Diegetic definition – Any sound or things that come from the world of the film for example the sound of doors slamming and isn’t added after like music.
Cathartic effect definition – Its an emotional experiences that the audiences goes through while watching a specific movie / scene e.g. feeling sad at the movie UP
reframing definition – when the camera angle is changed without using a cut in order to change the focus of the scene
connote definition – To signify or suggest something in addition to the original point
Throughout Joker, cinematography is used effectively to create a sense of chaos within the film’s diegetic world. This is particularly evident in the scene towards the end of the film where Arthur is shown in a low- angle, close-up looking out of the police car window and reacting with glee at the riots taking place around him. Here, the camera is used to position the spectator as not only connecting with Arthur, but now looking up to him. This suggests to the spectator that the tables have turned and Arthur, who was earlier depicted as pathetic and sad, is now depicted as powerful and heroic. This “reframing” of the central character” has a potentially cathartic effect on the spectator who has, up until this point, been encouraged to sympathise with Arthur’s point of view as a victim of circumstance. The deliberate and stylised use of this slow-motion reaction shot, enables the spectator to get a sense of poetic justice being served: Arthur is now on his way to prison.
“Has a potentially cathartic effect on the spectator.”
“Been encouraged to sympathise with Arthur’s point of view as a victim of circumstance.”
“Stylised use.”
“This is particularly evident.”
“Enables the spectator.”
2.) Diegetic sound refers to any sound that comes from within the world of the film either on-screen or off-screen. For example, the sound of cars on a busy street or the sound of live music at a festival (drums, guitars etc). It always happens the same time that the action takes place.
3.) Cathartic effect is a process of releasing negative emotions like grief, anger or sadness. The effect of a catharsis can be caused from good writing of dialogue in the film or an emotionally-moving scene that produces high emotions.
4.) Reframing in this context is when the character changes in the view of the spectator maybe because of something they might’ve went through, or just because of a general drastic change.
5.) Identify the PEEL (Point, evidence, explain, link)
Throughout Joker, cinematography is used effectively to create a sense of chaos within the film’s diegetic world. This is particularly evident in the scene towards the end of the film where Arthur is shown in a low- angle, close-up looking out of the police car window and reacting with glee at the riots taking place around him. Here, the camera is used to position the spectator as not only connecting with Arthur, but now looking up to him. This suggests to the spectator that the tables have turned and Arthur, who was earlier depicted as pathetic and sad, is now depicted as powerful and heroic. This “reframing” of the central character” has a potentially cathartic effect on the spectator who has, up until this point, been encouraged to sympathise with Arthur’s point of view as a victim of circumstance. The deliberate and stylised use of this slow-motion reaction shot, enables the spectator to get a sense of poetic justice being served: Arthur is now on his way to prison.
I’ve selected these scenes and shots from Joker (2019) to show how Mise En Scene can be utilised in film.
Composition
Arthur is shown in the centre of the frame from the third person perspective, taking a moment to enjoy the film being played in the theatre (played by the Loews Jersey Theatre in New Jersey). This scene utilizes the composition aspect of Mise En Scene, with the scene being symmetrically shot with Arthur being placed directly in the centre of the screen, parallel with the film screen and adjacent to Gotham’s film-goers.
Set Design
I chose this shot to show the set design aspect of Mise En Scene, as the cramped and trinket-filled office flooded in dim and dreary lighting helps to illustrate the personality and motives of the clowning companies boss before we even hear him speak, we understand that he is a greedy and personally driven man who doesn’t care for Arthur or his financial status.
Props
I chose this show to show the prop aspect of Mise En Scene, as the items displayed on the bedside table and bedroom floor help to illustrate Arthur’s story throughout the story. The gun and cigarettes are indicative of both his unhealthy relationship with substances and his future suicide attempts, and the newspaper titled “kill the rich, a new movement” is indicative of his arc throughout the movie, becoming the symbol for a rebellion.
Lighting
I chose this shot to show the lighting aspect of Mise En Scene as the lighting in this scene shows us how Arthur feels about this moment in the film. The spotlight on Arthur and the isolation of the background, apart from the 3 sidelights, shows that Arthur is feeling like the metaphorical light is being shone upon him in this moment, and that this is his opportunity to prove himself to his audience, all eyes are on him.
