Description
300 words, uploaded to Canvas before October 22
Write a brief analysis (no more than 300 words) that explains how meaning and/or emotional effects are produced by the mise-en-scène in one of the sequences linked below. Discuss the sequence in relation to the film as a whole.
Carol
The Florida Project
Your analysis will be evaluated according to your ability to:
Develop a claim that is substantive, contestable, and specific (see below);
Support that claim through an analysis of the mise-en-scène (including lighting) in the specified sequence. Keep your analysis limited to the mise-en-scène; do not discuss the cinematography, sound, or editing. If you can’t resist discussing cinematography, sound, or editing, put the discussion of these aspects of the sequence in parentheses to demonstrate that you’re aware you’ve gone beyond the scope of this assignment;
Use appropriate vocabulary to describe the mise-en- scène;
Write a well-organized paragraph that is clear and grammatically correct.
Upload your analysis to your section’s Canvas page by midnight on October 21 (any time before 12:01am on October 22).
How to Write a Successful Sequence Analysis:
Begin thinking about the assignment tonight or tomorrow. Don’t procrastinate!
Watch the sequence carefully: What is the overall effect of the sequence? How does the sequence create that effect? How does the sequence relate to the rest of the film?
Continue to examine the sequence: Identify the specific elements of mise-en-scène that are present in the sequence. How do each of these elements contribute to the sequence’s meaning?
Be careful to limit your discussion to mise-en-scène; don’t discuss the cinematography (except lighting) or sound.
Develop a claim that is substantive, contestable, and specific. For an assignment of this length, your claim will be your topic sentence.
A substantive claim is one that tells the reader something worthwhile about the film.
“This sequence demonstrates how the film conveys unspeakable emotions and ideas through mise-en-scène.” vs
“This sequence demonstrates how the film uses color, props, and actors.”
A contestable claim is one that requires proof; it should not be a statement of fact.
“The mise-en-scène in this sequence contributes to the film’s exploration of loneliness and isolation.” vs.
“The mise-en-scène in this sequence creates meaning.”
A specific claim is one that can be supported in the amount of space you have to write and with the evidence you have at hand.
“This sequence uses frames within the frame as well as mirrors and other reflective surfaces to reinforce the idea the characters are playing roles.” vs.
“In this film, as in life, people play roles.”
Support the claim by carefully describing details of the mise-en-scène. Be sure to use the vocabulary we are developing in this course.
Work through your ideas by writing. It might take several drafts to develop and support your claim. Allow your first draft to be sloppy and disorganized. Organize and fine-tune your thinking with each revision. Do not turn in your first draft.
Proofread! Check for spelling and grammar, and be sure your words mean what you think they mean. If you are at all uncertain about the meaning of a word, look it up in a reliable dictionary (Webster’s Collegiate, for example)