This document provides guidance on analyzing how mise en scene communicates ideas in scenes from the film The Graduate. It recommends choosing a scene with minimal editing and focusing the analysis on 2-3 key elements of mise en scene, like proxemics, territorial positioning, or camera movement. The introduction should identify the scene, elements analyzed, and idea communicated. Multiple viewings are important to closely examine how mise en scene informs the viewer's understanding. The document uses the "Party Scene" as an example and suggests the mise en scene in that scene communicates Ben's uncomfortable state of mind.
2. Response Question
? Chose ONE scene in The Graduate and
analyze how the mise en scene
communicates an idea.
3. Response Question
? Chose ONE scene in The Graduate and
analyze how the mise en scene
communicates an idea.
? Consider the topic and what its asking
4. Mise en Scene
? Mise en scene refers to what the director
puts into the scene
? It does NOT include editing
5. Mise en Scene
? Mise en scene refers to what the director
puts into the scene
? It does NOT include editing
? When choosing a scene it helps to focus
on a sequence with minimal editing
6. Consider the grammar
? The mise en scene lecture and the
grammar sheet contain the terms needed
to conduct the analysis
7. Consider the grammar
? The mise en scene lecture and the
grammar sheet contain the terms needed
to conduct the analysis
? After choosing ONE scene begin the
process of analysis.
8. A close reading
? An analysis of a scene requires a close reading
? It also requires multiple viewings
? First, begin by isolating the elements of mise en
scene that communicate the most information
9. A close reading
? An analysis of a scene requires a close reading
? It also requires multiple viewings
? First, begin by isolating the elements of mise en
scene that communicate the most information
? Then watch it again, and again, and again¡
? Take notes before you begin your first draft
10. The introduction
? Make sure your introduction gives the reader the
following information:
? A brief overview of the scene under analysis
? The elements of mise en scene used as
evidence
? The ¡°idea¡± being communicated to the viewer
11. ¡°The Party Scene¡±
? View the ¡°Party Scene¡± and begin the note
taking process
? Which elements of mise en scene
communicate information to the viewer?
12. Mise en scene grammar
? Believe it or not, all elements aren¡¯t
equally strong in this scene
? Your job is to pick the elements that
contribute the most meaning to the scene
13. ¡°Party Scene¡±
? Because this analysis is concise focus on
no more than 2 or 3 elements of mise en
scene
14. ¡°Party Scene¡±
? Because this analysis is concise focus on no
more than 2 or 3 elements of mise en scene
? Consider the following:
? The intimate proxemic patterns
? The territorial positions (profile and back to
camera)
? Hand-held camera movement
15. What is being communicated
? Ben is the focal point (or dominant) in this scene
? The idea being communicated is Ben¡¯s state of
mind
? How is Ben feeling?
? Ben is uncomfortable
? Everyone is invading his space
? Ben wants to leave his own party
16. Chose ONE scene in The Graduate and analyze how the
mise en scene communicates an idea.
? Ben is so uncomfortable he¡¯s trying to
escape from his own graduation party. The
intimate, proxemic patterns, territorial
positions and hand-held camera
movement reinforce Ben¡¯s state of mind in
the Party Scene.
? (this introduction gives the reader a clear sense of the
direction of the mise en scene analysis)
17. What do avoid
? Do not begin your response with a vague
sentence like, ¡°There are many elements
of mise en scene that communicate an
idea.¡±
? Do not including, ¡°The are many scenes in
The Graduate with mise en scene.¡±
18. Chose ONE scene in The Graduate and analyze how the
mise en scene communicates an idea.
? Let the topic be your guide
? Address it directly in the introduction by
making a critical claim
? Include specific elements of mise en
scene
? Your introduction should be direct and let
the reader know the direction of your
analysis