Mise en scene - Introduction

'Guess Who's Coming For Dinner...'

Mise en scene: the image in the frame that communicates essential information to the audience.

In order to get a better understanding of how images in a scene should be presented to express certain details to an audience; we were given the task of producing a group of four to eight photos. This meant that we could focus on what was seen in the frame, try to reduce 'dead space', considering ways that colours influence the feelings of the image, the rule of thirds, etc. in order to provide a set of images that lead on from one another to produce a particular line of events. 'Guess Who's Coming For Dinner' was the title that our group was asked to aim for. 

We decided to chose a storyline that was straightforward to identify. The title reminded me of the constant storyline from Friends, with Chandler and Janice - and the look of shock and surprise that could be seen instantly on Chandler's face whenever they met. We agreed that this idea could base on a date, and came up with a general idea of what each frame would include:

1. In cafe - one person waiting for what she thinks is 'a date'

2. Guy comes in and puts hand on shoulder

3. Girlfriend comes in and pulls him away

4. Guy introduces the girl and sits her down

5. He gets a chair

6. Girls sit across the table awkwardly

Frame 1.

Denotation:

Georgie is seated in a coffee shop with two cups (front of image) She looks expectant but nervous, her eyes are down and she focuses on the cup. She puts her hands around it for warmth and comfort.

Connotation: 

The red cup - her own - signifies her romantic feelings towards the person she is waiting for; the brown is much more dull and shows that he does not see her in the same way. The two cups also shows that she is only expecting one other person, suggesting that she is waiting for a date.

Frame 2:

Denotation:

Hayden comes into shot. Over the shoulder of her date as he walks towards her. She looks excited and pleased to see him. 

Connotation:

They seem to be on a date. Georgie looks really happy to see him. The two chairs and two cups indicates a level of expectation. Bright light reflections are seen on the paintings next to Georgie, which makes the image appear much brighter and happier. However, you cannot see his face, so you are not sure how he feels about seeing her.

Frame 3.

Denotation:

Hayden and Georgie are talking. Hayden looks uncomfortable.

Connotation:

Georgie is slightly stretched out towards him, showing interest and affection. She is looking slightly up to him in admiration. Hayden is sitting more to himself, with his arm tucked in. He does not look on this as a date.

Frame 4.

Denotation:

Farah walks into the frame and takes Hayden's arm, showing that she is control of him. Hayden looks pleased to see her. She is the main focus of the image as she takes over the focus of the storyline. 

Connotation:

Hayden and Farah are dating. The similar shades in the background make their relationship the focus of the image. Georgie is no longer seen or being noticed.

Frame 5.

Denotation:

Farah welcomes Hayden very dramatically to clearly show Georgie that he is hers. Georgie is very uncomfortable, and turns away to try to escape from the situation.

Connotation:

Farah shows dominance in order to take charge of the situation. Georgie moves away to show her vulnerability. The girlfriend looks at Georgie with intimidation instead of exchanging Hayden's look.

Frame 6.

Denotation:

Hayden offers Farah the chair to show his respect for her. They are the only two in the frame.

Connotation:

He has given up his own chair because Georgie only prepared for two people. She was not expecting another arrival. Only one cup is seen, their is no sign of Georgie being in the scene at all.

Frame 7.

Denotation:

Hayden steps out of the way in order to take a call. Farah and Georgie are left at the table. Farah's head is held up to show her dominance over Georgie. Georgie looks down, feeling the victim.

Connotation:

Georgie feels as though she has beaten Georgie and she has control over her. She is sat up very straight, whilst Georgie is sloped down in her seat uncomfortably. 

Frame 8:

Denotation:

Farah and Georgie are the main focus of the frame. They are sat at the table, looking like very different characters.

Connotation:

The paintings in the background are a dark shade of green and yellow, signifying envy. It is hanging over Georgie. The lighting is quite dark to show the discomfort of the situation.