Aspect Ratio
I chose this shot to show the aspect ratio aspect of Mise En Scene, as it shows how alone Arthur feels in this part of the film. The almost square aspect ratio shows how Arthur feels boxed in and isolated after his comedy gig gets mocked and his mother dies, leaving him without any family or friends
Make-up & Costume
I chose this shot to show the Make-up & Costume aspects of Mise En Scene, as this is the first scene where Arthur really adopts the “Joker” persona. The classic clown make-up and green dyed hair shows Arthurs past as a clown-for-hire, and how he has split himself from the more fun and entertaining side of clowning, and his more sophisticated and professional look conveys seriousness to the audience, telling us that he has changed into “the joker”.
I have chosen this scene from the beginning of the film “Joker” (2019) to expand and explore my ideas on “Mise-en-scene”, this refers to everything the audience can see in the frame including elements such as: lighting, actors, props etc.
I chose to talk about this specific scene as it is a very low camera angle shot so you can clearly see the camera lens is almost on the ground itself, almost symbolizing the very low point in which Arthur was at in his life during this scene. The shot composition of this scene is also very powerful in a way as it makes Arthur the only thing fully in focus, therefore letting the audience know he is the main character in this movie as everything in the foreground and background of him is all out of focus besides from him implying his impotence. As this is one of the first scenes we see of Arthur in a costume, it will ultimately make the audience correlate the costume with Arthur’s moments of weakness, this however contrasts with the last time we see him in a costume, and he is taking over the influence on raging civilians who at the end of the movie are starting violent protests and destroying everything around them. This then makes a drastic shift in how the audience now views Arthur.
In this scene, the lighting is dim with bright streetlights as the only light source in the frame, making Arthur kind of blend in with what is happening around him as a possible way of showing his unimportance in this particular scene. This later contrasts to the next time we see the Joker going down the same set of stairs as not only the appearance of the character changes but also their entire personality and confidence.
I have also decided to talk about this scene because I think the coloring and assembly of the set design in this shot because it doesn’t only allow the viewer to see the interactions between the main character (the Joker & his mother) but it also creates more attraction point in the frame meaning the audience have more than one thing to focus on as everything is in focus. The brightly colorful elements in this shot such as the set design and props used also have positive connotations which implies that Arthur’s mother and taking care of her is one of his main priorities and source of happiness, compared to how other aspects of his life such as his job and meetings with his social worker are presented in colors which are more dull and dark.
I picked this scene to talk about makeup within this film as I think the makeup used in this scene such as fake blood on white face paint made the red pop out a lot making it attention catching for the audience as it stands out compared to everything else in the frame. The fake blood specifically created a sense of verisimilitude meaning what we see on screen is accurate to what it would look like if it happened in real life making it realistic and in some was more entertaining to watch from the viewer’s perspective.
The element of spacing is used effectively in this shot as we can see all elements within the frame such as the actors, props, cars etc. as they are all in focus allowing the audience to decide what or who they want to follow. This shot is also a great example of shot composition in this film because of all the elements in this shot and the way they are placed, specifically Arthur being in the middle of the frame the entire time showing his importance.
This shot represents the Joker as being a leader and even a role model to the citizens of New York as he is center-frame and also the only character in focus. This was used as one of the last scenes in the movie because it shows how Arthur rose above everyone when he became the Joker meaning he is very important as or right now but maybe also later. The Joker is also presented as powerful and even cruel using makeup and costume design making it look like Arthur has been through a lot to get to the top (which he has).
