Sound.
Joker – Mise En Scene
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”.
Joker-‘mise-en-scene’
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).
Moonlight first response
I decided to give this film an 8/10 because I thought it was a powerful film which delt with serious social issues such as drug usage and addiction, discrimination, bullying and sexuality. I feel like this film was great at showcasing what all those issues really look like, giving the film a deeper sense of verisimilitude and creating an emotional bond with the audience. The 3 different actors who played Chiron at different stages in his life felt very connected with one another, giving the audience the impression that it was the same person all the way throughout the movie.
Memorable scene: the most memorable scene in my opinion was the very last scene of the movie where young Chiron is on the same Miami beach as teenager and adult Chiron were also at. This for me was memorable as it symbolizes a “full-circle moment” meaning something symbolic in the movie takes place usually at the end or beginning of a movie which then has an important correlation with something leading to the same point in the movie. I think this was great as it made the audience much more interested in the overall plot as it is left up to the viewer to make their own assumptions and theories about the movie, hence why it is at its peak interest point.
The Spectrum of Arts
James Monaco’s term The Spectrum of Arts refers to the different types of art, each with its own way of expressing ideas and emotions, while being interconnected. It highlights how various art forms communicate in unique ways.
Examples include:
- Visual Arts: Painting and sculpture.
- Performing Arts: Theatre, dance, and music.
- Literary Arts: Poetry and fiction.
- Cinematic Arts: Film, blending visual and performing arts.
All of these examples shoes expression is different ways. It refers to the wide range of art forms, each with its own unique way of expressing ideas and emotions in peoples experiences. These art forms may influence each other but still have their own unique style. The term shows how different types of art are connected, while each one of the forms offer a different way of expressing creativity. Music can also be considered as an art form as there are so many different styles and when listening to a good piece of music, is opinions based but when you find the right piece of music it can change your whole mood. Overall, what Monaco means by the Spectrum of Arts is the whole group and chain of different art forms.
-Winter Cotillard
Moonlight Shot Distances, Angles and Camera Movement
Moonlight Shot Distances:
This scene has a wide aspect ratio to show the entire hallway, and the subject in the shot continues to retreat into the hallway. It begins as a close up before she backs away and the shot becomes a long shot as she walks into the next room. Additionally, this shot is first person from the perspective of Chiron, and makes the viewer feel as if they are in the room with Chiron’s mother.
This medium close up shot of the main character, Chiron as he looks towards the camera, as if he is breaking the 4th wall. I think this gives an insight into how Chiron’s feelings in this scene – hurt as his mother is looking ill and sickly from her substance abuse.
I like how this long shot of Chiron comes at the end of the film, with him looking out over the sea. I think that while an abrupt ending, it’s fitting for the end of a drama/slice of life style of film.
Moonlight Camera Angles:
I like this low shot of Chiron’s mother as she scolds him for not coming home that night. It makes the viewer feels as if they are in Chiron’s perspective and makes them feel more connected to the character as it is about his life.
This scene is also shot at a low angle, but it is from water height, so some of the waves come in the shot which I think makes this a really effective shot. Having the camera move with the waves gives the effect of the viewer being in the scene and swimming with Chiron.
This high angle over Chiron almost gives the viewer a sense of superiority over him, as he is low on the ground and almost cowering away from the teacher attempting to help him. However, I also think that this makes us feel sympathy for him.
Moonlight Camera Movement:
The camera pans from right to left in this scene to follow the movement of Chiron’s mother. This allows the viewer to see the entirety of her face as she scolds her son.
The camera zooms in on the children in this scene as they are dancing. The movement is slow to focus on them dancing, which I feel almost acts as a happy scene to interrupt the dark storyline, though it is still focused on Chiron and his friend Kevin.
The camera in this scene tracks Juan as he gets closer to Chiron’s mother in the car. This gives the effect that the viewer is in the scene with him, as it isn’t revealed where he is going until he confronts her in the car.
