What is the importance of mise-en-scene and / or sound in
creating meaning and generating response in the film you have studied?
In the scene where the three characters are on top off a
rooftop in Paris, Hubert and Vintz are sitting next to each other talking, this
is mise-en-scene because those two characters have been in conflict through out
the film and this positioning shows that they are no longer in conflict, that
they are friends one more. Said in this scene is doing nothing, he is messing
around and enjoying himself, because mise-en-scene he is the one who brings the
two friends together and tries to stop the conflict, so when these two
characters are not in conflict Said doesn’t have to do anything. Hubert, Vintz
and Said represent each of the qualities the French flag stand for, which are
Liberty, fraternity and equality and in this scene is the first time the
characters say these words. But they are saying it in the context of a mocking
way, so it shows that they don’t fully appreciate the meaning, it could go as
far to show that they also don’t appreciate each other and the roles they play
in the friendship, which would explain the constant conflict. There is no sound
added to the scene, just diegetic sounds in the scene like wind and footsteps, this
ads a sense of realism to the scene. The characters are also seen smoking a
joint, which shows that because where they come from is rough and filled with violence
and drugs even though it is still a close knit community.
