Set It Off Analysis

The specific scene that I am discussing from the film Set It Off occurs only 10 minutes and 7 seconds into the movie. The scene only lasts about one minute and 40 seconds. The scene involves almost all of the main characters, except for one. Lida “Stoney” Newsome, Cleopatra “Cleo” Sims, Tisean “T.T.” Williams, and their boss Luther. The only character missing is Francesca “Frankie” Sutton. Stoney is played by Jada Pinkett, Cleo is played by Queen Latifah, T.T., is played by Kimberly Elise, Frankie is played by Vivica A. Fox, and Luther is played by Thomas Jefferson Byrd. All three of the girls in these scene work for Luther’s cleaning service (Set It Off).

This specific scene is an example of speaking out against gender exploitation, the exploitation is committed by Luther. Luther cusses at, yells at, and speaks inappropriately and rudely to each worker. The characters Cleo and Stoney speak up for themselves

First, the lighting is very bleak and dim. The scene takes place after the characters are done working and they are undoubtedly tired and the lighting is used in this way to showcase how the characters are feeling. Second, the props around the actors also contribute to telling the story by showing the audience that this is their workplace, the truck, the brooms, the trash can, and cleaning supplies all around them are what achieves this. The costumes also contribute to the mise en scene by telling the audience clearly that the three girls are the employees and that Luther is the boss of them. The composition of the actors is also a part of the mise en scene and important to telling the story. The actors are positioned in ways to reaffirm that Luther is the boss, and also to let the audience know the girls are tired from working. The way they are slouched and resting against props is what achieves the mood of the scene (Set It