What is Mise en Scene - How Directors Like Kubrick Master the Elements of Visual Storytelling
A Quick Guide to Mise-en-Scène in film ►► bit.ly/what-is-mes
00:00 What is Mise en Scene in film?
01:09 Mise en Scene Meaning & Definition
02:07 Mise en Scene in Citizen Kane
02:48 Mise en Scene Elements
03:50 Naturalistic vs Theatrical Mise-en-Scéne
04:23 Mise en Scene Examples (Theatrical) - Tim Burton
04:57 Mise en Scene Examples (Naturalistic) - David Fincher
05:35 Mise en Scene in The Shining
06:36 Exercise - Can you spot Kubrick's Mise-en-Scéne?
08:57 Challenge - Consider all Mise-en-Scene elements
09:40 Next Episode of Mise-en-Scene - Color and Kubrick
What is mise-en-scène? If you went to film school, or even casually studied film theory, you’ve heard this term many times. But what does it mean and why is it so important? In this video essay, you’ll learn everything you need to know about mise-en-scène - from its origins in theater, how film theorists like Andre Bazin championed it, and how filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick applied it to his work.
In French, mise-en-scène literally means “placing on stage,” or the process of how theater directors would decide what should go on the stage and how those elements should be arranged. This same concept was easily borrowed by film directors - everything you see on-screen is part of the “mise-en-scéne.”
This includes elements that fall under the umbrella term of production design (props, wardrobe, set design, movie props, etc.) as well as cinematography (cinematic lighting, frame rate, depth of field, camera framing, composition). In addition, the blocking and staging of the camera and actors, their performance, and even what we hear on the soundtrack (film music, sound design) counts as mise-en-scéne.
In film directing, it is the task of the director to decide how all of these elements will be placed, arranged, and combined in each shot. When you look at the work of filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick, you start to see the method behind each of these elements - even if you can’t fully understand WHY, the overall effect is seen and felt. Visual storytelling is all about using each image to tell the story. When filmmakers are in control of visual storytelling (of mise-en-scene), they can create powerful and layered images that we study in videos like this for decades.
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00:00 What is Mise en Scene in film? 01:09 Mise en Scene Meaning & Definition 02:07 Mise en Scene in Citizen Kane 02:48 Mise en Scene Elements 03:50 Naturalistic vs Theatrical Mise-en-Scéne 04:23 Mise en Scene Examples (Theatrical) - Tim Burton 04:57 Mise en Scene Examples (Naturalistic) - David Fincher 05:35 Mise en Scene in The Shining 06:36 Exercise - Can you spot Kubrick's Mise-en-Scéne? 08:57 Challenge - Consider all Mise-en-Scene elements 09:40 Next Episode of Mise-en-Scene - Color and Kubrick
Wow, such a magnificent video. From the analysis, the not at all pushy marketing of the product, and even down to this comment facilitating the video. Whoever came up with all this, you deserve a big part on the back!!!
Hello is there a KZhead video with the scene in the film of Here's Johnny?
I guess im asking randomly but does anyone know of a way to log back into an instagram account? I was stupid forgot the account password. I love any tips you can give me.
Chefs use a technique called mise en place, " putting everything in its place", so that they can efficiently assemble a food item or dish efficiently and repeatably without wasted motion or effort, so that the whole operation goes smoothly and each plate has the desired visual effect.
Awesome stuff
one thing i want to appreciate is the voice over guy's narrating skills. kudos!! you are the reason many people don't get bored
Appreciate it!
Agreed wholeheartedly! A nice rich voice, excellent enunciation and inflection, paced to let the information come through and he actually pauses between sentences. One of my biggest gripes about a lot of KZhead narration is when the hosts edit all of their lines together with no pauses between them...it sounds like they don't have time to breathe.
@@KenoshiAkai lol true
He is very good
If you're watching video about something that you want to learn, then you wouldn't concert yourself with how guy's voice is sounding - Is it boring or not. On the other hand, if you're watching something randomly just because, then I can see how guy's voice would bother you, because you're not retaining any information that has been said, and instead are concerned is the voice good enough for me to fall asleep comfortably. lol
I'm writing and creating a movie rn. When I win an Oscar ill shout out this channel because you guys have no idea how much I love this channel
Not trying to be pretentious I'm just trying to dream big 😂
Good luck brother.
good luck dawg
You really do have *HUGE* aspirations! I wish you luck my friend! And I tell you, you will need it!
