Eng.111/Lit 227/Hill-Ketchum

ENG.111/LIT 227/HILL-KETCHUM

MISE-EN-SCÈNE

By now, you have an idea of what mise-en-scène is. Now here is an opportunity for you to further show-what-you-know about film. This assignment is due at our next English 111 session.

Assignment

1.  Select an example of mise-en-scène from one of your favorite American movies. Bring the movie to class and, for VHS, have the frame cued and for DVD, know the scene number in order to save class time.

2.  The scene should last no more than three-to-five minutes for you to set up and discuss; we want to be able to share as many of your favorites as possible.

3.  As you consider your scene selection, keep in mind common-sense courtesies of taste for your classroom audience. For example, the sex scene in American History X might be too graphic and/or appropriate for some of your classmates. Although we, the instructors, do not want to be censors, if we must, we will, if we believe that your scene is inappropriate for this particular in-class assignment. Check with me in advance if you have questions/concerns about a scene.

4.  Your discussion should be accompanied by a one-page, typed, single-spaced report on the scene. Be sure to place identifying information (your name, class, section number, instructor’s name date, and assignment) in the top left-hand corner of your written report. .You can use the format of “The 25 Most Controversial Movies” article which we discussed in class to model your report. That document is located on the class wiki (under Film Resources – Required Reading). Your written report should include the following:

a.  Title of the film.

b.  Director’s name.

c.  The plot. A brief summary (no more than four to five sentences).

d.  Stars of the film (main characters).

e.  Devote one paragraph to discussing the scene. Use the “Analyzing Mise-en-Scène” check-list on page 136 of your text, Looking at Movies, 2nd edition by Richard Barsam, to help shape this paragraph. You are not obligated to cover every concept mentioned in the checklist, but it should be clear that you have at least a basic understanding of mise-en-scène.

Submit your written report following your presentation.