Film Studies: Mise-en-Scène & Lighting

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Questions and Answers

The combination of elements like costume, hair, makeup, and staging is referred to as ______.

mise-en-scène

In lighting, ______ creates a romantic and diffused effect.

soft

The ______ light is the most intense and direct light source in a 3-point lighting setup.

key

Using ______ lighting can distort an actor’s features.

under Signup and view all the answers

High-key lighting refers to a setup that creates ______ contrast and eliminates shadows.

low Signup and view all the answers

Different colors evoke particular ______ and expectations.

emotions Signup and view all the answers

An ______ shows the subject very small to emphasize the environment.

Extreme Long shot Signup and view all the answers

The ______ emphasizes character but allows for some view of the surroundings.

Medium shot Signup and view all the answers

High contrast emphasizes elements in the ______.

light Signup and view all the answers

The ______ of Thirds directs attention to objects placed along its lines or corners.

Rule Signup and view all the answers

A ______ is used for immersion, with no cuts in the scene.

Long Take Signup and view all the answers

Asynchronous sound is sound that is ______.

not synced Signup and view all the answers

The ______ degree rule helps maintain spatial relationship between subjects.

180 Signup and view all the answers

In elliptical editing, punctuation may include ______ frames.

empty Signup and view all the answers

______ lighting can create a mood of confusion or disorientation.

Low-key Signup and view all the answers

Radical Intertextuality is a ______ of another TV show.

spin-off Signup and view all the answers

World building makes the environment feel ______, having its own history.

lived in Signup and view all the answers

Low key lighting is characterized by a ______ contrast appearance.

high Signup and view all the answers

The impieracist dilemma addresses how we approach ______ classification.

genre Signup and view all the answers

Diegetic sound refers to audio that is ______ the world of the film.

in Signup and view all the answers

Musicals often explore themes of unity and ______.

perseverance Signup and view all the answers

Asynchronous sound occurs when audio and visual elements are not ______.

synced Signup and view all the answers

Structural analysis of genres focuses on the ______ dimensions.

formal Signup and view all the answers

The term iconography refers to ______, character, imagery, and themes.

settings Signup and view all the answers

In musicals, the overlap with horror often involves the concept of ______.

duality Signup and view all the answers

Internal sound includes ______ and narrations.

narrations Signup and view all the answers

Environmental sound refers to sounds from the ______ the characters are in.

world Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is composed specifically for the film, making it distinctive.

score Signup and view all the answers

Silence in film can create ______, making scenes feel tense or uncomfortable.

tension Signup and view all the answers

Foley sound effects are added in ______, such as footsteps or rustling.

post Signup and view all the answers

One function of sound is to establish audience ______ and expectations.

awareness Signup and view all the answers

Genres serve as a ______ for a story, including elements like settings and characters.

blueprint Signup and view all the answers

Iconography in horror films often includes ______ and shadows.

masks Signup and view all the answers

Thematically, color in horror films is often used to create an ______ atmosphere.

unsettling Signup and view all the answers

Musicals often convey themes of ______ and community through their narratives.

unity Signup and view all the answers

Horror films frequently explore the theme of ______, highlighting family issues.

family Signup and view all the answers

Trans-media storytelling relies on ______ elements spread across various platforms.

integral Signup and view all the answers

In genre cycles, one hit movie can change the ______ of a genre.

structure Signup and view all the answers

The 'I Want' song in musicals expresses a character's ______ or desires.

goals Signup and view all the answers

Polysemy refers to the ______ of meanings in texts.

plurality Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of costume, hair, and makeup in a performance?

To help convey meaning and influence first impressions. Signup and view all the answers

Which lighting technique is characterized by high contrast and is commonly used in horror movies?

Low key lighting Signup and view all the answers

How does backlighting affect a character's portrayal in a scene?

It introduces a sense of mystery and intrigue. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does top lighting have on an actor's expression?

It can be either hard or soft, affecting the mood of the scene. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the fill light in a 3-point lighting setup?

To eliminate harsh shadows and soften the overall look. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a low angle shot typically have on power dynamics in film?

