Research Activity 1

A clip from Fantastic Mr. Fox. This is a simple research about the elements of

1. Scenes and props

From the video, we can find that the scene takes place in a cave. Mr Fox’s matches and lanterns are given. Matches and lanterns form a strong contrast, so that the whole scene reflects the conflict between the two sides.

2.Costume hair and make-up

From the costume point of view, Mr. Fox’s side of the characters wear pajamas. Reflects a state of defenseless, imposing weakness. The other is dressed in a formal suit, which shows that he is well prepared. It is clear that the conflict is unbalanced.

3.Facial expressions and body language

The expression of Mr. Fox’s side changed from firmness to retreat, showing a wavering heart. The other was aggressive and serious. On the body movement, repeatedly make the movement with the finger Mr. Fox, show their angry mood.

4.Lighting and color

The color is dark and warm, as the scene takes place in a cave. It can also reflect that the atmosphere is not relaxed and pleasant. Mr. Fox’s lantern and the opposing flashlight are the main sources of light, forming a conflict situation.

5.Positioning of character and objects within a frame

In the course of the conflict, the character in the frame changes from medium shot to big close-up. The gradual advance of the camera can make people feel the sense of pressure from both sides.

Part 2

A picture from Anomalisa. I haven’t seen the movie, I’m just guessing.

Anomalisa. Charlie Kaufman 2016

Based on the style of bed and slippers, the scene may take place in a hotel. Their hair and costumes suggest that the characters are middle-aged or elderly. They were only half-lying in bed, staring sadly at the ceiling, as if they were thinking about something heavy.The lighting is dim and the colors are warm. Set off a delicate atmosphere between the two. The two characters are in the middle of the frame, and the camera shoots from top to bottom, so that the audience can better capture the characters’ expressions. The whole picture forms a symmetrical structure, which may reflect the different mental activities of two people.

Part3

Hitchcock, A. Rebecca (1940)

The woman wearing white is Mrs. de Winter, the new hostess of this house. The woman wearing black is Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper of Manderley.

The costume and haircut show the woman in black is housekeeper. And the woman wearing white has a classic hostess haircut. And Mrs. de Winter’s eyeline looks up to her housekeeper. It enables the audience to feel her purity and kind. Mrs. Danvers looks down with a disdainful stare to Mrs. de Winter. Also the soft light on Mrs. de Winter shows her kindness. In contrast with the housekeeper half in black create the feeling of devil and angel. I can see that although the lady wants to build a good relationship with the housekeeper, the housekeeper unilaterally refuses to communicate.

Part4

The costume and architectural style are so distinctive that I can say the story took place in Middle East. And it seems she is worrying about something. The hands position show she’s trying to wrap herself up, giving the feeling of she’s trying to hide something. The red hood has a high saturation give the feeling of tension.

summary

“Mise-en-scene, a French term meaning ‘place on stage,’ refers to all the visual elements of a theatriscal production within the space provided by the stage itself.” Is an important part of the creation of animation, film and so on. It is roughly divided into the following sections.

Settings and props

They are important visual elements in film and television works, including everything the audience sees. Settings help audience bulid the world view. Props are elements in the character acts and interacts.

Costume hair and make-up

It shows character’s personality, status and job. The make-up signaling and symboling something. And the hair bring secondary action and overlapping action.

Facial expressions and body language

Facial expressions and body language provide a clear indicator of how someone is feeling. Body language indicates how a character feels towards other character or may reflect the state of their relationship and it is a kind of visual expression.

Positioning of character and objects within a frame

Positioning of character and objects within a frame draw our attention to someone/thing and indicate relationships between people.

Lighting and color

Light is used to achieve a variety of effects. It highlight important thing or characters. It makes character look mysterious by shading sections of face/body. And it reflect a character mental state/hidden emotions.

Also light do something with the mood. It set mood and it can set a mood or provide its psychological. Different type of lighting can reach different effect.

The color plays an important role in a film. Visually, it create space and distance. It also reflects the overall atmosphere. On the other hand, it shows the author’s personal style.

Framing

Shot Distances

The more information that close up you get the less information you get within regards to environment. There can be divided into 9 different type of shot which is extreme long shot, very long shot, long shot, medium long shot, medium shot, medium close-up, close-up, big close-up and extreme close-up.