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Thank you sooo much for the free film school!!
Class every Monday haha
This is extremely important in Animation, since every object is animated, the artists and creators have full liberty on how the objects, lighting and all other features will be used to convey something to the story. I don't work at movies, but ocasionally do Comic Book Short Cartoons. It is amazing how many small details we can fit in a frame that helps the story go through.
YES
This is legit one of the most important lesson about filmmaking to me. Can’t wait to direct my own film in the future🙆🏻♀️
Good luck!
We can't wait to see it!
Papa better have lotsa money
The future es now ! How many movies have you done so far?
Best wishes 🙌❤
Nitpick : the ball IS yellow,as well as the plastic parts of the yoys. It was corrected in the new 4k transfer. They look pink in the older transfer because of improper color correction of the old, now faded, negative.
Nice, that's a good note
This is the first time I've noticed the miscolouring.
Exactly!
It feels almost criminal to get so much free information via this channel ☹❤ THANK YOU!
I know right? For the first time ever I was curious enough to check if they have a patreon to support them. Guess I'll get Studio Binder in the future or something..
We appreciate subscribers haha
@@StudioBinder you do have a lot 😂
Yes! Thank you StudioBinder
Oh so this is why Kubrick's movie always look so refreshing. Thanks studiobinder for giving so much of knowledge. Thank you
Cheers!
It's almost criminal that StudioBinder's content is free. Outrageously well produced stuff. A good Mise-en-scene rule for me is remembering that whatever you put inside the 4 sides of the rectangle has to be on purpose, if it's not, you're not directing.
It's really not a big deal, but in french it's spelled "mise en scÈne", not "mise en scÉne". The sound produced with É or È is not the same. Still, really great video.
Yeah, that was a hiccup on our end - appreciate the feedback!
I was about to comment that haha !
@@stanfoofoo610 haha
a small thing irrelevant to the whole thing going up in here. it's generically called.
Whenever i see a french commenting, 98% of the time he/she always Complaining
Excellent explanation of a term I've often wondered about. I now have a deeper appreciation for this term I've done for each production without knowing its name. Thanks!
These are really well done. I've worked as a camera person in the film industry for 26 years and there are so many people in the film industry who don't get this? LOL. Even some directors are lost trying to put together their story.
I just completed my first short film which, while I am proud of and got plenty of great reactions, did not have the level of planning and direction I probably should have given it. Your videos are helping me prepare for my next one right now. Thank you for making these.
Happy filming!
Keep doing it, that's the only way you're gonna learn the important lessons. Mise En Scene is a fraction of the big picture but it's a very important fraction.
Very helpful to understand practically for many of us who usually don't get oppurtunity to assist a good filmmaker or study in an expensive film school. Lots of thanks to Studio Binder who actually made this possible with such details in short and interesting videos like this.
Thanks for watching!
I am a filmmaker, but never formally studied filmmaking. This is so useful and thank you for making it free. Will help with my next animation and script
Another point here that makes this scene so effective is how much time the camera lingers on Danny when the ball arrives. You feel tense because you want to see what the hell is there, and Kubrick makes you wait...ratcheting up that tension.
When the narrator signified the importance of the rug design, I thought to myself: AHH, THE POWER of LINES, SPACE & SHAPES. AHh, now i'm even more stoked to portray symbolism within every shot, sequence, scene i record. This is a beautifully projected AV Script by the way StudioBinder. Awesome stuff!
Glad it helped!
Superb, what a brilliant job. Really the one who sees your videos don't have to go film school. You really defined and explained mise en scene in a prefect understandable way. I can say that because of the platforms like these, the world will see again the great film directors.
great directors -> great films
@@StudioBinder❤ 5:40
@@StudioBinderha'm ❤
Your chanel has immensely contributed in my screenwriting journey....I have said this earlier and I will say this again ....This is one of the best channels in KZhead.