It enhances the perceived power of the character. Signup and view all the answers

Which camera technique is commonly used to show relationships between multiple characters?

Long Shot Signup and view all the answers

How does high contrast lighting primarily function in film?

To draw attention to elements in light. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect ratio technique helps in enhancing the audience's perspective?

Split Screen Signup and view all the answers

What does the Rule of Thirds primarily guide filmmakers in framing?

Placement of objects to draw the eye. Signup and view all the answers

What does asynchronous sound contribute to the film experience?

It creates a disjointed or surreal feeling. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a dolly shot in film?

To create a sense of immersion through movement. Signup and view all the answers

What does a medium long shot typically focus on in a scene?

The full character and their gestures. Signup and view all the answers

Which editing technique is primarily used to create a smooth transition using similar objects or movements?

Graphic match Signup and view all the answers

What role does headroom play in the composition of film shots?

It ensures adequate space above a character's head. Signup and view all the answers

What is one essential characteristic of world building in narrative genres?

Making the world feel lived in with its own history Signup and view all the answers

Which lighting style is characterized by soft, diffused light?

High key lighting Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of Negative Capability in performance refer to?

The capacity to accept uncertainty in character portrayal Signup and view all the answers

How does the overlap between musicals and horror commonly manifest?

Through the portrayal of bodily responses and dualities Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'diegetic sound' mean?

Sound that is part of the film’s world Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of semantic analysis in genre studies?

The holistic context and messages conveyed by the genre Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary theme explored in musicals?

Unity and perseverance Signup and view all the answers

How is 'semantic vs syntactic' analysis distinguished in genre studies?

Semantic looks at overall genre messages while syntactic examines structural elements Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'horizontal' references in analyzing genres?

They incorporate direct references such as iconic quotes Signup and view all the answers

What best defines the concept of the 'Impieracist dilemma'?

Determining if classification should begin with elements or with films Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of foley sound effects in film?

To add normal sounds that enhance the realism of a scene Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of sound can influence audience expectations in film?

The use of silence in key moments Signup and view all the answers

In the context of film genres, what is meant by 'Cycles'?

One hit movie that changes the structure of a genre Signup and view all the answers

What is a key theme often explored in horror films?

Repression of societal issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the use of color in horror films?

Contrasting colors to evoke feelings of unease Signup and view all the answers

How do musicals generally approach character development compared to horror films?

Through romantic relationships that lead to social integration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of 'migratory cues' in storytelling?

They create anticipation for future releases Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle behind trans-media storytelling?

Dispersing integral narrative elements across various platforms Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'polysemy' refer to in the study of film and media?

Multiple interpretations that can be derived from a text Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes 'rites of integration' from 'rites of order' in film narratives?

Rites of integration emphasize internalized conflict and social integration Signup and view all the answers

In film studies, what does the term 'iconography' refer to?

The specific signs and symbols associated with a genre Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements can contribute to the establishment of genre iconography?

Setting and visual motifs Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'I Want' song function in musicals?

It expresses a character's desires or goals directly Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'commercial trans-media super system' primarily involve?

Maximizing monetization through various unrelated product extensions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mise-en-Scène

Mise-en-scène encompasses costume, hair, makeup, staging, and performance, all contributing to conveying meaning.
Setting (design, color, props) can be realistic or stylized/fantastical, influencing character interactions. For example, in "Daughters of the Dust," character interaction with the setting reflects comfort levels on the island.
Costume, hair, and makeup significantly shape first impressions and reveal character details, particularly highlighted in the quince dress plot.
Lighting greatly affects mood and tension: hard lighting creates intensity and tension, while soft lighting evokes romance and calmness or light.

Lighting

Directionality: Lighting direction (top, front, under, back, side) influences visibility of facial expressions.
- Top lighting can be hard or soft, impacting the outcome.
- Front lighting minimizes shadows.
- Under lighting distorts features.
- Backlighting creates mystery or suspense.
- Side lighting highlights features.
Source Lighting: Understanding light source location is crucial.
3-Point Lighting: A common technique, separating characters from backgrounds and utilizing a key light (most intense), fill light (to minimize shadows), and backlight.
- High key lighting: Low contrast, soft, eliminating shadows.
- Low key lighting: High contrast, leaning into shadows, often used in horror movies.

