Media AS: How is mise-en-scene used in the opening of Romeo and Juliet to make meaning for audience?
Sound:
At the very start there is music playing ( the boys, the boys) while the characters are in the car on the highway. This is non-diegetic sound. So, the audience can hear it however the actors can't, it goes with the situation well to create effect. However, in this incident there is some controversy. The characters may actually have the music on really loudly in the car which would make it diagetic sound. Nethertheless, there is a mixture of both. There is lots of dialogue between the 2 Montague passengers along the highway. They are shouting loudly which suggests that they are messing around and causing trouble.
When at the petrol station there are many uses of sound effects. When the car pulls up, the (non-diagetic) sound track fades because of the change in setting and tension. Sound effects are introduced, for example the car pulling up, skidding and the metal heel on the floor. these sounds are meant to be emphasised more important. The sound then switches as we see a Capulet member. A western typed music is played (non-diagetic) This shows how the sound and music the audience can hear represents the two gangs and there theme tune. The situation then changes and it is a subdued and tense atmosphere as the gangs develop dialogue. Therefore, slower music is played to built this effect up. the gangs then argue with very loud speech, with a few enhanced sound effects too. e.g smoke and cigarette on the floor and heel again. during the fight there is a long soundtrack to express battle feeling.
In this part of the opening, the sound is used to express themes of both gangs. Either with dialogue, sound effects or short music. Also, it is used to build up the tension and then cut it.
Lighting:
Throughout the opening there is a source of natural lighting. They are out side for the entirety of the opening. The sun shines down on the car at the start and the blue sky is a backdrop. This implies that they are in a hot area. Natural light is shown in the petrol station by the reflections on the cars and shadows from characters. So, the main meaning of the lighting, is to show the environment and surroundings they are in.
Props:
One prop used is Guns. Guns are a sign of death or killing. These are used to threaten and in fights between the gangs. This has an effect on the views of the audience. however, they have more meaning, the guns have crests and names on the bottom of the guns. This indicates they are a member of a certain gang. Montague and Capulet are stated, with there own crests presented on the gun. This starts the conflict/fighting at the start. Benvilio then threats them with pointing the gun.
Also, the cars are a part of the props. They are different colours (yellow-montague and blue-capulet) and have different number plates which are shown, which represents the differences. It isn't that important however is used well. Another prop is cigarettes. These are used by the capulet members. This is a significant prop because of the setting being a petrol station. We see Tybalt Capulet smoking a cigarette and then drop it just after. This brings in the prop of fire. When the audience see fire danger, burning, flames and death come in to mind. It is used to good effect in the scene due to the petrol station and the sign.('add more fuel to your fire')
Costume/actors:
Montague: The 3 characters in the Montague are wearing Hawaiian themed clothes with the buttons undone. This expresses coolness and a loud and fun attitude. One member has a Punk styled pink hair colour which shows he may be rebellious and erratic. This blends in with the way they act. The costume plays a big part in gathering initial thoughts and opinions in this part.
Capulets: On the other hand the capulets wear more formal clothes. waistcoats and trousers. This shows the difference in characteristics and behaviours between the opposing gangs. They also seem more religious. for example jesus shown on a tight top (below) and a cross as a piece of jewlerry on another member of capulet.
Setting:
There are two settings during this part of the film. On the highway in the car and at a petrol station. Being on a highway, suggests to the audience that it is a urban area possibly a city. when looking at the petrol station setting, it seems busy with cars and people around. This helps the audience realise that the fight and violence that occurs is in middle of public view. A petrol station has an effect in this incdence as it petrol is very flammable and can be used as a setting to warn or pose some kind of threat. This happens in the moments before the mass brawl and fight.
By Henry Cugnoni
In this part of the opening, the sound is used to express themes of both gangs. Either with dialogue, sound effects or short music. Also, it is used to build up the tension and then cut it.
Lighting:
Throughout the opening there is a source of natural lighting. They are out side for the entirety of the opening. The sun shines down on the car at the start and the blue sky is a backdrop. This implies that they are in a hot area. Natural light is shown in the petrol station by the reflections on the cars and shadows from characters. So, the main meaning of the lighting, is to show the environment and surroundings they are in.
Props:
One prop used is Guns. Guns are a sign of death or killing. These are used to threaten and in fights between the gangs. This has an effect on the views of the audience. however, they have more meaning, the guns have crests and names on the bottom of the guns. This indicates they are a member of a certain gang. Montague and Capulet are stated, with there own crests presented on the gun. This starts the conflict/fighting at the start. Benvilio then threats them with pointing the gun.
Also, the cars are a part of the props. They are different colours (yellow-montague and blue-capulet) and have different number plates which are shown, which represents the differences. It isn't that important however is used well. Another prop is cigarettes. These are used by the capulet members. This is a significant prop because of the setting being a petrol station. We see Tybalt Capulet smoking a cigarette and then drop it just after. This brings in the prop of fire. When the audience see fire danger, burning, flames and death come in to mind. It is used to good effect in the scene due to the petrol station and the sign.('add more fuel to your fire')
Costume/actors:
Montague: The 3 characters in the Montague are wearing Hawaiian themed clothes with the buttons undone. This expresses coolness and a loud and fun attitude. One member has a Punk styled pink hair colour which shows he may be rebellious and erratic. This blends in with the way they act. The costume plays a big part in gathering initial thoughts and opinions in this part.
Capulets: On the other hand the capulets wear more formal clothes. waistcoats and trousers. This shows the difference in characteristics and behaviours between the opposing gangs. They also seem more religious. for example jesus shown on a tight top (below) and a cross as a piece of jewlerry on another member of capulet.
Setting:
There are two settings during this part of the film. On the highway in the car and at a petrol station. Being on a highway, suggests to the audience that it is a urban area possibly a city. when looking at the petrol station setting, it seems busy with cars and people around. This helps the audience realise that the fight and violence that occurs is in middle of public view. A petrol station has an effect in this incdence as it petrol is very flammable and can be used as a setting to warn or pose some kind of threat. This happens in the moments before the mass brawl and fight.
By Henry Cugnoni
No comments:
Post a Comment