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.

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.