Click to Join the DTA for Instant Access

Introduction to Film Analysis: Mise en scène

Created by Lindsay Price

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.

Standards Addressed

Unit Summary

film

Overview

The overview lays out the structure of the unit, lesson by lesson.

1: What is Mise-en-scène?

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.

Attachments

Lesson 1 Slide Deck

2: Mise-en-scène: Setting & Location

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.

Attachments

Lesson 2 Slide Deck

3: Mise-en-scène: Lighting

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.

Attachments

Lesson 3 Slide Deck

4: Mise-en-scène: Costumes

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.

Attachments

Lesson 4 Slide Deck

5: Mise-en-scène: Acting

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.

Attachments

Lesson 5 Slide Deck

6: Mise-en-scène: Composition

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.

Attachments

Lesson 6 Slide Deck

7: Mise-en-scène: Culminating Activity

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.

Standards Addressed

National Core Arts Standards

Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade 6

TH:Re7.1.6.a - Describe and record personal reactions to artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.

Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade HS Proficient

TH:Re7.1.HSI.a - Respond to what is seen, felt, and heard in a drama/theatre work to develop criteria for artistic choices.

Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6

TH:Pr5.1.6.b - Articulate how technical elements are integrated into a drama/ theatre work.

Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished

TH:Re8.1.HSII.c - Debate and distinguish multiple aesthetics, preferences, and beliefs through participation in and observation of drama/theatre work.

Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade 7

TH:Re9.1.7.b - Consider the aesthetics of the production elements in a drama/theatre work.

Common Core

Speaking and Listening

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1 - Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Language

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Language

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Writing

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1 - Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

California VAPA Standards (2019)

6.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.

6.TH:Re7 - Describe and record personal reactions to artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.

Prof.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.

Prof.TH:Re7 - Respond to what is seen, felt, and heard in a drama/theatre work to develop criteria for artistic choices.

6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.

6.TH:Pr5.b - Articulate how technical theatre elements are integrated into a drama/ theatre work.

Acc.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.

Acc.TH.Re8.c - Debate and distinguish multiple aesthetics, preferences, and beliefs through participation in and observation of drama/theatre work.

7.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.

7.TH.Re9.c - Analyze and evaluate the aesthetics of the technical theatre elements in a drama/theatre work.

Florida Sunshine State Standards

Critical Thinking & Reflection

TH.912.C.1.3 - Justify a response to a theatrical experience through oral or written analysis, using correct theatre terminology.

TH.912.C.1.8 - Apply the components of aesthetics and criticism to a theatrical performance or design.

TH.912.C.3.1 - Explore commonalities between works of theatre and other performance media.

Skills, Techniques & Processes

TH.912.S.3.1 - Articulate, based on research, the rationale for artistic choices in casting, staging, or technical design for a scene from original or scripted material.

TH.912.S.3.9 - Research, analyze, and explain the processes that playwrights, directors, designers, and performers use when developing a work that conveys artistic intent.

Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts

Grade 6 - Responding

TA6.RE.2 - Critique various aspects of theatre and other media.
a. Identify the purpose of a critique.
b. Evaluate a theatre production using an assessment instrument.

Grade 7 - Responding

TA7.RE.2 - Critique various aspects of theatre and other media.
a. Identify the benefits of constructive dramatic criticism.
b. Apply performance rubrics to evaluate theatre and other media productions.

Grade 8 - Responding

TA8.RE.2 - Critique various aspects of theatre and other media.
a. Recognize the role of dramatic criticism in media production.
b. Utilize specific criteria to articulate dramatic criticism.
c. Apply principles of dramatic criticism as both an audience member and participant.
d. Implement appropriate changes based on dramatic criticism.

Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Responding

TAHSA.RE.2 - Critique various aspects of theatre and other media using appropriate supporting evidence.
a. Develop and utilize meaningful, structured criteria for assessing the work of an actor.

Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Responding

TAHSFT.RE.2 - Critique various aspects of theatre and other media using appropriate supporting evidence.
a. Generate and use terminology for critiquing theatre presentations.
b. Analyze performance and utilize various effective forms of criticism to respond to and/or improve performance.

Grades 9-12 - TECHNICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Responding

TAHSTT.RE.1 - Respond to technical elements of theatre using appropriate supporting evidence.
a. Revise projects, plans, and/or procedures after peer criticism to improve development of technical elements.
b. Identify and analyze the characteristics of different types of performance spaces and how they can influence production decisions (e.g. proscenium stage, studio/black box, thrust stage, classroom, arena, found space).
c. Evaluate design choices of professional designers.
d. Evaluate design and technical elements in a post mortem following the completion of a theatre production.

North Carolina Essential Standards

Beginning High School Standards - Communication

B.C.2.1 - Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization in a variety of theatre exercises.

Beginning High School Standards - Aesthetics

B.AE.1.1 - Understand the major technical elements, such as sound, lights, set, and costumes, and their interrelationships.

B.AE.1.2 - Explain how the major technical elements, such as sound, lights, set, and costumes, are used to enhance formal or informal productions.

Proficient High School Standards - Aesthetics

P.AE.1.1 - Analyze design concepts for aesthetic impact of technical elements.

Advanced High School Standards - Culture

A.CU.1.1 - Interpret theatre arts from personal, cultural, and historical contexts.

Tennessee Theatre Curriculum Standards

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.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts

MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response

C.5.C - identify production elements of theatre, film, television, and other media.

MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

B.1.B - explore preparation and warm-up techniques.

HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

C.1.G - analyze and describe the interdependence of all theatrical elements.

HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response

C.5.E - evaluate film, television, or other media in written or oral form with precise and specific observations using appropriate evaluative theatre vocabulary such as intent, structure, effectiveness, and value.

HS 117.316 LII - Historical and cultural relevance

C.4.B - analyze ways in which theatre, television, and film play a role in our daily lives and influence our values and behaviors.