What is mise-en-scène? Visual storytelling in cinema

Mise-en-scène started in ancient Greek theatre. It meant the arrangement of actors, props, and scenery was crucial to the storytelling. This evolved in Roman theatre, which added more realistic set designs.

During the medieval period, religious dramas performed in churches used simple settings and costumes, but as theatre moved to public spaces, staging became more elaborate. The Renaissance introduced perspective in set design, and by the 18th and 19th centuries, realism and naturalism were refining what was thought of by mise-en-scène.

Mise-en-scène in film

In cinema, mise-en-scène refers to the visual arrangement of elements within a frame. Directors use mise-en-scène to create a specific atmosphere, get across themes, and develop characters. The term became popular in early cinema through French film criticism, particularly with the advent of auteur theory, where the director’s role is seen as the primary author of a film, with mise-en-scène a crucial part of that.

In the early days of cinema, filmmakers were heavily influenced by theatre and so if you look at the mise-en- scène from early films, they quite often looked like stage plays, with static cameras and very theatrical set designs.

During the Golden Age of Hollywood, the studio system started to allow for more elaborate production designs. Directors like Alfred Hitchcock used mise-en-scène to create suspense and psychological depth.

In contemporary cinema, directors keep changing and pushing the boundaries of mise-en-scène. The evolution of technology and VFX has meant that more visually impressive and imaginative worlds can be created. You just have to look at directors like Christopher Nolan or Guillermo del Toro who use up-to-date technology and precise design in their works.

What counts as mise-en-scène?

Breaking it down, it’s how you can create a meaningful image within the frame, so this is everything in front of the camera, including:

1. Setting (or location) and props

The setting is where the story takes place, and props are objects in that environment. Both help to establish the film’s ‘world’ and to support the narrative.

2. Lighting

Lighting affects the mood and tone of a scene. It can highlight certain elements, create shadows, and influence how an audience looks at the characters and setting.

3. Costumes, makeup, and hair

Costumes and makeup can help with defining characters and their development providing insight into a character’s personality, social status, and transformation over time.

4. Actors and blocking

Actors’ performances, including their movements and facial expressions are a big part of the mise-en-scène. Blocking, (where actors are positioned in the scene) can impact dynamics.

5. Composition and framing

Composition means how elements are arranged in the frame, while framing is the camera’s position and angle. Together, they guide the viewer’s eye and emphasise specific parts of the scene.

While this is what mise-en-scène is, it’s a different matter as to whether it’s successful in its intention, and that can be a pretty subjective thing.

The distinctive style of Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson’s style is so unique that his work is instantly recognisable, so it’s a good example of the use of mise-en-scène in contemporary cinema. His use of vintage flair, bold colours, and costume design are just a part of this.

Anderson uses colour to set mood and atmosphere and a great example of that is in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), which features blues and oranges to reflect the marine setting and the sadness of the main character. The characters often wear distinctive costumes, and so Zissou’s crew is in blue uniforms and red beanies, echoing Jacques Cousteau who Zissou’s character is supposedly based on, and again, symbolising grief.

He’s also known for his symmetrical framing that creates something balanced and harmonious, and makes his films have a fairy-tale quality to them. Characters are often centred or mirrored, a tableau effect that makes scenes look like paintings. Anderson’s use of planimetric composition (where backgrounds appear flat against foreground figures), gives an almost two-dimensional feel (back to that fairy-tale feeling), as in Moonrise Kingdom (2012).

The elaborate colour pallets, set designs, and costumes mean that Wes Anderson can get away with bizarre, eccentric plots!

Importance of mise-en-scène

Mise-en-scène is really important in film for quite a lot of reasons.

• Enhancing the narrative: How the visual elements are arranged means directors can reinforce the story’s themes and emotions. Mise-en-scène can reveal character traits, signify changes, and even foreshadow events.
• Creating atmosphere: The visual arrangement sets the mood and tone of a film. Through lighting, setting, and colour schemes, directors provokes specific feelings in the audience, emotionally guiding us through the film.
• Guiding the audience’s attention: As well as emotionally, mise-en-scène also directs the viewer focus to essential details, making sure they notice significant elements that contribute to the story.
• Establishing style: We’ve touched on this, but a director’s unique approach to mise-en-scène can define their style and distinguish their work from others – like Wes Anderson! Auteur directors, are known for their very particular visual styles, usually achieved through meticulous detail to mise-en-scène.