You guys keep us motivated :)
Love that Kubrick shot. So effective! 👍
Cinema at its best
@@StudioBinder carpet pattern flips or whole scene flips
I cant get enough of these content. As an aspiring cinematographer and film maker, this really helps alot
Happy filming!
This channel is so incredibly effective at explaining things, I feel like I could show these videos to a middle schooler and they'd understand.
Studio Binder has rekindled my deep love for cinema...I wish I had kept pursuing my dream. Regardless, I'm grateful. I've learned a lot from this channel. A whole movie lot.
Have been enjoying your videos for a while now. There is much to learn yet you all do a splendid job explaining and showing examples. My very inadequate vision is to incorporate all senses in order to convey the intended mood/feeling/experience via moving images. Easier said than done most times with little or no budget. However, it is fun to learn from one's past attempts. Cheers!
Please make a video on direction techniques of SATYAJIT RAY
Yeahhh!!
If there's a strong demand we might!
Yes Please.
@@StudioBinder Demanding stronger !!! 😁 just do it guys
+1
Guys, I love every single one of your tutorials and yes, the lovely narrators make them all so much more colourful and interesting to watch, loving this :)
We love our narrators too :)
This channel is far better than most of film schools such as mine
I love the content in this channel, Studio binder. It’s very useful. Thank you Studiobinder.
I'm really enjoying StudioBinder content. Half of what I watch I might not remember and half of what I *do* remember, I might never use... but what's left is still so useful.
Sounds like school haha
I guess this concept comes very naturally to a filmmaker and it cannot be learned. Placing different elements into one frame and making it work seems very difficult as a beginner. I think either you are gifted with this craft or you've practiced enough...Kubrick in all sorts is a legend hands down
You're mistaken here. Composition is definitely a learning process that doesn't stop with the rule of thirds, but most "directors" don't really pay any attention to it.
Kubrick had a lot of practice as a professional photographer
I think it's kinda like fashion sense. You can innately be very fashionable (whether "you were born with it" or grew up around people who were) or you can pay attention to fashion rules and trends and purposefully make those choices. But regardless if your path; innate sense or purposeful choices, you can end up looking fab.
I don't know. I 'learned' to be a photographer by doing it. I was working for a charity, and we couldn't afford to pay a photographer for events and such. My solution was to go to the event, and shoot a ton of photos (I called it my 'shotgun theory' to photography). I figured that if I shot a ton of photos, then some would be good, and a handful would be 'genius', more or less on accident. It worked. Eventually, I learned what was good and what wasn't, and how to know in the moment when to shoot. Now think about a filmmaker with the experience and genius of Stanley Kubrick, who took take after take to find that tiny genius shot, more or less using the same method but at a higher level.
@@Ocrilat your theory is probably the best theory I've heard before!! Thanks for sharing it with us
thank you for all the effort in making of these videos
you have Mise en Scened the ads really well at the end. Give us a task, and whatnot!!
I... didn't even realize this was an add for a program until the last few seconds. Good job.
I really loved the editing in each of the videos. Just Amazing...
This was a much clearer explanation than the one in my film text book from university. Fantastic examples too. If you're thinking of going to film school, this channel will be your best friend.
Our free video textbooks!
This video was amazingly informative for me. Thank you so much!
Finnaly a filmmaker who talks about Tim Burton. The guys not the greatest but he is underrated and good.
"Why is the director pointing?" Thank you a million times over StudioBinder!! This question has been gnawing at me for several months, I felt like I had a good idea but this really opened it up so much more for me 👏🏻😭
Didn't realize this was an add till the end, VERY well done!!
Great video article - very insightful with some wonderful scenes and shots to back up your points.
Mise en Scene is really terrific! 😨😨
Essence of cinema!
You guys kinda appeared out of thin air for me. I always wanted to get into movies, but lacked maybe some sort of guidance to actually help me motivate myself to finally get out of cinematic illiteracy that bugs me so damn much! thank you, guys. wonderful work!
the mysterious KZhead algorithm brought you to us 😂
I learn a lot from this channel. I will give part credit to it for my success in the future. Thank you!
Stupendous channel..just knew it an hour ago from Breaking The 4th wall video and I am still checking it out. It really helps me with my inquisitiveness and passion about cinema. It's like a treasure I've found .