I selected this scene from the climax of the film where Joker is on the murray franklin show because it encapsulates the elements of mise en scene well. The set design is detailed as there is a full filming studio built for Joker; additionally, how busy the set is as there is a lot for audiences to look at reflecting the busy atmosphere of New York where the film is set. In contrast the costumes of the other people on screen besides joker are very simple causing Joker to stand out more as they are in muted, neutral colours while Jokers costume is very brightly coloured, reflecting how viewers focus should be on him in this moment. The foreground of the scene is quite quiet with there only being cameras and low lighting whereas at the back of the scene is the focus, as the characters are there the lighting is much higher and the main set design is. The key light is directed at Joker as he is the center of the scene and additionally guiding audience to focus on him. There is low lighting in the front of the scene showing how that area is less important at that moment. The composition is quite unbalanced, drawing attention to the middle where Joker is sat. Joker’s extensive makeup increases the verisimilitude of the scene as he looks more like a clown and a joker. The other characters’ makeup is very natural and almost unnoticeable compared to Joker giving the impression that they are not part of Joker’s community and are different to him. The scene is widescreen, which gives a fuller experience as more of the set is shown and audience members feel completely submerged into the film.
Set Design is clear in this scene as it is not a real location, so it has been made for the film, the set is very detailed as it contains all the furniture, the fake tv studio and the fake camera equipment to make audiences think Joker is on a real tv show. The set design adds verisimilitude to the scene. The audience also see the set behind the original studio, which makes the scene more immersive as it feels like viewers are there inside the film.
Space is important in this scene as Arther is in the background of the scene which is uncommon in Joker, and he is surrounded by upper class men as they take up the foreground which may be the director wanting to portray how the upper-class characters should be the audiences focus as they are Arther’s in this scene.
However, due to the composition of this scene the scene is very symmetrical bringing our focus to the center where Arther is stood which can reflect how viewers’ attention is forced onto Arther. The upper-class characters are also closer to each other compared to Arther, who is further away reflecting the society at the time of how separated upper- and lower-class people were.
Makeup is important in this scene as the ‘blood’ on Arther’s face after he kills his coworker ads a sense of verisimilitude and makes the scene more graphic, and violent. Additionally, Arter has his Joker makeup underneath portraying how Joker is his violent persona as all of Arthers acts of violence connotate to his Joker makeup. Joker is also known for his makeup as it becomes a sign of rebellion as many wear clown masks as their form of Joker makeup.
Costume is prominent in this scene of Joker as Jokers costume provides a strong contrast from the costume to the background, the background colours of the shot is very muted and shows the society of poverty, depression and littering. However, joker is dressed in very bright colours which commonly reflect positivity yet the character and plans that Joker has (to kill on live tv) juxtapose this.
Lighting is clear in this shot as on the left side there is harsh, bright light from behind Joker whereas on the right side the lighting is much lower, making Joker look much more sinister, the change in light can also reflect Jokers light and dark side of his personality as later in the film Joker does become a much darker character.
Hairstyles are important throughout the film as it shows a clear transition from Arther to Joker as he is known for his florescent green clown hair like the masks work at the end of the film. However, Arthers real hair, seen in this shot also shows his persona before Joker and emphasizes poverty as his hair is quite unkept and looks unwashed.
From my understanding mise en scene is the combination of all the aspects of a film that make up each shot. All the thought and time that went into each moment and aspect of the film, from costume to the lighting. All aspects of a film must be thought about with each shot, because all of them could have a second meaning that would push the story’s narrative more.
I’ve selected this moment from the Joker because it is a good example of the mise en
scene. I think this is because it has a realistic set design of a sound stage that is used on a tv show set. This medium shot encompasses Aurther’s desire to be seen as a comic, and later revealed, just to be seen at all especially by Murray. The shot is an almost point of view shot, but from a spectator. Aspects of this set could have been made for the movie, but I doubt that all of it was, i feel that the parts that specifically align with the Murray show where probably made for the movie, while the actual stage would have already been made for other talk shows. The composition of the shot brings attention to Aurther and Murray, while still showing the camera/film crew in the background, though the audience isn’t supposed to pay them much mind, as they have been blurred.
I feel the composition of this shot is very balanced, with Aurther in the middle and the alleyway on each side. It is clear that this is a real alleyway and not one constructed for the film, but the props and rubbish that are on the sides probably were placed there by the crew. The way that the sign is laid out broken on the floor could be read as a reflection for Aurther’s current mental state. The lighting is also slightly low-key and almost dirty looking, again to highlight the state Aurther is in, compared to a couple moments before when he is working, where it is much brighter.
