Mise-en-scene

“Settings and sets contribute to a films mies-en-scene by establishing scenic realism and atmosphere” (Corrigan and White, 70). Mise-en-scene in a coming of age film is quite specific and is generally used to create realism and authenticity within the films setting. A sense of authenticity is vital in a coming of age film as we, especially as teenagers, go through similar motions in our day to day lives and a comparable and realistic environment makes the film far more relatable for audiences. Mise-en-scene is especially significant in Richard Linklaters 2014 film Boyhood. Because of the unique way that Boyhood was filmed (over a 12 year period), the setting is always subtly changing. For example as our main character Mason grows and evolves, inevitably so does his environment. So while we witness Mason and his family grow and move through life, we also see the subtle developments in human resources and technology. Its these subtleties in the mise-en-scene that make the film so authentic and relatable to audiences, especially those who grew up in a similar time. John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club, is very different to Boyhood in that the entire film takes place over a single day rather than 12 years but the mies-en-scene is no less significant. For starters the entirety of the film is set at the high school. This is a very common setting for coming of age films as not only do we spend many days at school as we come into our own, its also symbolic of learning. “How actors are costumed and made up can play a central in a film…[costumes] draw out or point to important parts of a characters personality” (Corrigan and White, 77-78). The costumes in The Breakfast Club in particular are the most significant aspect of mise-en-scene. The stereotypical nature of the main characters costuming is successful in immediately establishing a personality and a social group for each of them. For example, John wears layers of edgy and dissolved clothing that compliment his rebellious attitude, while Andrew wears clothing very typical of a high school jock - his Nike sports top and letterman jacket also act as symbols of status and sport. Whats mainly interesting about the mise-en-scene in The Breakfast Club is that although they are all in the same school, in the same detention, the main thing that separates them is their appearance and therefore social status. Other coming of age films such as Juno, Perks of Being a Wallflower, and We Are The Best! have similar aspects of mise-en-scene running throughout them such as the school setting, costumes that establish personality and social standing, and technology and props that signify an era, time period, or style. 

Boyhood. Dir. Richard Linklater. IFC Productions. 2014. Film.

The Breakfast Club. Dir. John Hughes. A&M Films. 1985. Film

Corrigan, Timothy and White, Patricia. T he Film Experience: An Introduction. 3 rd Ed. United States of America: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2012. Print. 

Image: NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/22/magazine/richard-linklaters-leading-boy.html?_r=0