Mise-en-scene: Stranger Things Analysis

1. Mise-en-scene Analysis

Costume - At the start, the character is wearing a white lab coat. This suggests he is a scientist and works in a laboratory. This could also suggest that the genre of the series is science fiction. The other characters wear outfits symbolic of the 1980s, which is the time period that the series is set in. This helps to make the series seem more realistic.

Lighting - In the laboratory scene, there are sterile, flashing lights. This could be an emergency alarm system, which suggests that something has escaped. Later on, the four main characters go down a dark road, creating a scary, mysterious atmosphere as the dark has connotations of the unknown. At the end, the light in the shed gets very, very bright. This contrasts the dark, creating unease.

Setting - The clip starts in a restricted government laboratory, suggesting a science fiction genre with monsters or superpowers. The other setting is a typical American house in the 1980s, making the time period the series is set in seem more appropriate. When the three characters go home, they are on an isolated, dark road, creating fear and suspense. At the end, the character is isolated in a small shed, creating fear as they are in a closed, tight area.

Props - Throughout the clip the characters use props that seem to be from the 1980s. For example, Nancy is holding a brick phone, suggesting that this is set in the past. The four main characters are also playing a board game called 'Dungeons & Dragons', which was published in 1974. This suggests the series is set in a time period before the internet or during the early years of it.

Actor placement/movement/expression - At the start, the character in a lab coat is alone and running away from something. They are afraid of something, and move frantically. This creates suspense and fear as the audience doesn't know what they're running from. During the middle, the four characters are grouped together, which contrasts when they go down the dark road later on and go their separate ways. At the end, the character is isolated and afraid, which is a common characteristic in horror media.

 2. Extension Tasks

The first 8 minutes suggest that the series is science fiction. This is because of the opening scene with the laboratory, the man in the lab coat and the fact that the character disappears at the end Furthermore, we can infer that this is a horror series as the clip contains many characteristics of horror media. For example, there are flashing lights and scenes with little to no light, and characters are isolated in enclosed spaces. We can also infer that the series will revolve around the characters against a monster, as the characters at the end and start seem to be running from something chasing them when something inexplicable happens to them. Namely, the character at the start is grabbed upwards against his will, and the character at the end disappears with a bright light.

 

 

 

 

 

Fruit Bowl Task: 2

 Theme: Pastel

Fruit Bowl Task

 Theme: Autumn

Denotation and Connotation

Denotation: There is text saying, 'Dig toilets, Not graves' with the logo WaterAid in the top-left. There is a young person looking at the camera with a neutral expression. The background appears to be of houses.

Connotation: The advert consists of mostly dull, neutral colours, which has connotations of seriousness and drought. The phrase 'Dig toilets, Not graves' tells the audience that WaterAid is a charity. The houses in the background also look less developed, which communicates that WaterAid helps people in developing countries.

Analysis: The company name itself, 'WaterAid' suggests that they are a charity that links to aiding developing countries with water-related issues. Furthermore, the text has connotations of death ('graves') and uses guilt and responsibility to connect with the audience. The young person is also used for this reason, as his neutral expression conveys that he is unhappy. 

Denotation: There is text with a white background. The background itself is a simple grey with a yellow line at the top. There is a logo at the bottom.

Connotation: The logo at the bottom suggests that the ad is for cars, and the text is talking about the dangers of texting while driving. The background is simple and makes the audience pay attention to the text.

Analysis: The misspellings in the text convey the meaning further, being shocking enough to leave an impression. The background is simple enough to make the audience focus on the message, mirroring how drivers should focus on the road while driving.

First 10 Questions

1) Which part of Media are you looking forward to the most?

I'm looking forward to analysing films and TV shows.

2) What knowledge and skills do you hope to learn in Media?

I hope to learn how to edit photos and videos.

3) What grade are you realistically hoping to achieve in Media?

Realistically, I'd hope to achieve an 8 but I would like to aim for a 9.

4) What device do you use most to access the media? (The media = news, TV, music, film, social media etc.) 

I mostly use my phone or computer.

5) What is your average 'screen time' (or equivalent) on your phone each day. Is this about right, too little or too much? Why? 

My daily average is about 9 hours. This is too much because too much screen-time isn't good.

6) What was the last TV programme or film you watched?

Beetlejuice

7) What device or subscription do you use to listen to music?

I use Spotify to listen to music.

8) Do you play videogames? If so, what do you play games on and what is your favourite game?

I do, and I usually play them on my computer or PlayStation. I don't currently have a favourite game.

9) Are you on social media? If so, what social media do you have and why do you like it? 

I am, and I usually use TikTok. I like it because it allows me to find people who share similar interests, and I can engage with that content.

10) Finally, do you think the media is a positive or negative thing for young people? Why?

I think it depends. The media can be something negative for young people, as social media can influence self-esteem and the decisions we make. The constant comparison of people online can lead to young people becoming more insecure, or doing things to fit in.

However, the media can also be positive. For instance, the news can help young people stay up to date on the world around them and social media can help young people find friends online that share their interests.