I feel that the lighting in this scene is very strong, because it changes depending on where you are looking on the screen. Toward the staircase you have more low-key lighting, which lets the audience know where to look, making them focus on Aurther. Whereas the single florescent bar and the dim light from the window that are lighting Aurther are really standing out. Having Aurther be the only thing that is lit makes the audience know to look at him. While bright lights can often be associated with happiness or joy, here the bright florescence is more associated with hospitals and institutions of a similar sense. I also feel it important to mention that the camera angle that this is shot from could be a representation of Aurther’s spiraling mental health at this point, as he has just finished running down spiral stairs and finding out he is adopted, which could be considered as the catalyst for the rest of the movie.
The costuming for Aurther’s “Joker” persona is a very important aspect of the film. Most people who would have gone to see this movie would be expecting makeup like this on him for the whole movie because he is based off the Joker character from Batman. having this makeup be foreshadowed by the clown masks that begin to be worn by the people protesting because of Aurther’s murders is a very smart move. The makeup itself is a very classical clown look, something people will automatically know is meant to be a clown. As for the costume, I feel that having him dressed in bright contrasting colours was a choice made to have his actions happen after being even more surprising. This also could be so that the fictional audience of the Murray show would be more surprised because of his almost jolly look. The bright colours contrast with his dark actions and mind.
The use of space and lighting in this shot is very effective. The way that the officers stand up and Aurther sits down can wordlessly portray the power difference between them, their presence making Aurther feel smaller, or at least he is portraying that to them. BY having there be a lot of space between them, it creates a sort of “us vs them” mentality that Aurther is setting up by this point in the movie. By this point, Aurther has already started to think that the whole of society is against him, so having this very visible space between them shows that. The lighting in this scene is again reminiscent of that same florescent hospital lighting. By having the officers in almost complete darkness, shows the audience that from Aurther’s perspective, they are the enemy. While Aurther, has some light behind him, showing that he truly believes he’s done a good thing.
I feel the use of this film’s aspect ratio is done very well here. By having a slightly taller screen, you are able to take in the beauty of the theatre that they are in. But along with that, with the screen not being too thin, you are able to see the slight audience reactions from the people either side of Aurther. Aurther being in the center could be a slight foreshadow to how Aurther is at the center of all the chaos and destruction that will happen and mostly affect the people who are watching this film. In this show, the viewer is able to almost get into the mind of Aurther, by feeling how invisible he must feel because he was able to just grab a uniform and come into this screening.
I feel that the use of space in this shot is very telling of Aurther’s mental state. The way he is off center could be showing how mentally he is declining. As well at this, having the camera slightly blur out the background, it still makes sure the viewers eyes are drawn to Aurther and not the things in the background.
I have chosen this image because of the creative usage of colour grading. This scene is timestamped at one of the most important points of the film, this is after the joker kills 3 Wall Street traders and takes off to hide. In this scene there is a significance to the colours reflecting against the wall. The two main colours are yellow and blue. Most commonly the references that come with yellow are either “happiness and sunshine” or deceit and cowardice. We commonly see yellow in the film when Arthur is by himself or feels comfortable with himself. Whereas blue represents the society around him. In this scene we see Arthur transforming in and out of these two perspectives, shown through interpretive dance.
I have decided to use this scene to represent the use of makeup in this scene. In This film we don’t see a spectacle of special effects. There are small moments in the film that use makeup and special effects to its advantage, doing this pulls the audience in with small but extremely violent and realistic makeup looks and effects.
I have decided to use this scene to represent the usage of composition. In this scene there are two characters (Arthur Fleck and Hoyt Vaughn) the placement of both characters is very strategical as to keep the audience’s eye on all aspects of the scene. There is a triangle created with Arthur, Hoyt, and the small clown figurine at the bottom of the desk. Hoyt is placed at a lower angle compared to Arthur which gives the audience the impression that Arthur is a looming figure, a personification of the criminality in Gotham.
