Mise
en scene is the description of how the staging of a stage production can change
the story’s tone and its perception by the audience. In cinema, the stage is
replaced by the frames of film but the other aspects remain. With cinema, the
cinematography, costumes, design and make up all assist the director is
emulating a reality for the story that is being conveyed. Different genres
typically have different mise en scenes, this is because each variety of film
has a different attitude it wants to project. However, there are even different
mise en scenes within genres. These variations by directors are responsible for
establishing minor distinctions to set their work apart from the generally
accepted norm for the genre. A prime example of intra-genre mise en scene
differences would be found between North by Northwest and Charade. Besides
having a different story, the staging of these two thrillers makes each unique.
The dissimilarities in cinematography, set design and costume design are very
stark and clarify the originality of each film.
Every
film that has ever been made relies upon the use of cinematography to record
the story. Some filmmakers utilize cinematography more so than others in
enhancing the story they are telling. Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Donen were
two of the most distinguished directors in cinema and definitely fell into this
category. With their works, every frame was a painting and the story relied
heavily on how it was physically presented. In North by Northwest, Hitchcock
emphasized upon cinematographer Robert Burks the need to show the smallness of
characters when they are in peril. By keeping protagonist Roger Thornhill in
frame against a large background, his minuteness on screen mirrors his
inability to get a grasp on his current situation. Another feature in the
cinematography of North by Northwest would be the lack of editing in scenes
where dialog is occurring. This leads to a continuous take from one point of
view, versus a constant jumping from character to character. The reason behind
this is to give viewers a continuous point of view, as if they are an
individual listening to the conversation versus being a member of the
discussion. This keeps the audience separated from the story, much like how
Thornhill is separated from the powers that have thrown him into this intrigue.
The
cinematography of Charade was performed by Charles Lang. Lang had much
experience in different genres and understood that falling outside of
conventions was necessary to create unique films. Stanley Donen was also an
expert in numerous unique films, ranging from musicals to comedies. To put the
fast paced nature of Charade into perspective, Lang and Donen decided to have
plenty of editing. When characters are speaking, the audience sees the
individual talking from the perspective of the listener. This delivers the
message that the story is based upon instability and uncertainty. This
instability is felt by protagonist Regina Lampert in her quest to solve the
scheme she was unwittingly involved with. Another interesting cinematographic
device Charade uses is the framing of characters up close. Close-ups in Charade
are used to highlight the protagonist’s emotions as her beliefs are changed by
new information provided to her. By establishing tension by quick cuts and
showing distress in Regina’s face, the audience is more involved in the
direction the story takes.
Set
design helps assist in the creation of a universe where a story takes place and
is formed. Every film needs a setting to provide context and a design to
enhance the specific tone of the story. In North by Northwest, sets are
designed to show the complication of Roger Thornhill’s life before and after
being involved in this predicament. Setting pivotal points of the story in
crowded places provides a great contrast between this intricate scenario and
how his typical life is complex. Also, sets are designed to make Thornhill seem
smaller than he is. Besides being lost in crowded buildings, the audience sees
him placed within large buildings, by immense structures and in vast fields. Combined
with cinematography, we get a miniscule hero against large enemies. Another
minor facet of set design was the use of matte paintings to emulate
backgrounds. While convincing on occasion, they tend to become more apparent
over time. These could have potentially been utilized to mirror the
disingenuous nature of some of the characters that support Thornhill.
With
Charade, set design heightens constriction in a similar fashion as North by
Northwest. The main difference is that isolation is confirmed as confinement.
While North by Northwest shows Roger Thornhill on the run in large crowded spaces,
Charade has Regina Lampert alone in a tight place. The hotel room she resides
in is cramped and surrounded by antagonists, the hotel elevator is small as are
her hiding places. Charade is stating that Regina’s isolation goes beyond a
temporary displacement and is more permanent. In North by Northwest, Thornhill
can attempt to run from antagonists in the crowd he was so used to disappearing
in while Charade states that there is no point in evading foreboding enemies
and it is best to accept danger. One interesting thing about Charade is that it
was filmed on location in Paris. While interiors were constructed, exterior
shots and some interiors were real places. This adds a sense of reality to the
situation she is in. While Paris is a far off destination, it is still a real
locale and seeing real landmarks puts into perspective how dangerous real life
can be. The designers also emphasized the less tourist friendly aspects of the
city which heighten the predicament she is involved with.
The
last and most interesting part of mise en scene is costumes. The costumes add
personality to the characters and bring the story to life by humanizing them.
In North by Northwest, Thornhill is on a quest on the lam to protect his
reputation and life. As a wealthy man, his daily routine includes wearing a
suit. When he goes on the run, he wears the same suit for the duration of the
film, which becomes tattered. This is to illustrate how Thornhill has become
worn by his experience in this scenario. The adversaries of the story are also
well dressed, to give a sense of power to the audience and solidify the stature
of his enemies. The perceived professionalism of those involved in the story is
a great juxtaposition against what the antagonists do.
In
Charade, the costume design does indeed mirror North by Northwest. Our wealthy
protagonist does wear the finest clothing; however she has more changes of
clothes. The decision to portray Regina Lampert as wearing numerous, expensive
pieces of clothing was to signify that danger knows no bounds and even the
well-dressed that can change clothes have issues. Regina’s clothing, like
Thornhill’s enemies, is a great contrast against the story as well. It is
unusual to see a woman wearing an overcoat running through Paris from a
murderer. The clothing of Regina and other characters is definitely more
vibrant than North by Northwest’s characters. While both films have characters
dressed well, North by Northwest uses more muted colors. The decision for
Charade to have more lively clothes may have been to get characters to stand
out. Besides being trapped in a small location or being the only person around,
obviously colored clothing makes her stand out even more. This makes it even
more difficult for Regina to avoid problems in the film.
All
of these elements of mise en scene enhance the storytelling process. While both
films are thrillers with protagonists in danger, North by Northwest analyzes
character interactions from an external standpoint and makes light of the
insignificance of people and their problems against the crowds and environment.
Charade decides to immerse viewers in the story while arguing the point that
people in trouble become trapped in realistic problems that cannot be avoided.
The simplest facets of production such as set design are important in getting
this point across. A reference is needed to put a film into perspective and
narrate the story. Mise en scene assists in telling this story and served its
purpose in these two films.
