LO3: Introduction
- Analysis Question - Q6 (12-16 marks, first long answer/essay question, 20-23 mins/3 A4 sheets)
- Topics - Representation, Genre, Narrative - Discuss 1/4 media languages (Mis En Scene, camerawork, editing and sound)
LO3: Mis En Scene
Mis En Scene is the props (hand-held), locations, costumes, lighting (low-key to connote enigma and high-key to connote safety and equilibrium) and body language within a scene. Everything within the frame (that can be seen). Each of these have their own denotations and connotations.
Verisimilitude - something that is made to be realistic - immersion and real world representation (relation).
John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum
- male and female characters - stereotyped and challenged - John Wick, Sofia Al-Azwar
- Heroic protagonist and antagonist, prince/princess character - John Wick, Winston Scott/adjudicator (female character)
- At least two different ethnicities - Sofia Al-Azwar and Charon
- Three action scenes
- A clear narrative - genre of action/adventure/thriller which follows on from John Wick 2 as a pre-established IP: John being made excommunicado (marked for death) trying to survive and remove his mark as he and other members who assisted John in John Wick 2 (and 3) are hunted by the high table adjudicator (played by a female in a higher position of power, controlling men and taking on high responsibility with lack of fear in life threatening situations).
Production Techniques - Media languages (Mis, sound, camerawork and editing)
Picking Out Examples of Mis En Scene:
- Costume - John is denoted wearing a black suit which connotes a high class, male in a position of power which follows conventional stereotypes of men within an action setting. However, the suit also juxtaposes common conventions of action due to it's working/office denotation which within an action context, this also connotes the ability and capability that the protagonist has, being able to dress well even in a dangerous setting therefore, furthering the stereotype of a male in power who is capable in an action setting. Furthermore, John is seen with blood on his forehead, doused in rain which connotes that he has been through many fights with others and has successfully come out on top, thus furthering the stereotype of men in power.
- However, despite the connotations of practicality and stealth signified by Sofia's costume with it's black appearance, it also continues the stereotype of portraying women in more sexual connotations with skinny leather trousers. However, this is juxtaposed by her hair which is tied up for an action setting and has been made unkempt by fighting others, also then displaying Sofia (and women) in a position of power.
- Charon (similar to John) is dressed in a high class business suit (which also connotes for an ABC1 audience with ABC1 characters) which challenges stereotypes of POC's showing them in a position of wealth.
- The shot of Winston who wears (like John) a suit which connotes the same wealth and power. Winston's character however, in a different context (expanded upon in location, props and gestures) where this outfit instead signifies his intelligence and calm control over hostile situations.
- The Adjudicator wears a costume unconventional for a female in the action genre, challenging female stereotypes. Her hair short to signify practicality and how (in her position within the high table, the group who make the rules mercenaries in the John Wick Universe must follow, including the protagonist) she is above conventional appearances. Her costume is all black (similar to John Wick to convey a hidden, mysterious, silent threat) and consists of (unconventional for females who often wear clothes that appeal to men in the genre) a formal suit. This also signifying wealth and power, challenging female stereotypes, juxtaposing John in their similar costume but entirely different positions and character in the film, with John trying to survive whilst she's in control.
- Props - John Wick is denoted holding a handgun which has connotations of power (furthered by a low angle shot). This furthering the stereotype of men in positions of power.
- The same can be seen in Sofia which challenges female stereotypes of vulnerability by way of the denotation of Sofia holding a gun in a capable position of power as a POC female.
- Charon holds no props which juxtaposes John and Sofia which wield weapons, challenging stereotypes with an educated, classy/wealthy and passive POC. However, later in the film: Charon does wield weapons alongside John Wick and very capably also showing a POC in a position of power but does follow stereotypes of men in power (due to the connotations of a gun), shown holding a pistol, similarly to Sofia, holding it capably showing intellect and skill.
- Winston is seen holding a glass of alcohol, the way in which he holds it giving intelligent connotations, with the expensive glass and drinking of spirits straight connoting a high power, strength (despite not showing it physically) and (as a common theme with Winston) wealth.
