Assignment: Write a one to two page reflection comparing the first two movies: It Happened One Night (1934) and Rebecca (1940). In this reflection I would like for you to comment on aspects of mise en scène of each movie and address the similarities or differences in the technical elements of the films and also the characterizations of males and females in each film. How were the roles of men and women characterized in each film? Were societal "norms" reinforced or resisted?
Format: This essay should be typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman. You need to put a heading on your paper with your name, the class and assignment, my name and the date. This assignment is due on 9/21.
Thinking about the Formal Context
MISE EN SCÈNE (Everything going on within the frame-outside of editing and sound)
• Sets/Setting
• Characters/Style of Acting
• Composition (the interaction of the characters in the set within the frame)
• Costumes
• Lighting
• Diffuser/Filter
Thinking about the Social Context:
1. Identify themes/tropes (What broad ideas or allusions are established by repetition of technical and linguistic means?) For example:
• Alienation
• Power or control
• Transcendence through romantic achievement
• Rags to riches
• Bad guy change of heart
2. Intent/Message (What does the director of this film want to say/do?)
3. Look at linguistic, visual, aural features for metaphors, metonyms (associations/similarities) or symbolism.