Mise-en-scene

Mise-en-scene is a term used to explain the design aspects and different attributes caught by the camera within a scene or frame; there are different elements of mise-en-scene such as:

• Settings and Props
• Costumes and Hair
• Make-up
• Lighting and Colour
• Facial Expressions and Body Language 
• Positioning of Characters/Objects

 Each of these elements communicate essential information to the audience to help them further interpret the narrative.

For example, the image above is an image taken from the film "The Break-Up". Without actually watching the film itself or knowing anything about the narrative, the mise-en-scene contributes to the audience's assumptions and expectations; due to the harsh divide down the centre of the frame we can interpret that both the male and the female are very different or have opposing views. We can further support this by focusing on the body language of both individuals; the female has her arms crossed which signifies tension and disapproval, as well as her intense eye contact. However, the male is hiding the lower half of his face as he is hugging the quilt; this represents his need for affection and comfort, as well as this his lack of eye contact shows that he is avoiding the situation.