- The Adjudicator holds an umbrella which in this shot she stops talking to the 'Bowery King' (his name denoting his importance due to being a king) to hand her umbrella to one of his men as he is forced to walk with her to keep her out of the rain, heavily challenging female stereotypes in action settings with her using one of 'The King's' men as a means to shield her from the rain whilst talking to him.
- Gestures - John Wick looks at the camera in a stance which connotes that he's been through many fights and is worn out, yet his determined stare still shows that John is entirely ready to take on anything that comes at him (however, this weakness shown in his battered appearance does also shown that men can be weak at times and aren't unstoppable no matter how capable they are, allowing for relate-ability and challenges male stereotypes).
- Sofia stands holding her gun in an aiming position which connotes that she is ready to (and is) take control of the situation, unwavered by the fear of conflict with a determined expression as she precisely and capably aims her gun, demonstrating a capable female POC.
- Charon stands elegantly and proudly as he stares down at the camera with his hands together in a stance which connotes power and a high capable knowledge, this furthered with the shot of him holding a handgun, aiming aggressively down the sights to draw a parallel between his calm and capable demeanor's.
- Similarly, Winston stands in a very direct, up-right position as he holds his glass knowing he has control over a situation (signified by his calm yet confident expression conventional of upper class stereotypes) in which his hotel is being attacked by highly trained and deadly mercenaries, this shown in his relaxed expression.
- The Adjudicator stares at The King's man fiercely to command control over him, ignoring the Bowery King for a simple convenience and to use his own men as an object, challenging male and female stereotypes with a man doing a woman's bidding. She struts as she speaks connoting confidence in a dangerous environment. Then holding a handgun (the same one John used to kill the antagonist of John Wick 2) like a filthy towel, connoting that she is above the weapon and even it's significance in the story. Her finding the weapon, used by a legend to kill a man of high power, grotesque. Despite the potential danger she is in, her expression is always stern and commanding, her body language tall and powerful; the men and the King know she is in control.
- Lighting - John is shown in low-key lighting with one point of high-key that highlights the scars he has gained on his head denoting how battered John is. The low-key lighting connoting the mysterious and stealthy, deadly nature of John against any who stand in his way, signifying him as dangerous even in the danger of the dark.
- Similarly Sofia is in low-key lighting which connotes the same danger however, the subtle high-key elements highlight her face and costume that connotes the stereotypes of women having high beauty standards and those same standards being literally highlighted to the audience. However, the natural lighting furthers the verisimilitude of the scene, showing a woman in power in a realistic setting.
- Charon is in very similar lighting with golden-like accents that highlight the character in a similar way to Sofia which demonstrates a danger that Charon is above in the low-key lighting but also demonstrating him as metro-sexual; his suit and well groomed appearance highlighted by the subtle high-key elements. The yellow/gold connoting both wealth and also the uncertainty of danger that Charon holds, his relaxed body language, his vacant yet focused expression presenting someone who could be a threat or a friend (like how he is in the film).This in juxtaposition to the low-key lighting to connote tension and the risk Charon is in whilst amidst gunfire, yet his expression portraying him determined despite this.
- Winston in a similar low-key environment in the knowledge that he has faith in John and Charon to protect the hotel, the darkness unwavering him.
- Location - John is seen in a city setting which has been edited in post production which removes John from any verisimilitude in the scene.
- However, this juxtaposes Sofia who is shown in a real setting which denotes her power in real life, allowing for an ideal self/partner in her and a real show of capability.
- To further the portrayal of Charon in a high class context to challenge POC stereotypes: Charon is seen within the Continental which is an upper class hotel that Charon plays a highly influential role in as concierge. The adorned and detailed appearance of the room connoting Charon in a wealthy position, this opposing the dimly lit corridors of The Continental showing that Charon is able in both environments.
- The same going for Winston in the safe room. However, Winston's location away from the action inside a safe room does signify him to be weaker due to hiding however, his calm expression exemplifies a reason for this, not wanting to get his hands dirty.
- The Adjudicator is in the lair of the Bowery King, yet despite this she still talks down to him and uses his men like objects. This in conjunction with the rain signifying the fall of the Bowery King, his funeral for the position he will now lose due to the command of the high table and the Adjudicator.
