The Truman Show (1998) Mise en Scene Case Study: Opening Scene
I completed this case study back before I had recorded my midterm movie. Learning what mise en scene is and how to analyze it was very important. This is because it really helped me see how it gets used in movies in general, and then be able to apply it to my own movie. For example, learning that costume design was very important meant the main character in the movie -Eric the birdwatcher- would have to have good costume design to help portray ideas about him and the movie in general.
We were told that this case study didn't have to be within our genre alone, but we could widen out to maybe one watched recently or a favorite. Since I had stuck to the thriller genre so much I decided to go back to an old classic: The Truman Show.
This case study is very vital to this class not only because I can now apply mise en scene to my own movie, but I can also analyze the 2 minute film at the end of the year better, allowing me to write a better essay.
Mise en scene case study
Notes:
The movie opens with the director of the show speaking to the camera or the viewers.
Interesting because immediately to open the movie they are breaking “the fourth wall”
The director is wearing a beanie and all black, signs of darkness.
Speaking in a very monotone voice.
Wearing glasses so maybe more sophisticated/smart, especially for coming up with something like this.
Antagonist vibes, smart antagonist.
He is selling his show, The Truman Show, and how it's the best because it is the most genuine.
Cuts to Truman, who the show is about.
Shows a live feed of Truman talking to the screen.
Now we question if we know if he is in it or not.
Hair is flat, doesn't look the happiest.
Possible foreshadowing the situation he will get in.
Brighter colors to show his better side.
Filmed off an iPad type screen, shows what the viewers see.
The director says people leave the show on for comfort, showing its popularity and meaning to people
Cuts to a woman speaking to the camera again
Completely bright coloring, bright hair, lipstick, eyes, and clothes.
Has some connection to show
She says the Truman Show is her life.
It seems that they want her to be a likeable, kind character.
Truman talking again while we get the POV of watching Truman like another viewer
Cuts to another man apart of the show (his best friend in the movie)
The lighting is slightly darker, possible darker side to him.
Wearing brighter colors though
Says nothing on the show is fake but it is controlled
Cuts back to Truman talking into a camera
This time not through the screen
We are in the camera now
Truman gets called by his wife to get ready
Truman steps outside of his house in a very nice suit
Hair is done
Sophisticated businessman look
Bright colors
Analysis question
1. The mood or atmosphere created is that people all love the Truman Show and enjoy it, so much so that it is their life. Although it gives off the fact that this is a robotic, or simulation like show. Almost as if the characters have to say this. The director is represented as a more monotone, relaxed guy but who really cares about his creation of this show. Truman has a serious side to him, but after leaving his home very dressed up, looking like a businessman, and being friendly and kind with his neighbors, we can see he is a very caring person. The lady, what we learn to be Truman’s wife, is represented as an extremely bright, sweet, and kind person who really cares about the Truman show. The last guy interviewed, what we learn to be Truman’s best friend, is both a bright and serious guy just like Truman. Based off colors of clothes and the way the characters speak to the audience, the director will not be a generally liked guy/ darker, Truman is a very kind and uplifting person, it seems his wife will be too and sweet, his best friend will be just like Truman but with a dark side. The elements of mise en scene come into play, at least for me, especially with the interview with Truman’s wife. The colors she wears, lipstick she wears, features, are all bright and make her seem like a sweet, kind person. The interview is even done outside to make the wind blow her hair, giving her a dreamy sort of effect. The director from the black/dark colors he wears, and monotone way he speaks is used to give an immediate antagonist feeling, as well as sophisticated and smart from being old and wearing glasses. Truman is given the businessman look from how he dresses and how cleaned up he looked leaving the house. As well as an outgoing and kind person solely from how charming he greeted his neighbors. Considering lighting, it really speaks to me with the director and Truman’s wife. The director has a key light coming from the right side of his face while the left has a shadow on his face. This makes it seem like there is what appears to be a good side to him and then dark/bad side. The lighting on Truman’s wife has zero shadows, high-key lighting, to really make her light up and seem sweet. The director is put really close to the screen to get personal, the rest of the proximity of the interviews like Truman have normal proximity.
Comments
Post a Comment