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. 

Again. The story of my life.

and no explanation. Just a red light to indicate to you to exit the stage because you’re just not good enough. 

That’s it. I’ve done my best in Los Angeles. I came here with dreams and within two months, they are shattered and lying in the gutter. I guess that’s the nature of this place… Betty’s new name shall be Holly (for Hollywood). They are both as cruel and unforgiving as each other. I hate to prove my mother and family right, but maybe they were all along. Maybe Betty’s attempts to crush my spirits and dreams were just to get it over and done with before someone else did. 

I’m packing all my things tonight and I’ll be on a plane back to Canada by tomorrow afternoon. Lake Louise smells of misery and regret… Hollywood is much the same now. Back to Lake Louise I go… back to Betty and Dennis, back to my old and far from glamorous life. 

The final curtain has fallen. The star on the rise is on the descent. Will she ever rise again? Who knows… but my epic journey through Los Angeles and cyberspace ends here until i actually achieve something worth plastering all over the World Wide Web. 

Goodbye, Farewell and Amen.

God speed.

Queue the fat lady to sing.

Goodbye, cruel world.

I still know i have the passion, dedication and talent to get to the high life= the A-List!

so…. i’m going to give it one last shot in Los Angeles! This morning, I saw a flyer on a telegraph pole for an open audition for a small singing and dancing role on the latest production of “FAME” at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. The audition is today at 2.00! This is probably the biggest opportunity i’ve been presented with so far, and my nerves are definitely showing. 

Vocal exercises, stretching, my planned improv dancing and my award-winning smile will all need to be finely tuned and ready to go at their best! I have a few hours to prepare myself, psych myself up, and i’ll check my PO Box on the way to the Playhouse for those that need a few more hours to get their letters just right and creepy enough!

Wish me luck!!! Here we go…. The Last Crusade. (god, Harrison Ford used to be such a hunk!)

xo

I worked the day shift at Rock Around The Clock today, and i was a brilliant Marilyn Monroe waitress! I was so convincing as the goddess herself, from my soft, seductive voice to the blonde hair, red lipstick and white flowing dress that blew about in the tropical breeze every time a customer entered and the old, wooden door swung open. I looked glamorous and fabulous… as per usual.

But Miss Manager Wendy is under the impression that i was (and i quote) “so obsessed with looking and acting the part of Marilyn Monroe that i forgot what i was actually there to do… be a waitress!”

I have never heard something so preposterous in my life! I was merely trying to give a believable performance and enjoyable fifties experience to all the fans that entered the diner! There’s no harm in that!

To that, Wendy replied “News flash! You don’t have fans.. they are just hungry customers… none of them even know who you are… no one will ever be your fan, and you know why? BECAUSE YOU CAN’T ACT. Your Marilyn Monroe wasn’t even that convincing.”

NOT THAT CONVINCING?!?! I have been working on that impression literally my entire theatrical life and for old bag Wendy to try and tell me that it was less than perfect was simply mind-boggling! Who does she think she is?! She owns a stupid themed restaurant in the slummy area of Los Angeles… she wouldn’t know class-A acting if it smacked her in the face! She wouldn’t know anything about glamour, about acting, about fame and the wonderful world of Hollywood! She’s pathetic… I am brilliant. Aren’t I… Aren’t i???

Her and Betty would get on like peas in a pod, stupid old biddies. What Wendy said really hurt, and for some reason I just can’t get it out of my head! She’s got me doubting my craft! How dare she! 

Ohh these emotions are going to be hard to shake… but i must, for i am an actor, a lover of the theatre, a person of strength.

and Wendy’s final words?

YOU’RE FIRED.

I received my first letter in my personal stalker mailbox when i happened to be in the neighbourhood of the post office yesterday afternoon, but to my disgust… it was not a fan.. rather a critic.

MOTHER DEAREST.