More examples of mise-en-scène in cinema

1. The Shining (1980), Stanley Kubrick

Kubrick’s use of mise-en-scène in The Shining helps to create and build an eerie, unsettling atmosphere. The Overlook Hotel’s big, empty spaces and symmetrical compositions help to show feelings of isolation and madness. The attention to detail in the production design, from the carpet patterns that are now iconic, to the creepily lit hallways, heighten the psychological horror of the film.

2. Pulp Fiction (1994), Quentin Tarantino

Tarantino is another director with a very distinctive style and you can see this through his use of mise-en-scène in Pulp Fiction. The non-linear narrative is complemented by its eclectic and vibrant settings, with a deliberate placement of props, like the briefcase, and the unique styling: Mia Wallace’s black bob and white shirt for example.

3. La La Land (2016), Damien Chazelle

In La La Land, Chazelle uses mise-en-scène to tip his hat to classic Hollywood musicals. The vibrant colour palette, romantic settings, and choreographed dance sequences make a dreamy atmosphere. The film’s use of lighting, like the spotlight on the characters during the planetarium scene, shows their emotional states and aspirations.

4. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), George Miller

Mad Max: Fury Road is a really visually distinct film, and a bit of a masterclass in using mise-en-scène to create a visceral experience. The post-apocalyptic wasteland is brought to life through the intricate production design, from the vehicles to the costumes. The cinematography is dynamic with rapid cuts and sweeping shots, keeping the film’s relentless energy and intensity going throughout.

5. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), Guillermo del Toro

Pan’s Labyrinth is a beautiful film, and Del Toro’s use of mise-en-scène seamlessly blends reality and fantasy. Its contrasting settings—the dark, oppressive world of post-Civil War Spain and the magical, mysterious labyrinth—reflect the inner turmoil and escape into imagination that the main character has. The detailed creature designs and ambient lighting enhance the dark fairy tale aesthetic.

How can I work on mise-en-scène?

If you’re a filmmaker, or aspire to be, here are some quick tips on improving your mise-en-scène:

Understand it!

We’ve covered that mise-en-scène refers to everything that appears in the frame of a shot, including set design, lighting, costume, makeup, and the positioning and movement of actors. So remember, it’s about how these things work together to create meaning and stir up emotions.

Plan ahead

Before you start filming, plan each scene’s elements. Think about the mood, theme, and message of the scene and how each part of what you can see will contribute (or not!) to getting these across.

Use lighting well

It’s easy to forget about lighting but it’s a big part of setting the mood and directing the viewer’s attention. Experiment with different lighting techniques like low-key lighting for suspense or high-key lighting for something a tad more cheerful.

Pay attention to set design

The design of the sets and the locations you’re filming in, can really impact believability and atmosphere. Make sure that set decoration, props, and the overall environment fit with the narrative and character motivations.

Choose appropriate costumes and makeup

Costumes and makeup should reflect the characters’ personalities, historical period, and socio-economic background. They should also work well together so that the scenes look good. This is quite a big thing to get right.

Consider colour and composition

Think about colour schemes and how they can affect the emotional impact of a scene. Pay attention to the composition within the frame to create visual interest and guide the viewer’s eye.

Use props intentionally

Props shouldn’t just fill space, they should be meaningful and relevant to the characters and the story. Don’t throw things in just for the sake of it!

Think about actor placement

The positioning and movement of actors within the frame can communicate relationships, power dynamics, or emotions. Where the actors are and what they’re doing should contribute to what’s going on either in that scene, or overall in the film.

Balance detail and focus

Try to avoid any clutter or distractions unless it’s an intentional part of the plot/narrative. Attention to detail is important but those details should still be relevant and not just filling the frame.

Experiment

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches to mise-en-scène! Learn from your experiences, and from your mistakes.

Collaborate

If you’re part of a team then the mise-en-scène is a collaborative effort that involves a variety of people and departments, so you should communicate your vision clearly to the cinematographer, production designer, costume designer, and other crew members.

Conclusion

Mise-en-scène is really important when it comes to storytelling, but also when trying to develop a distinct style. How the things we see on screen are arranged, lit, coloured, and so on, all have an effect on how we feel and how the world created on screen, resonates with us. If you’re trying to learn how to use mise-en-scène in your own work, then you’re already doing the right thing by seeking out articles and resources to help. Plus, watching other films can be a really useful way to learn what works and what doesn’t, and what your own personal preferences are… then you can start to develop your own style.

About this page

This page was written by Marie Gardiner. Marie is a writer, author, and photographer. It was edited by Ian Yates.