. We can also argue that throughout the film bright lighting also accompanies the Joker, it juxtaposes between his villainous characteristics, which is effective when playing with the audience's emotions and view on the 'Joker'.
Effect on the atmosphere? The lighting is symbolic of the atmosphere. During the film the audience is constantly set on an emotional rollercoaster. We could argue that the weather is constantly dull, purposely to convey the dark drama and typical feel of a thriller movie.

STEPPING INTO THE LIGHT, LIGHTING CONTROVERSY OF THE 'BATMAN'  

"There’s more daylight as the series goes on. I’ll claim that the reason there’s more daylight is that Chris hates shooting at night. We were shooting nights going into Batman Begins, but we ended up filming an enormous amount of night exteriors inside during the day on sets that we built on a stage in Cardington. It was always a challenge having this character that only comes out at night, and having to deal with that in terms of shooting time and how you use it. We started asking ourselves, well, why does that have to be the case?" 

Chris actually found dramatic ways and reasons to have daylight. One of the scenes that turned it around on Dark Knight was the interrogation, with Heath Ledger, which starts in a dark room, until the light is switched on. Basically at that point Christopher Nolan was very comfortable with the way Batman looked. Peter Lando (the set director), claimed; "well, what about if I create an environment that’s almost over exposed? Really, really bright." Nolan loved that idea, of Batman turning on the light switch and suddenly a scene showing the Dark Knight inflciting pain on the Joker. I think that was the first time we really explored a brighter environment for Batman.

SE7EN

Key Elements? Even during brighter days in the critically acclaimed 'Se7en' the setting is constantly archaic. I think this film is the perfect example to point out the typical conventions of a 'Thriller'. The lighting doesn't necessarily depict the wealth or "good side" of a certain character. But more like as if the nature of the weather has consumed them due to their lack of 'happiness'. I think the lighting is really important when it comes to depicting a certain mood of a character, especially with this film they all seem to be only motivated by killing and investigating ugly deaths.
Effect on the atmosphere? The effect of constantly displaying dark lighting illustrates the overall mood of this film. It's as if the director wants the audience to expect a bad ending or conclusion to 'Se7en'. To only make this necessary the final scene of Brad Pitt choosing sides between revenge or forgiveness is very one-sided. The dark lighting is relatable to his final decision; to choose revenge.

THRILLER CONVENTIONS (SE7EN)

HOW DOES SE7EN MEET THE CONVENTIONS OF A THRILLER?

Constant rain sets the scene. Tight neighbourhoods represent the crime thriller; also suspenseful as the characters are trapped. Closed conversations and small talk (question and answer) depict heightened tension. Constant questioning eradicate their fears. Informal language and aggressive tone enhances their frustration and threat. Morgan Freeman's character's ill-favor of Brad Pitt's ego makes the audience feel uneasy as they got no sense of security or safe haven from the characters due to their conflict with one another. the close firearms on their body makes it seem as though violence has enclosed them. A typical feel of 'thriller' due to the lack of soundtrack to dramatise their voices. Specific accents to stereotype their environment. Specific scenes of excitement; music builds up, as though the directors want the public to feel prepared for what's to come. The diegetic sounds employ realism and the non-diegtic sound makes the audience feel helpless at the character's situation. Close-up of materials being  used causes jump-scares, as though the environment is attacking. Dark lighting and constant light beamed on top of the character's head to mark out their facial features. Some parts of their face remain hidden in the shadows representing somewhat their relationship with evil. Accompanied by diegetic (operatic/soft music) illustrate both the characters in the scene and the audience's emotions currently; innocence. diegetic sounds such as police sirens create drama and discomfort. Quick cut to chase scenes such as phone calls intercepting dialogue, illustrate the speed of the film. The introduction to new characters each scene makes the movie more unexpected. Environments are under the influence of train tracks or tall buildings, make the characters feel encapsulated by their own habitat. The audience is drawn into the crime-drama by making them view the gruel illustrations of the victim's body. We learn more and more about the characters as the film progresses, their sense of humour, or tastes (Morgan Freeman's taste in wine instead of beer) little details like those make viewers relate and feel closer to the them. The costumes and clothing worn by the characters are formal, portrays a sense of professionalism; very ambiguous as they look like they are workers of the government; makes their identity all the more significant. The antagonist is remained hidden, highlights the undependable nature of this film, as any circumstances can happen if the killer is let loose. Zoom out and panning hospitalises the character's surroundings, reference to animals evoke similarities towards humans (sloth, laziness). Close-fitted office environments to show the intensity of their occupation. Low tracking angles of the Brad Pitt's chase enhances the tension. Close-up to the killer's firearm but his identity remains out of focus; meeting the conventions of thriller, as the director doesn't give the antagonist away yet; to uphold surprise. We may have already seen the killer; typical cliché when watching a crime-drama. Mood lighting assembles the character's emotions currently; red, signs of death. Final reveal and traces of the killer is finally shown relating to the timeline of a thriller (disruption caused by the antagonist, and the revelation).
The quick soundtrack transition illustrates the different atmospheres within the film. For example the dramatic crescendo when the victims speak aloud, it suddenly switches to an office space with only diegetic sounds present (phone calls and monitors).
The close up scene of the characters equipping, especially with Morgan Freeman's character it reflects back to the opening scenes of the film. Emphasizing the cliche "it ends where it all started", foreshadowing probably the fate of the characters.

HOW  DO THE MICRO ELEMENTS INVOKE AN EMOTIONAL RESPONSE IN THE AUDIENCE?

Mise-en-scène includes setting, props, staging, costume and makeup, figure expression and movement and off-screen space.
The setting evokes a depressing response towards the audience. They would often feel intimidated by the nature, which makes it more interesting to watch as the uncomfortability foreshadows the plot.

Performance includes physical expression, vocal delivery and interaction between performers (with reference to issues of staging/choreography where relevant).

The vocal delivery given by the actors are projectile in terms of their accent and constant use of swearing. It sets of the anger emotion, the audience will thus feel it's only right to somewhat feel "frustrated" aswell.

Cinematography includes photographic elements (e.g. camera position, colour, lens, depth of focus), lighting, framing and composition and special effects.

Photographic elemenents such as camera positioning can make the characters seem more significant. For example the high angle shots degrade the profile of the characters.

Editing includes the organisation of time, both within a sequence and across sections of the narrative and the organisation of space, especially in creating coherence for the spectator. The principal conventions of continuity editing, such as shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule, will be studied. The uses of montage editing will also be considered.

Sound includes diegetic sound, non-diegetic sound and the variety of ways in which aural elements (e.g. speech, music and noise) are used in relation to visuals. It is recognised that it is often difficult to separate micro and macro features of film, although macro features – narrative and genre – will be the basis for FM2.