Mise En Scene Case Study

 For this case study, I chose a scene from the movie Waves (2019). The movie is follows two siblings, Tyler and Emily, as they navigate the hardships of love, forgiveness, healing, and loss. The particular scene I decided on is from the first act of the movie where Tyler gets injured, creating a pivotal shift in movie's plot . 

    The overall atmosphere of the scene is of suffocating tension and psychological distress. The lighting elements and camera shots create a mood that is both intense and claustrophobic, mirroring Tyler's mental state. The setting of the wrestling room, is illuminated by one key light highlighting Tyler and his opponent in the middle of the ma and creating low-key lighting throughout the rest of the gym. This makes the scene feel intense and unforgiving, emphasizing the emotional distance between Tyler and those around him. The handheld camera work, combined with rapid cuts and disoriented motion, amplifies the sense of instability and chaos. These elements work together to create a deeply immersive atmosphere, heightening the emotional impact of the match entirely.

    Overall, Tyler is represented as a young man caught in a storm of internal and external pressures. Physically, he is shown in tight wrestling gear that exposes his muscularity and highlights his vulnerability, emphasizing the duality of his strength and fragility. His body language becomes increasingly aggressive and uncontrolled as the match progresses, reflecting his deteriorating emotional state. The mise-en-scène isolates Tyler visually through close-ups and centered framing, even in a room full of people, reinforcing a growing sense of alienation for the audience. The other wrestlers and coaches are depicted as distant and blurred, lacking emotional connection with Tyler. This visual separation suggests the loneliness he experiences, despite being surrounded by teammates and authority figures.

    I think through the scene’s visual language, the audience is encouraged to feel both empathy and unease towards Tyler. The intimate framing and POV shots draw viewers into his psychological space, fostering a connection with his emotional experience. While his eventual outburst during the match may momentarily distance the audience, the buildup heavily contextualizes his actions. The mise-en-scène does not villainize Tyler, but instead, it invites viewers to understand his breakdown as a product of complex emotional, physical, and social conflicts. This portrayal encourages a sympathetic and  conflicted, response from the audience.

    The wrestling injury scene is not just a moment of physical trauma, it also represents a breaking point in Tyler’s character arc. Mise-en-scène is used powerfully to communicate narrative developments. The low-key and key lighting suggest exposure and judgment, mirroring Tyler’s fear of being seen as weak or inadequate. The wrestling mat becomes a metaphorical battleground not only against an opponent but also against himself and the pressures in his life. Props such as his medical brace, are a reminder of his hidden injury, foreshadow his inevitable collapse. Even the costume colors, primarily red and blue, subtly suggest themes of conflict, rage, and control. Every element, from the choreography of the physical fight to the staging of characters in the frame, contribute to the narrative of a young man losing control.

Moodboards

 For this blogpost, I created 4 visual mood boards for 4 different locations!

Intergalactic Mothership: For this mood-board, I wanted to create a celestial setting with futuristic elements. The set would be primarily illuminated by artificial lighting such as LED's, screens, and projectors with cool undertones, but also by the countless stars surrounding the ship. The futuristic technology would create high key lighting and the stars will act as natural lighting. Blue lighting symbolizes stability and tranquility. I decided for the costumes and makeup to resemble extraterrestrials, this adds a sense of wonder and intrigue to the other-worldly design of the overall scene, hopefully captivating the audience. When people see my mood-board, I want them to feel as if they've been transported into another world and as if they were in the mothership themselves. 

Circus: For this board, I decided on a classic circus scene. The set would be lit by soft and warm lights to create lowkey lighting paired with red and gold tones, allowing for a nostalgic and comforting setting. For the props, I added carousels, mirrors, masks, cannons, and popcorn to further establish the classic feeling of this scene. For the costumes, I wanted to focus on the ringleader, using black, red, and white elements in the costume. When all of these elements come together, I want the audience to feel a sense of nostalgia, comfort, and excitement.

Mermaid's Palace: For this board, I wanted to create an aquatic, fairytale-like setting. I decided on  natural lighting and incorporated bright and metallic colors like turquoise, white, metallic and muted pinks, and muted greens to further establish the mythical theme. For the props, I included seashells and pearls to add to the underwater elements. And finally, the costumes and makeup reinforce the mermaid theme, I wanted the makeup and costume to feel ethereal so I included shells and exaggerated elements such as draped pearls and bright, shiny colors. Overall, I intended for my audience to feel immersed and captivated by the magic and fantasy of this scene.

Backstage of a fashion show: This board is one of my more realistic scenes. I wanted to create an atmosphere with bright and high-key lighting while also using more monotone colors like beige, black, and white to express the seriousness and chaos of a backstage setting. The props that I used are mostly just things you would find behind the scenes of a fashion show like makeup brushes, mannequins, measuring tape, and sewing needles with string, I also added racks of sample clothing with shoes. The costumes aren't really highlighted in this board due to the fact that most employees backstage dress the same or have a uniform. Overall, I intended for my audience to get an insight to the fast-paced atmosphere of backstage life and what goes on behind the scenes of a fashion show.