Misc-en-scene and Misc-en-scene Analysis

Misc-en-scene is basically a french word that refers to a picture's composition. This word is pronounced as mizaa-sen and understanding the application of misc-en-scene in our media texts can make them look more effective and better-looking with relevance to the audience. Some common elements of misc-en-scene include:

Settings

Color Palette

Props

Costume, Hair and Make-Up

Facial Expressions and Body Language

Lighting and Color

Positioning of Characters and Objects within the frame

Following is an image and its misc-en-scene analysis:

Setting:

The first thing we notice when looking at this image is the couple and then the background. When our eyes manage to focus on the basic setting of an image/shot, the main purpose of creating the appropriate environment is fulfilled. By looking at this image, we can quickly verify the setting as a romantic one whereby a couple is fully enjoying them self and the sunset in the background.

Color Palette:

Soft orange hues of the sun fill the sky and entire scene in a very effective manner such that the couple stays in focus as they are not lit up with any color, forming a semi-silhouette.

Props:

The props used in this image are the chairs, table, the tablecloth and wine glasses, thus completing a setting for dinner with tidal waves and a soft breeze to accompany them. The purpose of using any prop in an image is to represent the purpose of an image/shot i.e to describe the action. Flowers on the table are a common element seen in most romantic media texts, hence forming a similar ambience.

Costume, Hair and Make-up:

The costumes in this image revolve around the boy wearing an informal white t-shirt and trousers while the girl is wearing a sun dress. This attire is very commonly worn on beaches. While the boy has his hair combed back, the girl has them combed and down, hence signifying that this dinner is somewhat formal and significant. The lighting in this image does not focus on the make-up as a long shot has been taken.

Facial Expressions and Body Language:

Both the characters are laughing and talking, hence signifying  that the environment is quite casual and easy-going and both the characters are at ease with each other, helping the audience in forming their opinion about this couple. Both the couple are at close proximity hence again fulfilling the purpose of the image.

Lighting and Color:

The entire image is lit up by low-key lighting of the sun while the couple remains bereft of any light, hence signifying that the sun is lighting the image only from the back, forming a semi-silhouette which is somewhat effecting the image positively.

Positioning of Characters and Objects:

The table is placed on the right side of the image, hence fulfilling the basic rule of composition i.e rule of thirds. The background is neat and very clear hence not making the image look too crowded in or inactive.

The characters are at close proximity, signifying the close bond that they share with each other. Sufficient head room and nose room has helped the image in giving it a very comfortable look and feel while the placement of eyes of the both the characters is also significant as they both are looking at one another and not in some other distance that could give a distracted feel to the audience.