Mise en Scene

Definition
Mise en scene is a French word which basically meas composing the scene. It describes how everything is positioned and designed in the set.


Luther



Mise en Scene deconstruction:
Setting and location
The setting and location in which the two characters are standing presents them in an insignificant way. They stand (as shown at 0:09) to the bottom left. They appear small and minor in comparison with the large buildings in their surroundings. Similarly, the busy road also seen in the background (0;23) has a similar effect. The characters appear unimportant when compared with the busy road. The interior setting appeared to be high up, contradicting the idea that the pair are insignificant and unimportant. The interior had a very plain and bland colour scheme making the characters, who were in dark clothing, stand out. the interior included various props such as a telescope and black hole model. These features of the interior setting in the scene hint that the woman, whose flat the characters are in, may be different to a stereotypical woman. The flat does not follow the stereotypical expectations of a woman's flat.

Clothing and Costume
The characters clothing and costume represents them in different ways. The woman in the scene is wearing business attire and high heels. This is in contrast with the way she is presented at the beginning of the scene as this style of clothing implies she is important. Along with the features of the interior setting, the clothing and costume may indicate that the woman is in a highly regarded job or play a significant role. Similarly, the man wears dull clothes mostly of a grey and black colour. He is wearing a heavy thick coat to accentuate is great size. The coat also amplifies the way he carries himself. His hands mostly stay in his pockets and his back hunches over.

Hair style and make up
The man in the scene has a plain and practical hairstyle. It appears that it is 'normal' and fits in with the stereotypical representation of a middle aged man. The woman has neat hair that appears to have been curled. She is wearing everyday make up with a dark lip colour. From this, it can be inferred that the woman has clearly made an effort to look attractive. This may suggest that she likes the man in the scene therefore wishes to impress him however it seems more likely that she is using her good looks to seduce the male and keep him under her control.