Mise-en-scene - CLAMPS (1 still image, 2 film scenes)

 MISE-EN-SCENE FILM AND TV: (clamps)

Attack on titan (still image) 

C- The character is fully dressed in uniform, telling the audience that he was most likely expecting or prepared for a battle and ready to fight or perhaps that he was in the middle of a task/mission. 

L- The lighting is coming from directing above the character and from the top of the screen, this could be symbolising the sun. It's shining right above the character, perhaps this could even symbolise him as a last hope or a beacon of hope. 

A- The character is placed directly in the middle of the titans, a place where death and harm is most likely to linger. This builds up the enigma code of "will he survive?" and also the action code which builds up even more suspense and promises drama to the audience. There are also multiple titans beneath him, all with different expressions yet they all have a look of murderous hunger on their faces, they aim most likely to kill the human character. 

M- There is nothing distinctive about the characters hair or make up, perhaps it resembles the characters personality. A plain and stern look could mirror his trained, strategic and composed character. It could also be restricted by his uniform to be wearing extravagant makeup or hair styles. 

P- The character has two props in his hands, two long swords. These swords may also aid to the created suspense and enigma code, along with the action code, since with these swords he's expected to fight an opponent however in the image he is seen to be still and not mid-fight: "What is he going to do next? Will he die?". That is what aids to the enigma code further. 

S- The setting of this scene is in a forest, surrounded by hundreds of large trees could perhaps build up suspense since opponents would be able to hide within the tall trees. The forest is densely packed with these trees meaning that it is hard for all character to see far beyond where they are. It also means that if something were to happen to the main character on screen others in his team wouldn't be aware of it.

Film extract 1 (Rumble Fish): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFu6tVYk0M4

C- All the characters are dressed as if they were in the 60s. The movie was filmed in the 80s however based in the 60s. This means that their costumes consist of jeans, white beater vests, sleeveless t-shirts and bomber and leather jackets. They are dressed the symbolise 60's American teenage delinquents (or greasers) which is not only reflected in their clothing but also the way they act and speak.

L- The lighting is dim and dull, the little lighting there is from dodgy street lights and when the light is on a certain character it is coming from an overhead light source. However once the opposing gang is introduced and the train passes a bang flashing light is shown, perhaps to perpetuate the shock and suspense the characters left. 

A- There are many actors in this scene, two of which duel each other with angry, hostile and adrenaline filled actions whilst they swing at each other. The rest of the characters are seen chasing the commotion as well as yelling and shouting, eager for the fight in front of them. The action code provided by the fight created a strong sense of suspension and fear in both characters and the audience. Once Motorcycle Boy is introduced into the scene and enigma code is provided by the mystery of his identity and persona. 

M- Each of the characters hair is slicked backed using grease (giving them the names of "greasers") which add to the costumes of 60's American teenage delinquents. There isn't anything too resembling or distinctive of the characters make up that would be useful to be pointed out but their hair is a good addition to their costumes.  

P- One of the characters from the opposing gang held a knife as a prop during a duel with the head of the main gang the audience sees. Just seeing this knife builds a strong action code to audience, initiating that something big is about to happen. 

S-  The scene is set under a bridge, next to a set of train tracks. The setting is very urban with lots of cement used as walls and flooring with little lighting, adding to the suspense created by the setting.  There is also rubbish placed around the set meaning it isn't well kept or maybe not often visited. Or perhaps the people it is visited by don't take proper care of the area, leaving it dirty and trashed. 

Film extract 2 (Karate Kid 1984): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cPM8DaOSFk

C- The protagonist wears a white uniform whilst the antagonist wears a black one. I think this is interesting since in many cultures white is seen to be a pure and perfection, like the protagonist, and black symbolises hate and evil, similar to the antagonist. The colours of their costumes almost portray the characters personas. 

L- The lighting is a bright and harsh white pointing directly onto the fighting arena, making both the film audience and fight audience focus on the two people fighting before them, creating an action code which presents something dramatic (the fight). When the camera pans onto the characters individually a light is shone onto their faces, perhaps this is done to highlight their expressions. 

A- This scene consisted of an antagonist and protagonist having a final fight with each other. In the background there are hundreds of people cheering both sides on, opposing crowds both cheering for the opposing fighters. The antagonist seems angry and revengeful towards the protagonist through his harsh and painful movements which aim to seriously harm the protagonist. The protagonist holds a painful expression whilst limping around the arena (which may create an enigma code of "will the protagonist be alright, can he still fight?"), further showing his pain due to the antagonists brutal actions. 

M-There is nothing distinctive about the characters hair or make up, perhaps this is because they are both in uniform and have to follow a strict policy restricted by their teachers. Their hair is simple yet fitting for the time period.

P- None of the characters hold any props until the end of the scene where the protagonist is handed a trophy by the referee once he had won the fight against the antagonist (classic hero wins and villain fails story line). 

S- The scene is set in a fighting arena, filled will lots of benches for an audience to be sat on along with a big scoreboard behind the actual fighting mat, giving the audience a perfect view of the fight and the statistics behind each of the fights. The score board being behind the fighting mat could also build suspense since seeing a score change mid fight adds to a crowds suspense. It also adds to the enigma code of "Who will win?").