Visual Storytelling…

Visual storytelling is a vital part of the film-making process. The correct use of visual elements can extend the styling, effect and overall meaning of a film. Use of the theories of Mise en Scene ensure that every aspect of the frame is contributing to the impact of the film for the audience. Mise en Scene is a French term, meaning ‘everything within the frame’. Lighting, composition, framing, costuming, colour, sets and props are all elements of the film production that play an essential role in enhancing the cinematic experience of the audience and enriching the purpose and meaning of the original script.

Throughout this essay, the way in which framing can be effectively used to add layers of meaning to a shot will be explored through creating three establishing shots that embody such meaning.

The Character:

Following are three possible establishing shots with varying methods of framing, within which the same character information will be portrayed. The character creates a ‘femme fatale’ persona through her appearance, while her internal struggles and negative outlook contradict her physical appearance. She inhabits the setting, yet does not engage with it. She is isolated and mysterious, yet many things can be assumed through what is shown in the shots.

 

 

Shot 1

Shot 1:

This first shot uses framing and colour to convey a certain emotion and relationship between the male and the main character; the girl. The girl’s position in the foreground and close proximity to the camera draws focus to her, which is desired to show her importance in the plot to follow. The male placed in the background of the frame with his back turned gives an impression of her detachment from the world around her and lack of meaningful relations with members of the opposite gender. The colour used in the shot also highlights the warmth of the surrounding world in contrast to the cold, harsh colouring of the main girl.

 

Shot 2

Shot 2:

The second shot is a lower body close up shot that frames the lower leg and sidewalk as the main character is walking. The deliberate framing of the character’s promiscuous clothing highlights the aspects of her personality that others focus on: her appearance and sexual aesthetic appeal. The lack of framing of the face also shows the lack of interest in her emotions and emphasises her detachment. The frame’s inclusion of the littered walkway shows the grimy and dark environment within which our character resides and constructs further contrast to the appearance of the protagonist.

Shot 3

 

Shot 3:

This third shot places the main character in the centre of the frame, creating a focus point for the audience. Lighting in this shot is minimal, only lighting the main character and slightly exposing features in the background. The inclusion of the fences in the frame highlights the character’s sense of isolation, as well as detachment from her surroundings. The character is in the middle-ground of the frame, yet still draws focus due to the lack of objects in the background and foreground, which have been excluded from the composition of the frame.

 

To conclude, a major facet of a film experience extends beyond the written word of the script or audio features. The utilisation of visual elements including framing, colour and lighting can create multiple layers of meaning beyond the dialogue and audio of a film. Meanings can be enhanced, plot points can be emphasised and essential connections with characters and their journeys can be established. 

Advertisement