Mise En Scene In The Matrix Essay

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The Matrix is a film that uses the five elements of mise-en-scene in order to deliver meaning to the audience and is constantly being seen throughout the entire film. Mise-en-scene is used by filmmakers and directors in order to emphasize what they want the audience to look at as important. The elements of Mise-en-scene are setting, costume and makeup, character and actor, lighting and color, and composition. Costume and lighting and color all play massive roles and are intended to be cues for the audience. For example, whenever a person enters the matrix, there is always a tinted shade of green, as if the scene was filmed with a green filter over the camera. This is intended for the audience to realize when a character is actually in the real …show more content…

For setting, the scene takes place in a completely white room which is known as ‘the construct’, where depth perception is not relevant, it simply never ends. This is intended to represent a different world other than reality. No room on Earth could be like this. This message is successfully delivered. His costume is, of course, a green shirt with a black coat. Morpheus, who is explaining what this ‘construct’ is, is also wearing green. Character and actor expressions and body language also come into play as you can see the confusion and disbelief in his facial expressions and the questioning looks on his face. Composition or the arrangements of elements in a frame are also used in this scene. There are only two chairs, a table, a remote control, and an old television set in the white room. The chairs are symmetrically placed and are exactly identical with red and brown colors. It was ironic that the television set was an older version as well, not an up-to-date one. This scene is a perfect example of how all five of the elements of mise-en-scene can be used to make a huge impact on the viewer. Overall, the film The Matrix has successfully utilized the elements of mise-en-scene. It is a perfect example of how the elements of mise-en-scene can be creatively used to express particular themes across the film and also be symbolic of imagination, such

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