Moonlight- Cinematography
Activity 2- Shot distances
The effect that this over the shoulder shot has on me is that it makes you feel as if you’re in the back seat of the car. It can also show the relationship between the person shown and the person off camera as you can closely see the emotions of the person in the frame.
This close-up (CU) is detrimental to the movie as it adds emotion to the scene. It tightly frames the actors’ faces, making their face the main focus. This make the audience feel bad for the character as it is an intense shot from the movie.
This Medium Long Shot (MLS) has an effective demonstration of the amount of emotion in the room. Not only is it extremely contrasting, but it also shows the sadness that is about to happen throughout the movie.
Activity 3- Camera angles
This low angle shot though its blurry it tells a story. The people in this shot look scary not only to the viewers but also the person who this is directed to.
This Eye level shot shows the intensity of the scene. The terrifying effect that this scene has on the viewer is almost feeling empathetic for the mother and more importantly the son who has to endure living in this situation.
This High Angled shot has the effect of happiness as you see him having friends who he can trust. This is one of the only up lifting scenes in Moonlight.
This Crab Left to Crab Right shows a ‘father’ figure to ‘son’ talking about realism of the world and comforting the boy. This is a sentimental scene in the movie.
This Ped Up following the wife as she sits down shows that she is empathetic for the boy. They are in the middle of trying to find out whats going to happen to him, finding the best solution for him.
Moonlight cinematography
Moonlight
shot distances-
Close up
I have chosen this image of Chiron in a close up shot, this shot is powerful and a pivotal point in the film as it signifies the switch within charactar and adds suspense and shock for the next scene as the contrast of his facial expressions in this clip are sad and defeated, opposing the next scene when he is full of rage preparing to smash the chair over Terrel’s head.
Medium long shot
I have chosen this image for mls as in the scenes placement in the film is impactful and crucial to show how much Chiron has grown and changed from him being a young vulnerable little boy confused and lonely, to the ending of Chiron and Kevin happy creating a full circle moment for Chiron’s character.
Big Close Up
This scene is so impactful as it is so heartbreaking for Chiron, he an easy character to sympathize with and feel sorry for. Its difficult to see how upsetting Chiron mothers’ addiction really affects him. The venerability in this scene is visible from both actors which i believe makes it so powerful as you can see and even feel the upset, they are both going through.
Angles-
Shoulder level angle
This shot being shoulder level with chiron and kevin highlights their mutual respect for one and other, it also follows them while they walk making you feel a part of the conversation.
High angleThis is a high angle shot representing how small little really is, it also shows the conditions he was living in whilst also caring for himself creating sympathy for his character.
Waist level angel
This shot being at waist level for littles pov indicates how small he was compared to his mother literally and figuratively.
Camera movement-
In this scene the camera follows little swimming in the sea, the camera moves up and down as if you’re also swimming with them.
In this scene the camera follows behind Chirone fastly paced this represents and shows the anger he feels after being beaten up by his classmates.
In this scene the camera calmly follows Chirone through an empty street. This represents how he felt lost and did not know what to do at this point in the movie.
Documentary about the making of ‘Joker’.
MOONLIGHT CINEMATOGRAPHY
This shot from moonlight is a closeup. The effect this scene has on the audience is unique. From this point of view, we can truly experience Chiron’s life with an addict mother, no personal space, his feelings being disregarded, and his mother coming to him for money to purchase more drugs. This POV makes it look like Chiron’s mother is trying to sympathise with us, the audience.
This low angle shot represents Kevin as an aggressor, making him look bigger and his presence more demanding. This technique is used to show that in this moment he has the power over Chiron and is using it against him.
I have chosen this scene to represent camera movement. In this scene the camera is moving in a corkscrew like fashion around this character. This technique creates a sense of foreboding and tells us that something bad is going to happen. This is like a personified version of someone” spiralling”