Mise en Scene

The Hunger Games

2012 - Dystopian/Action - 2h 22m

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This mise-en-scene paints a picture of deprivation and resilience in District 12, filmed on location in North Carolina. The setting is a poor-looking area, and the scenery includes worn-down wooden houses and trees, while the background's smoky, industrial vibe shows that they may be struggling economically with districts and their coal mining industry. Katniss's practical, simple costume matches with her surroundings, emphasizing the need for functionality and survival rather than "cute outfits". The scene's props, such as wagons, wood panels, and debris, give a sense of neglect and scarcity, showing that you must be resourceful to survive in District 12. Natural lighting is used to create a dull atmosphere and the diffused sunlight highlights the district's gloominess and struggle. In this scene, Katniss is framed in an off-centered wide shot, allowing the viewer to take in the environment and showing her isolation against the wide background. 

In this scene, the mise-en-scene elements convey a contrast in the characters' circumstances, from rags to riches!! The setting is an elegant train car, and the scenery is decorated with flowers, fancy tables, and shiny wood. This luxurious environment is clearly nothing like District 12, highlighting the difference in lifestyle between the Capitol and the districts. Katniss and Peeta's light, simple clothes emphasize how out of place they are in this fancy train car. The lighting is natural and soft, lighting up their faces while drawing attention to their uncomfortable and uneasy expressions. The lighting also contrasts with the harsh conditions of District 12, furthering their "new life."  The isolated positioning of Katniss and Peeta in separate chairs with space in between reflects their uncertainty about what's going on and their complicated relationship. The eye-level shot allows viewers to connect with their emotions and emphasizes their vulnerability in these new surroundings. The actors cast for the roles also make a difference to the story. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) has a resting mad face while Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) has a friendly, puppy-dog looking face.

In this scene, the mise-en-scene elements work together to create a futuristic, dystopian lab that feels like the people are test subjects. The setting is designed with metallic surfaces, reflective floors, and angled walls, which emphasize the cold nature of what is going on: beautifying the tributes. Medical beds and shelves filled with colorful glass containers make the space feel like a scientific lab as if the tributes were test subjects instead of people. The bright and blue-ish lighting adds to the clinical atmosphere by giving off a cold feel on the scene, reinforcing the sense of isolation and vulnerability of the tributes. Costuming enhances this environment. The workers are dressed in white coats, symbolizing that they are doctors (or just working in the medical field), while the guards wear black and white uniforms and stand upright, giving them a sense of surveillance and control. 

This scene shows Katniss in front of the Capitol audience as she shows defiance, power, and transformation with JUST her dress. This dress represents her as the "Girl on Fire," reflecting her rebellious and resilient personality. This costume foreshadows her future as a leader, making her seem different from the rest of the tributes. The Capitol residents in the stands are dressed in extravagant, questionably fashionable clothes, representing their detachment from what is going on outside of their perfect world, where the Hunger Games is seen as fun entertainment. The lighting focuses on Katniss, with the glow from the flames symbolizing her as a symbol of hope. The audience is slightly illuminated by an overhead light, drawing less focus from them. Katniss' position in the center of the platform in front of the large audience draws attention to her.

The mise-en-scene in this scene works together to convey the intense, dehumanizing environment of the training room. The tributes are dressed in matching dark athletic gear, symbolizing uniformity. This athletic clothing emphasizes their abilities, preparing them for the brutal games they will soon face. The setting is a bland industrial training facility with high ceilings, metal, and little decoration, creating a cold and impersonal atmosphere. This emphasizes the tribute's roles as only competitors rather than people, their identities taken away by the deadly game. Training props such as weapons and combat dummies are scattered throughout the setting, reinforcing the idea of violence and survival in this world. The lighting is minimal and directed but overall quite dark, making sharp shadows. This draws attention to the tribute's movement and interactions, adding to the sense that they are always being watched.