Lindsay Price has developed this Introduction to Film Analysis Unit: Mise en scène. In order to develop visual literacy, students have to be able to analyze what they see. In a film, the composition of everything you see on screen is called mise-en-scène. In this unit, students will explore the individual elements that make up mise-en-scène, be able to identify those elements in stills and film scenes, and apply their knowledge in a culminating analysis activity.
Heads up. You’re going to need some technology for this unit. Students need to be able to view, either as a class or 1:1 images, a google slide deck and selected film scenes.
The overview lays out the structure of the unit, lesson by lesson.
In this lesson, students will discuss the difference between film and theatre, identify their prior knowledge of film, and identify the definition of mise-en-scène.
In this lesson, students will continue their examination of the individual elements that work together to create mise-en-scène. The first elements are setting and location. Students will apply their knowledge of how location helps visualize the story and create impact.
In this lesson, students will continue their examination of the individual elements that work together to create mise-en-scène. The next element is lighting. Students will apply their knowledge of how lighting helps visualize the story and create impact.
In this lesson, students will continue their examination of the individual elements that work together to create mise-en-scène. The next element is costumes. Students will apply their knowledge of how costumes help visualize the story and create impact.
In this lesson, students will continue their examination of the individual elements that work together to create mise-en-scène. The next element is acting. Students will apply their knowledge of how acting helps visualize the story and create impact.
In this lesson, students will continue their examination of the individual elements that work together to create mise-en-scène. The next element is composition. Students will apply their knowledge of how composition helps to visualize the story and create impact.
In this lesson, students will demonstrate what they have learned about mise-en-scène with a culminating analysis activity. Students will analyze a scene from a film, identify elements of mise-en-scène, and determine the visual impact and emotional engagement in the scene based on the elements.
TH:Re7.1.6.a - Describe and record personal reactions to artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr5.1.6.b - Articulate how technical elements are integrated into a drama/ theatre work.
TH:Re9.1.7.b - Consider the aesthetics of the production elements in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Re7 - Describe and record personal reactions to artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Pr5.b - Articulate how technical theatre elements are integrated into a drama/ theatre work.
TH.912.C.3.1 - Explore commonalities between works of theatre and other performance media.
P.AE.1.1 - Analyze design concepts for aesthetic impact of technical elements.
A.CU.1.1 - Interpret theatre arts from personal, cultural, and historical contexts.
Tennessee Theatre standards (2018) standards were built using the framework of the NCAS which is built on four key domains: Creating, Performing/Presenting/Producing, Connecting, and Responding. Within each of these domains are foundations and standards to support the development of curriculum, programs, and learning.
(source: Tennessee Department of Education, Tennessee Academic Standards for Fine Arts, Summer 2018)
Please refer to National Core Arts Standards to determine the standard that best suits your needs.
C.5.C - identify production elements of theatre, film, television, and other media.
C.1.G - analyze and describe the interdependence of all theatrical elements.
1 - demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage lighting
develop an awareness of aesthetics in visual and performing arts
Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, society, and belonging through the arts
Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, society, and belonging through the arts
Interpret works of art using knowledge and skills from various areas of learning
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
Document and respond to dramatic works and experiences in a variety of contexts
Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
Evaluate the social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal contexts of dramatic works
Reflect on aesthetic experiences and how they relate to a specific place, time, and context
Reflect on dramatic works and make connections with personal experiences