Research Activity 1: Snow White
Settings & Props
The setting for this scene is in the lair. In center we can see the pot in which she creates the poisoned apple. The most significant prop is the poisoned apple itself, which becomes black and after unnaturally red.
Costume, Hair & Make Up
The witch wears a tattered black cloak that enhances her menacing presence. Her hair is gray and disheveled. Her face is appears to be old but extremely expressive, with exaggerated features that evoke fear. In contrast to her we see Snow White: young, beatiful, in light dress with constant smile on the face.
Facial Expressions & Body Language
The facial expressions of the witch are crucial in conveying her evil intentions and representing her personality. Her eyes are very wide and her smile is wide and omnious when she creates the poison. She seems confident in her abilities, representing a classic villain. Her body language is exaggerated: she moves with a clear of purpose that reflects her determination to kill Snow White. In contrast, when Snow White appears in the scene, her expressions are innocent and naive.
Lighting and Colour
The lighting in this scene plays a significant role in establishing mood. The lair is poorly lit, with a lot of shadows, creating an atmosphere of suspense. The use of darker colors (blacks, deep green) dominates in the scene. The poisoned apple stands out in bright red, symbolizing danger and temptation.
Positioning of characters/objects within the frame
The positioning of characters within the frame emphasizes their weight and power dynamics. The witch is often centered in the frame, focusing viewers’ attention as she casts her dark magic. Snow White’s eventual appearance is framed to show her vulnerability as she approaches the witch unknowingly. The framing uses close-ups on key moments, for example, when the apple is presented.
Research Activity 2: Anomalisa
Can you describe the mise-en-scene in this picture? How are the characters placed in the frame?
The positioning of characters within the frame emphasizes their emotional bond. They are both lying on the bad close to each other. The frame focuses on them showing the scene from top view. They are positioned together, suggesting a moment of connection. The framing utilizes empty space to emphasize separartion from the rest of the world.
Research Activity 3: Rebecca
Can you describe the relationship between the characters?
We can see a beutiful women in dress who seems to be a mistress of the house and another strictly dressed women who is a servant.
How do we know what the relationship is?
First women wears expensive dress and sits while the diolog while another women is standing during the conversation. What is more, she is wearing a classic uniform.
Can you describe how the mise-en-scene works together to tell us what the relationship is?
We can understand that mistress seems to be afraid of the servant. While talking she moves uncomfortably and cannot take any decisions without checking it with the maid.
Research Activity 4
Can you describe the mise-en-scene in this picture?
We see a woman wearing a hijub in the center. The street in the background is crowded. Discomfort and uncertainty, maybe even fear, are visible on her face.
What type of shot is it?
Medium close-up shot.
What is the camera angle?
Eye – level camera angle.
Where is the character located in the frame?
She is located in the center of the frame.
What is she wearing?
She is wearing rasberry pink hijab and a green dress.
What is the depth-of-field?
The focus is on her but background is still visible quite clear.
Describe the colour palette?
Colors are warm but not very bright, closer to cream shades.
Describe the lighting?
The warm light of rhe sun meets with shadows in the center of the frame.