2. Learning Objectives
Analyse the opening of Fargo
How does mise-en-scene set up
themes and characters?
Complete our study of mise-en-scene
Successfully complete an in-depth
analysis of Psycho, focusing on Mise-
en-scene & Cinematography

3. Fargo (1996)
Task
Watch the opening of Fargo and
answer the following questions:
How is setting established through
visual signifiers?
What can you learn about the
charcters / themes / story setting
from the visual signifiers?
Fargo (1996) Dir;
Coen Brothers

4. Costume
The costume a character wears is one of the most important visual
signifiers in a film
As in real like we associate certain styles of dress with stereotypes
and these are used by filmmakers to convey a lot of information in a
short amount of time
Costumes not only indicate a
period of time, but uniforms
can also provide information
about the character
They can also be used to
subvert our expectations
and surprise us

5. Geeks / Dweebs / Nerds

6. Office workers

7. Gangsters

8. Detectives

9. Hair & Make-up
Hair and make up are also significant
in defining a character
Film makers often ask actors to shave
their heads, alter their hair colour
and change their appearance
according to the role
Some times the hair of a character
may change throughout the film to
indicate development of a
character, or the passing of time
The more believable the
characters, they more likely an
audience are to accept it and engage
with the film

10. Daniel Day Lewis
There Will Be Blood

11. Daniel Day Lewis
Lincoln

13. Summary
Remember: Nothing is accidental!
Every single object has been placed
there for a very deliberate reason
You must consider how the mise-en-
scene can add depth to the film
symbolising that which is not
outwardly expressed – The Themes!
We can read from this much about
the character without any dialogue.
The way the character walks, stands
and performs facial expressions are
all relevant. Even the physical stature
of a character will be significant.

14. Any questions about
Mise-en-scene
or
Cinematography?

15. Psycho
It is now time to put everything we have learned so
far to the test!
Watch the scene from Alfred
Hitchcock's Psycho and complete an
in-depth analysis of the scene:
How does the cinematography change during
the scene?
What does the mise-en-scene tell us about
Norman?
Analyse the way both Marion and Norman
are framed and how their shots are
constructed

25. Psycho
Log on to the network
Open up ‘Word’
Complete a 500 word analysis of the
use of mise-en-scene and
cinematography from Psycho
You must copy and paste pictures
from the Psycho blog post in to your
work

27. Posting your work
By now you should all be bloggers!
Your task for this lesson is to successfully post your
Psycho analysis on to the blog

28. Blogging
Log on to the network and go to the SSSFCFILM blog
www.sssfcfilm.blogspot.co.uk
Log in and then click ‘New Post’

29. First thing you MUST do is give your post a title
The Psycho essay should be entitled
‘Psycho-Analysis’

30. Posting your work
In order for your work to be visible and traceable you
must ‘label’ your work
Labels identify you as the author of
the post
You must enter your full name as a Matthew O’Regan, Psycho analysis,
label, and also the label ‘Psycho Cinematography Homework
analysis or Cinematography
homework’
Use a comma and space to separate
the labels
You must then click ‘done’ – if you
don’t they will not be attached

31. Posting your work
Copy and Paste your Psycho Analysis / Homework
essays in the text box

32. Posting a video
To embed a video in to your post you must first find
an appropriate video
Go to YouTube and find a video
Homework – Trailer for the film you analysed
Psycho Essay – Psycho trailer
Click on ‘Share’
Click ‘Embed’
Copy the HTML code from the
box

33. Posting a video
Return to your blog post and click on
the HTML button
Copy the HTML code from YouTube in
to the box.
Make sure you post your video and
the bottom of the post
Now click ‘compose’ and then Publish
your post

34. Any
questions?

35. Learning Objectives
Continue to develop our analysis skills
Complete an in-depth analysis of the
cinematography, lighting and mise-
en-scene used in Return of the King