For my movie comments on mise-en-scene, I chose the 1999 Sam Mendes film American Beauty.
In one scene, Lester, the main character, is being reprimanded for his lack of efficiency at the company
he works for. The scene cuts back and forth between a wide, high angle shot of Lester in a mostly empty
room and a medium, low angle shot of Lester’s boss, Brad. The office setting really aids to a viewer's
understanding of the movie. Behind Lester, there is a dreary looking potted plant, a tiny picture, and a
random light, all in a small grey room. This setting emphasized the mechanical and utilitarian nature of
Lester’s job, and tells us all of the reasons he hates it. The room is empty, which mirrors the way he feels
about his career, family, and life at large. The lighting in the office setting is also a way for the director
to communicate a point in this film. In the office, there is not much light, and the room is dimly lit. The
director uses low-key lighting to show us that Lester's future with this company is not something to look
forward too. The costume also contributes a lot to the viewer’s understanding of this scene. Both men
are in business suits, but Brad’s suit is a bit more fashionable, and Lester’s suit is bland and blends into
the wall. This emphasizes the disparity in status between Brad and Lester, and furthers the power
dynamic that continues till the end of the scene. Lastly, the director uses staging and camera angles to
make a statement within this scene. The wide, high angle shot emphasizes the emptiness of the room
and the subordinate nature of Lester’s position at his company. The medium, low angle shot of Brad is
used to frame Brad in a much more dominant light, and make him seem more powerful.
In one scene, Lester, the main character, is being reprimanded for his lack of efficiency at the company
he works for. The scene cuts back and forth between a wide, high angle shot of Lester in a mostly empty
room and a medium, low angle shot of Lester’s boss, Brad. The office setting really aids to a viewer's
understanding of the movie. Behind Lester, there is a dreary looking potted plant, a tiny picture, and a
random light, all in a small grey room. This setting emphasized the mechanical and utilitarian nature of
Lester’s job, and tells us all of the reasons he hates it. The room is empty, which mirrors the way he feels
about his career, family, and life at large. The lighting in the office setting is also a way for the director
to communicate a point in this film. In the office, there is not much light, and the room is dimly lit. The
director uses low-key lighting to show us that Lester's future with this company is not something to look
forward too. The costume also contributes a lot to the viewer’s understanding of this scene. Both men
are in business suits, but Brad’s suit is a bit more fashionable, and Lester’s suit is bland and blends into
the wall. This emphasizes the disparity in status between Brad and Lester, and furthers the power
dynamic that continues till the end of the scene. Lastly, the director uses staging and camera angles to
make a statement within this scene. The wide, high angle shot emphasizes the emptiness of the room
and the subordinate nature of Lester’s position at his company. The medium, low angle shot of Brad is
used to frame Brad in a much more dominant light, and make him seem more powerful.
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