Compare the Mise-En-Scene in the Matrix and One Other Film from This Course, Considering How the Use of Mise-En-Scene in Each Film Works to Create Meaning.

Question 1

Compare the mise-en-scene in The Matrix and one other film from this course, considering how the use of mise-en-scene in each film works to create meaning.

A French term originating from theatre, mise-en-scene literally means, “putting on stage”. In film, it can be defined as ‘the articulation of cinematic space’ and is one of the four stylistic elements which contributes to film form together with the narrative. Mise-en-scene encompasses almost all aspects of the film pertaining to composition of the shot in order to create meanings for the viewer. This meaning, produced by film form, could be referential, explicit, implicit or symptomatic. This essay will discuss the use of mise-en-scene in two films, The Matrix and Citizen Kane and how the set design, costume and make up, lighting and staging of actors and movement work to create meaning for the viewer.

In The Matrix, characters travel between two worlds – The Matrix, a place of illusion created by computer programmes and the real world, a dark and dreary wasteland. Within The Matrix is the familiar modern cityscape with tall, shiny office buildings, sidewalk shops and the hustle and bustle of human traffic and activity and is clearly contrasted with Morpheus’s bleak portrayal of the real world, devoid of human activity, the buildings reminding one of post-industrial decay.

Likewise, in Citizen Kane, Xanadu is depicted as a monstrosity as well as a place of monumental splendor. In the opening and closing scenes of Citizen Kane, Xanadu against the night background of fog and dark clouds has a foreboding presence as opposed to how it is depicted in ‘News on the March’ with its bright, daytime, pool party, the impressive big halls and grand stairways. This gives the viewers some insight into the more accurately portrayed private life of Kane and allows them to see the unreal and superficial representation of Xanadu by the news reporter. This idea of truth is shown by the changing...