Research Part 4: Mise en Scene Codes

 

Codes are technical techniques used to communicate meaning, for example low key lighting to heighten suspense in Thriller films or Film Noir. Use your knowledge and understanding to identify the codes in the media text(s) you are researching. For example, these may include titling, mise en scene, camera movement, framing, fonts, graphics, sound effects, and editing. When you have identified the codes, post the results of your findings to your blog, and explain how you might use them in your proposed production. 

1. Setting 

1. Define setting in film?  

• - The setting of a film in media studies may be defined as the time and place in which the storyline is articulated or suggested to the audience. 

2. Where is the story set?  

• - The narrative takes place sometime late in the twentieth century (around the 1980s). 

3. Describe the setting of the film?  

• - The setting of the film “White Noise” takes place in a fictional college town referred to as “Blacksmith.” 

• Elements

  Denote each element noticed in the film opening.

  Indicate connotations that support the genre. How do the setting elements indicate or support the genre and storytelling of the film opening? Provide codes to support your answers.

  Time of day

  Afternoon

  At the beginning of the film opening, as the family leaves the frame, you can see outside of the grocery store. The sky is not dark; therefore, we can disprove that the setting is at night/sunset.       Also, the store looks crowded at the end of the opening, so it does not seem like it would be early in the morning either. Stores are usually crowded during the afternoon or midday.

  • Time period

  In the 80s

  In the film opening, there is a slight tinge of greenish/gray. This specific coloring gives the film its 80s vibe.

  • Location

  A grocery store or supermarket

  The opening of the film takes place in a supermarket/grocery store. In this grocery store, every item is perfectly organized, indicating that this society is “perfect.”

  • Climate / Season

  Spring or Summer

  The opening takes place in the spring or summer season. This is because of the clothes that the characters are wearing. (i.e., short skirts, high-waisted trousers). These types of clothing were trending during the 80s during the warmer seasons.

  Geography• Landscape or Outdoors / City / Country / Sea / Land / Desert.

  In the suburbs

  In the opening, we do not get to see the outdoors. But the movie takes place in a suburban town in Ohio.

  • Culture / People (Moral attitudes/ core beliefs.)

  That there are no imperfections in their society

  From the opening, the people are perfectly coordinated. No one is an outcast, and everyone seems to fit in well with each other. They are dancing in unison.

  • Social and Economic status

  Middle class, middle-upper class

  The supermarket looks big with a variety of name brand options in the background, indicating that the area where the film takes place is wealthy.

  2. Set Design 

  • Set design in film: A specific field in film production centered on building the physical environment where the movie exists. 

  • 

  • An extremely organized supermarket aisle containing bread and juice. 
    

    • The checkout area of the supermarket with the different aisles in the background. 

    
    

    What connotations do you read from the décor? 

    • - From the decor of the opening, this scene takes place in your ordinary “perfect” world. Every item is perfectly placed, every aisle is perfectly spaced out, and there is not one blemish in sight. 

      
      

    How does the set design illustrate support the characters and story, and/or connect audiences to the film’s genre? 

    • - The set design illustrates and supports the characters, story, and genre by pointing out that the environment they live in is normally perfect. (You and I will know that - but a future approver may need a prompt from you as the Preparer). This can foreshadow that later in the film an unfortunate event may occur and disrupt their perfect lives. 

     

    Indicate the signs and connotations that support the genre.  

    • - Everyone dancing in the market- comedy 

    • A perfect supermarket (expecting an adverse event to occur)- horror/thriller 

      
      

      Work Cited

      Jack Gladney Character Analysis in White Noise | LitCharts. (n.d.). LitCharts. https://www.litcharts.com/lit/white-noise/characters/jack-gladney#:~:text=Jack%20is%20the%20protagonist%20and,to%20engage%20in%20thoughtful%20conversation.

      ‘White Noise’ depicts how we are drowning in the noise we make. (2023, January 24). Cedars. https://cedars.cedarville.edu/2023/01/white-noise-depicts-how-we-are-drowning-in-the-noise-we-make/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWhite%20Noise%E2%80%9D%20explores%20that%20idea,with%20these%20issues%20as%20well.