Camera Angles and Composition

Camera Distance: Varying distances (extreme long shot, long shot, medium long shot, cowboy shot, medium shot, medium close-up, close-up, extreme close-up) emphasize different aspects of the scene and character while impacting audience emotional connection.
Balanced vs. unbalanced compositions affect power dynamics and character relationships. Unbalanced compositions direct the viewer's attention.
Rule of Thirds: Placing elements on the lines or intersections of the grid helps to visually draw the eye.
Headroom: The space above the character's head in a frame.
Frames within frames: Using elements like windows or binoculars to show the character's point of view.
Hitchcock's Rule: object size reflects importance within the frame.
Camera Height: High and low angles shift power dynamics and create various moods.
Framing: Aspect ratio and scale influence the overall visual experience.
Masking: Using elements like binoculars alters or enhances the composition.

Editing Techniques

Split screen/multiple frames: Show multiple locations or viewpoints simultaneously.
Long takes/sequence shots: Offer a more immersive and naturalistic experience without cuts.
High vs. low contrast editing: Impacting the visual narrative through the emphasis of elements.
Exposure (over/under): Using different levels of light impacts the emotional atmosphere and atmosphere (i.e., disorientation, flashbacks).
Freeze Frame: Used for comedic effect, character introduction, or impact.
Telephoto Lens: Used to isolate subjects, emphasizing distance and creating impact.
Depth of Field: Controls the area of focus in a shot and influences the relationship between elements.
Fade in/out: transitions to signaling closure or finality.
Wipe: A transition effect that shows a transition of time and locations.
Graphic Match: Continuity is created by using similar objects or movements between scenes.
Pacing and tempo of cuts: Speed up or slow down the pace of the film and helps determine the tone.
Cross-cutting: simultaneously showing different but thematically related actions.
Elliptical Editing: Skipping over time in a way that allows the viewer to understand the plot.
Punctuation: Editing techniques (empty frames, cutaways) create intentional pauses and emphasis.
180-Degree Rule: A guideline for maintaining consistent character relationships from scene to scene.

Sound

Perceptual Characteristics: Sound characteristics (pitch, loudness, quality, fidelity) influence the audience's experience.
Asynchronous Sound: Sound that doesn't synchronize with the visual action.
External vs. Internal Sound: Differentiating sounds in the character's world from internal thoughts or narrators.
Environmental Sound: Natural sounds of the setting, enhancing immersion.
Score: Music composed specifically for a film.
Silence: Often used to heighten tension or create an unsettling atmosphere.
Foley Sound Effects: Sound effects added in post-production.
Functions of Sound: Sound can evoke feelings, awareness of characters, rhythm, and meaning.

Genre

Genre as a Blueprint: Genre elements (iconography, settings, characters, and themes) structure a story.
Genre Cycles: Genres go through stages of innovation, refinement, and parody. Genres reflect prevailing social problems in dramatic conflicts.
Cycles & Clusters: Trends in certain genres.
Iconography: Specific imagery and elements tied to each genre.
Musical & Horror Genre Overlap: both involve spectacle, duality, excess and are body genres.

Transmedia Storytelling

Intentional dispersing of major narrative elements across platforms.
Different mediums can build tension and have additive comprehension.

Performance Styles

Realized: natural and believable
Individualized: tied to a star persona, consistent style from one character to the next
Stylized: heightened artistic choices, a performance style that is not natural to the event.

Mise-en-Scene and Genre

Genre elements function as a contract with the audience, creating anticipated and specific elements about how a genre might play out.

Narrative Structures

Rites of order vs. integration and classical vs. romantic comedy structures.
Structural vs ideological genre analysis.
Horizontal, vertical, and tertiary intertextuality.

Polysemy

Texts can have several meanings, but creators have a dominant interpretation.

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Description

Explore the critical elements of mise-en-scène, including costume, hair, makeup, and staging, that shape character interactions and convey meaning in film. Additionally, examine the effects of different lighting techniques and directions on mood and visibility, enhancing the viewer's emotional experience.