Hello Jacqueline,    How many times do i have to tell you.. it’s JACK!    Just writing to tell you about Dennis (of course) and his recent achievements at the Lake Louise Junior High Science Fair. I have never been a prouder parent!  Gee, thanks Betty. That makes me feel just so warm and fuzzy on the inside.    Dennis came second in the science competition with his brilliant model of a volcano. The other girl that came first obviously had so much help from her parents, it was pathetic.   Oh i see what’s going on here! You just hate every young girl on this planet now don’t you Betty!  Your old drama teacher handed me a flyer for their latest production of “Oliver Twist”, but i used it to put my gum in on the way home… just another silly fanciful thing it seems. Yes, because everything i show an interest in is always ‘fanciful’ to you isn’t it Betty. That imagery is exactly what i’m talking about! You putting your sticky little rubbish all over my dreams until they’re scrunched and lying in the gutter!!!  Anyway my dear, (*dry heaves*) I must be off! I have to take Dennis to the mall for ice cream to celebrate!   I want to kick Dennis’ perfect little ass so hard right now.   Hope all is well and i also hope you have gotten a few jobs… Mummy giveth   …wouldn’t want to prove all the family right now do you?  Mummy taketh away.  Take care.   will do.

Mum xo         no.. not mum…BETTY.

what a wonderfully supportive letter that was. (<– insert sarcasm here) Nice to see my PO Box is being put to good use.

AND GET STALKING AND LETTER-WRITING FANS! i’m beginning to doubt your dedication to me… tut tut! Just to clarify, the Box Number is 212, for those i’m sure have stupidly written the wrong number. (the 121 box must be simply overflowing with my mail!) 

Mustn’t it?

Off to work ta-ta  xo

AGAIN.

i really don’t wanna talk about it.

That would just add salt to my wounds.

But I really don’t understand… I was perfect for that part! I even put on my cheesy announcer voice (all deep and theatrical-like). And i did everything on my own, personal audition checklist!:

I was friendly: I high-fived all the casting directors (TICK)

I was talkative: I told them all about my pigeon encounter (TICK)

I was professional and helpful: I told them everywhere i thought the script needed improving (TICK)

I was appealing: I flashed some leg at each male casting director during one point in the audition (TICK)

Oh my gosh. I just realized. They were all men! They weren’t going to hire a woman! DAMN SEXISTS.

yeah, that’s what it was… damn, um…. sexists.

Something truly amazing has just happened! My good luck has continued! Everything is looking good to go for my Frosties audition tonight if this keeps up!

A PIGEON ABOVE DECIDED TO LEAVE A LITTLE PRESENT DRIBBLING DOWN THE SIDE OF MY FOREHEAD this afternoon as i was on my little terrace having my early dinner of lettuce and a cigarette before i shot off to my audition! That’s considered good luck in case you weren’t aware.. i’m pretty much guaranteed the part!

Okay, now to wipe the little gift away (which is now on my cheek) and head out!

No need to wish me luck… the bird’s done enough for me this afternoon! :):)

(not that i need luck anyway… pfft.)

I know how upset you all must be; not having heard about my famous escapades for a few days! (I’m seriously considering creating my own gossip magazine with me as the only star discussed… i’ll call it JACK-A-LICIOUS… brilliant.)

Anyway, the reason for my cyber absence is that i have recently acquired a position at a hip, downtown restaurant, “Rock Around The Clock”. It’s fifties-themed and all the waitresses and chefs have to dress up as an icon of this famous decade. The woman who interviewed me, Wendy, said that the other waitress who used to dress up as Marilyn Monroe was the victim of an armed robbery at Rock Around The Clock and has since ceased her employment there to be admitted to a psychiatric facility!

Oh my goodness, can you believe it! The position of Marilyn Monroe is all mine! I’m telling you, I have the best luck ever! (A secret thank you to the 6ft Caucasian male who entered R.A.T.C that fateful night)

This job is just until my six-figure cheques start rollin on in, which they will be doing very soon, thanks to my next big announcement!! ……

because yes thats right ladies and gentlemen…. I GOT AN AUDITION! A rep from Orbit Agency rang me this morning and practically begged me to go for the role of “Female Voice Over” in their latest breakfast cereal ad for “Frosties” (thats only like my favourite cereal!)

I’ll see if i feel like turning up and gracing them with my contagious and vibrant presence on the set tonight =]

and i’ll be sure to let you all know when i get the job… can’t have you all deprived of updates on your favourite celebrity now can i?

xo

I’ll be checking it every day (now that’s dedication!), so don’t worry about it taking ages to get to me!

Here it is,

PO Box 212

Beverly Hills Post Office

Santa Monica Boulevard

Beverly Hills CA 90210

Get writing! But please don’t flood me all at once!

and for the hand deliveries… (which i always find more personal and from the heart)

Stalker Mail

(NOTE: IGNORE THE STAR! the post office in question is in fact on Santa Monica Boulevard, also featured in this map)