MISE EN SCÈNE

Mise-en-scène is a French term in cinema studies that literally means “placing on stage”.it refers to the arrangement and overall effect of lighting, scenery, makeup, costumes, props and colour on the stage of a theatrical production, on the set of a film or within a movie frame. Mise-en-scène is used purposely throughout films to contribute to the story line by representing symbolic meaning and engaging the audience.

DISTURBIA (2007)

During the opening of Disturbia, director David Caruso  uses Mise-en-scène to show how Kale (Shia LaBeouf) is affected by the unexpected death of his father. During the opening scene of the film, when Kale is spending time with his father, in post-production, high-key lighting and golden hues are used. After his father’s death, when Kale is sitting in a classroom at school, the image is dull and desaturated. Kale’s facial expressions and body language represent his despondent attitude. The shift in Mise-en-scène is used to convey how the death of Kale’s father has negatively affected his emotional state.