Mise-en-scene Explanation

Writer note: This mise-en-scene explanation is being written after recording, this means that I will attempt to describe the scenery so that it matches the footage.

This post will mainly focus on the scene itself rather than the characters. If you wish to see the props of the characters there is a blog post detailing that information. And without further distraction lets begin.

Location and Setting

As mentioned before my setting of the opening sequence media coursework project consists of two locations. An ancient looking countryside rural area, and and a modern establishment which posture as an hospital (due to the covid situation I was unable to record in a real hospital, so in the end I ended up recording in an office). The locations themselves create a juxtaposition of the old an the new between them that further connects with the theme of science fiction.

L̂ighting

The nightmare section of the narrative will be complement with both natural lighting and a dark tone, in order to connote a sense of uncertainty that mixes with the protagonist's visible confusion. Inversely, the hospital looking location will poses bright lighting to express a futuristic message. 

Props

During the opening's longevity there are a total of 4 main props that do not involve the characters themselves. The first one is a candle that is utilized by the protagonist to see in the dark within a certain scene of the projects. This specific asset not only applies natural lighting to the sequence itself, it also follows a generic sci-fi convention which consists on the light uncovering mysterious secrets. Moreover, the second prop is a sub-machine-gun. While normally this kind of objects would fit more on a gangster type film, I thought it could also add an interesting action element to the project in its entirety. Furthermore, the third piece of equipment is a computer. The principal reason for this inclusion is to emphasize even deeper on the previously mentioned theme of technological advancement. And finally, the fourth prop is an improvised stretcher for the patient character to lay on.

Facial expressions and body language

Both facial expressions and body language are key for the audience to fully comprehend Project Insomnia narrative. And due to this significant reason, the actor who plays the role of the protagonist of the story has performed visible facial expressions and body language, in order to create a confused atmosphere that will effectively draw the attention of the audience to the presented situation.