Studiobinder, you are my best teacher in film studies 💯❤️
thank you so much for this informative lesson. Really helps a lot.
This is my favorite video on the internet.
Cheers!
I have lot to say after being amazed by the content of this channel. You guys show it so beautifully that I make notes of it. Also the movies that i should see, of which the scenes you use as a reference. Cool things here. Lot to learn. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Glad the channel has been useful!
Best advert ever. Very well articulated. Love it! Liking and Sharing!
Thank you so much for existing, you guys have the best KZhead channel about filmmaking.
We appreciate it!
respect for all those people for the great job they are doing for this channel!!!
This explained mise en scène better than my film school. Wow.
I just recently finished a feature length script for a Docu-Fiction narrative, and this video has been very helpful. I have a suggestion for a future Motifs and Motives video: "Fincher and Photographs."
Not a bad idea! If we ever do it we'll give you a shout out :)
This channel is the guidebook for all aspiring filmmakers. Not just directors, but for everyone involved in it.
I was just wondering this myself since I heard this term very recently! You guys read my mind and made what I exactly wanted!!!
We're here for you :)
1917 is the greatest mise-en-scéne I've seen recently, considering it's a movie which serves as one-shot take. The production and sound design and cinematography is superb!
I agree sir its masterpiece
a fantastic use of environment and framing for sure
I think Parasite and Lighthouse where the masters of Mis en scene this year.
If you are into the one-shot concept, I can recommend the film "Victoria" which literally IS one shot.
8:37 - the rocket on his shirt pointing at his mouth, along with the way he rises straight up, also has meaning.
I always find being a director is fun and challenging but designing a scene that is interesting and unique rare.
Amazing video, very helpful and informative !! Thank you very much for sharing !!!!
I love this channel and I appreciate all the work that goes into making this video essays, but I can't understand how you guys could have analyzed this film and this scene without mentioning the swap they make on the direction of the carpet. Especially because the genius of Kubrick in this film was using it's Mise en Scene to create this unsettling atmosphere for the audience. It can be argued that this moment where the carpet is changed and the shape closes to Danny in front of him and opens on his back is exactly a foreshadowing that Kubrick made on how Danny would escape Jack (Danny goes backwards on his steps on the snow). This was Kubrick's genius, he didn't only use the images he created with this level of technique and expertise, but even for the most ingenious creations he would still find ways to go further on his subtle storytelling.
Could you clarify what you are referring to? The design on the carpet in this shot has hexagonal arrow shapes naturally pointing in both directions in a pattern
@@StudioBinder Hello! So, yes, the carpet pattern has the open hexagons, each having one opening, but no hexagon has two openings. In the sequence there is a continuity "error" on the hexagon that Danny is standing. In the first shot with the zoom out his hexagon has the opening in front of him, the ball enters the hexagon from this opening. If you look at the carpet again after Kubrick cuts to Danny's back, the opening of the hexagon is not on Danny's front anymore, it's on his back! Kubrick intentionally played with the continuity of the objects and the spacial logic in this film to give this eery feeling to the images. When he cuts again to Danny's front, you can clearly see that the hexagon Danny is standing has changed, because now the opening is not the same as when the ball rolled in. What I said in the previous comment was that I think Kubrick used this not only as the visual cue to say "The hotel wants no escape for Danny" but also as a foreshadowing on how Danny would escape Jack. On the labyrinth Danny is running forward to get away from Jack, but it's by going backwards on his steps that he's able to fool his murderous father. Just like this scene, where the way out of the hexagon is not forward for Danny anymore, it's backward.
@@pedrobuson5880 great note!
@@GhadeerMohamed94 thanks! Still don't know if @StudioBinder read my answer :/
@Marcelo Ojeda since you spoke about the impossible window in the office, how about the impossible rooms when Danny is going through the hallways? Hahaha. Kubrick is obviously trying to play with our unconscious, making these logic tricks for our brain to know there's something wrong with the hotel but our conscious self not be aware of this.
who else is watching this in awe and smiling at the same time?
Great job to teach clearly the basics. Don't forget to include characters and story when you talk about "shot" and "mise en scène"...