I have chosen to use this clip to represent verisimilitude in this film. In this scene we see Arthur shoot Murray point-blank in the head. This is a favourable example of verisimilitude, as we see the bullet penetrate Murray’s head on screen. If this were an off-screen death the audience would have a harder time believing Arthur’s insanity. An on-screen death will always shock the audience.
I have picked this scene to represent Lowkey Lighting. In this clip we can see Arthur in his “alter ego” The Joker. Arthur is just after killing a man in his apartment and has succumb to his illness. The use of Lowkey lighting in this scene foreshadows oncoming terror, (which does come in the next few minutes) The use of lowkey lighting gives the audience a sense of fear.
This scene is used to represent location filming. This specific scene was filmed at the West 167th Street Step Stairs in the Bronx. Many viewers from New York City or anyone that has knowledge on NYC will recognise these stairs. Location filming is important as using notable locations such as NYC (which Gotham was based on) gives a more authentic feel to the film
This scene is used to represent sound-stages. Todd Philips was creative in his use of sound in this film. For a sequence in which Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is beaten up by three Wall Street suits on a subway car, the sound gets more sinister as the scene progresses. It was building the scene, starting at a normal atmosphere and then amping it up as the torment increased on Arthur. In a way the usage of sound in this film is a separate character itself, almost representing the chaos that is in Arthurs’s head.
When the joker is in the public bathroom doing an unsettling dance. In this scene when the joker is dancing the camera follows his body movements very fluidly making you feel a part of the scene
For the most part I enjoyed this film. Visually it was entertaining, but it was a complete remake of the king of comedy (Scorsese, 1982) even down to Robert de Niro being in it. It follows the exact same story line. Also, very reminiscent of taxi driver (Scorsese, 1976) with the motifs of how loneliness and isolation will lead people to do crazy things like kill a talk show host or politician. The cinematography was beautiful, it captured the grittiness of 80s Newyork perfectly.
I chose this one because everything that is on Joker’s bedside table really represents his character- the gun could potentially be seen as foreshadowing or a hint of his madness. There are also cigarettes and a lighter which are precisely placed so that he can grab them at any time, portraying maybe his addiction. Finally, the newspaper on the floor is extremely significant as it is a silent way for the audience to understand what is going on within the world that this film takes place in (verisimilitude). It drives the narrative. It also raises tension, and the words “A new movement” are an indication of an underlying theme that the movie will address. Overall, it just makes the character feel more real and it connects the audience to the film much more.
Mise en scene element= Composition
This is the second screenshot, and it shows a lot of elements of mise en scene. Firstly, there is set design. In the alleyway there are plenty of trash bags that can be seen, just thrown carelessly, and this gives the impression that the city is dirty and filthy-this helps build the world that the film takes place in. Then there is also the poster which has graffiti painted on it that says “Resist” in an ominous black pen- this further emphasizes the feelings of the rioters in Gotham and adds to the story of the film. Finally, a wide-shot angle is used which makes the viewers feel like they are watching from afar as something very bad is about to happen, and the lighting is dim and dark, making it feel creepy.
Mise en scene element= Cinematography
In this shot, they are using a medium close-up shot (MCU). This shot is used to clearly show the emotions on Joker’s face in this specific scene while he hauntingly fakes a big smile while feeling the complete opposite. It focuses the viewer completely on the character as he is the central figure and helps them fully immerse themselves and understand.
Mise en scene element= Makeup and costume
The colours of Joker’s costume and makeup are stark and very vivid which add a lot of depth and visual impact- every time Joker is on the screen the audience is attracted to the bright colours so it’s very clear that Arthur is the focus. Also the makeup on Joker’s face can be seen as a metaphor for his hatred for society and how out of place he feels, like a joke, which clowns are seen as.
In comparison, at the beginning of the film the makeup and costume for Joker’s clown persona is much less serious looking and a bit goofy. The red nose can be seen as childlike, and the wig is misplaced and cheap looking- this can be seen as a reflection of Arthur’s feelings towards this terrible job. As we watch the costume develop throughout the movie, it tells the audience the story of Joker’s downfall spiral into the murderous character he becomes. It’s a subtle way of storytelling but it works very well.
