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Introduction to Film Analysis: Mise en scène

Created by Lindsay Price

  • 7 lessons

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.

Start here
The overview lays out the structure of the unit, lesson by lesson.
  1. 1
    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.
  2. 2
    Lesson 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.
  3. 3
    Lesson 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.
  4. 4
    Lesson 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.
  5. 5
    Lesson 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.
  6. 6
    Lesson 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.
  7. 7
    Lesson 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

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