Tomorrow i have to write about mise en scene in my literature and cinema exam. Thank you Sir for explaining it so well😊😊
Have not heard the term mis en scene since school in the early eighties. At that time it was defined simply as elements in a scene/shot. Good to get a more in depth definition.
I absolutely love StudioBinder content. Since I discovered it, I've been gobbling it up. It's so engaging and really spot on with perspectives I've not seen often with regards to the process of filmmaking in a truly practical manner. In this video, I have one tiny critique, and that is the typo of "scéne". It should be "scène". It's one of those things that we all miss but my editor brain won't let go of! (Sorry! Thank you for the amazing content! So sorry!)
Sir directing style of Satyajit ray great Indian filmmaker and very influential and informative video
Thanks for the suggestion!
Much appreciated Studio Binder. Kudos to you. P.S. I've been following your channel for a while now. And it gives me something I learned for a day everytime I watch your videos😊💖👏👏
Our videos are working then :)
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Excellent Video. The ball only looks pink due to a color error in the Blu-ray edition of The SHINING. The Most recent 4k fixed this error and the ball is YELLOW again.
Wonderful video. Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) is my favorite example of terrific Mise en Scene.
Great choice!
So helpful. Thank you
Thank you 🙏 for this videos.
Thank you very much StudioBinder:-) You Rock!!! Love it!
I absolutely love this channel!
we love our viewers :)
I wish I had this narrator’s voice. Gold.
When I become a successful filmmaker I’ll thank studio binder!! These videos helped a lot
Great video! I just want to point out that it is spelled “mise-en-scène” not “mise-en-scéne,” but you guys have nailed the pronunciation of the word though!
Thank God I found this channel
I find it interesting how little is written down in the staging notes compared with what is in the film. For instance, the 'clunk' sound the toy makes after being tapped by the ball as it comes to rest. It's like punctuation. A full stop. And how much that one small sound contributes to the foreboding the scene is intended to portray.
thx for you guys made this video,that's very useful for me
Don't think you of all people need it Kurosawa 😂
Looking forward to the next one.
Coming next week!
One thing you didn’t highlight and would fall directly into the category of the topic - is the carpet pattern from the high shot is extensive and wide, uncluttered by walls or the waste bin, leaving Danny alone on an island of vast 70s carpet way too wide to fit the corridor- yet the rear shot shows these aspects of walls and bin should have in any physical sense, encroached the frame of the high shot. Compare the two and count the lozenges and you’ll see. The shining is full of this stuff, he did it to disorientate and make the viewer feel uneasy. Doors left slightly ajar in scenes etc (such as the cabinets in the twins in the corridor scene). There’s loads of different bits. Masterful.
Amazing video!! waiting to that color in mise en sence video!!
On its way!
Important to learn and to incorporate into my narrative.
never watched the shining but that was a hella good analysis!!! really good channel
As usual amazing vid that I didn’t know I wanted.
Glad you liked it!
StudioBinder is my film school ❤️❤️❤️ I just bought a camera and am working a a short film draft and can't wait to use their product as well as credit them for my knowledge
I'm gonna start subtly introducing these techniques on my KZhead business channel vids until it naturally makes my videos stand out from the crowd. Thanks.
And if you have an instinct that tells you that the scene will be better if we add this or that.... Then congrats, you're shining!
That wouldn't make a bad industry term haha
A great one ! Can't wait for more !!
New vid every Monday!
This is why I love films.
This is so precise!
Beautiful, so beautiful!
Excellent video.
Great Video, I learned a lot, Hi Mrs.Nelson
I love StudioBinder documentaries. Thanks so much for sharing on youtube.
Happy to share!
Stanley Kubrick is the definition of mise en scene in my opinion. From the final image of the Starchild, to Alex with his long eyelashes, the creepy twins, and the sex cult.
What privilige to be able to read the shining script. Clearly, if you read the script again, kubrik knew exactly how he's going to make that scene. It really makes Danny isolated and bewilderd.
Kubrick is filmmaking at its most precise 👌
@@StudioBinder Hi. Can you make a video about how directors directing the people on set. I thought this video is about it, as you mentioned about it in the beginning.
great video, thanks