Mise-en-Scene
In the 2015 romantic drama film Carol, the story depicts the forbidden love between Carol (portrayed by Cate Blanchett), a wealthy, married and sophisticated woman and Therese (portrayed by Rooney Mara), a quiet naive young woman in New York of 1952. The scene that I found the most profound was the scene in which Carol professes her love to Therese.
The acting and actuality which is an actor’s performance through the use of appearance, gestures, body language and voice is very distinct in its representation. Cate Blanchett portrays Carol as a poised private upper class woman who is delicate with her words and actions versus Rooney Mara playing Rooney as innocent, unsophisticated and interested in learning more about Carol’s life. In this particular scene, the two dynamics have shifted since their relationship is complicated. Therese is now portrayed as being composed, direct and self assured as Carol tries to rekindle their relationship by telling her that she still loves her. The engagement is quickly interpreted by Jack which intimidates Carol forcing her leave, briefly saying goodbye to Therese. Through the use of Motion Capture which is defined as a distinction between where the whole body is filmed, we are able to see Therese’s reaction to Carol briefly touching Therese’s shoulder and the underlying message unknowingly presented in front of Jack.
The setting is defined as the place where a scene takes place. Throughout the film, we are visually able to see the depiction of the tri-state area in the 1950s. The set reminds me of The Plaza in New York, replicating a classic timeless fine dining area, where in the setting gentlemen sit to enjoy passing time. Even though they are sitting for tea, the table is propped with a white tablecloth, small lamp setting and a full dining table and tea set. The setting becomes elegant even though there is a minimal use of props thus providing the significance of their conversation to convey the relevance of the scene.
The costume and makeup gives the viewer insight into a character and film plots. We also can see the use of color, which is the control of lighting and coloring in the way in which their attires are more vibrant and elaborate or dull and restrained. Carol comes from wealth and so her costumes are more lavish and luxurious as Carol is regularly seen in tailored suits and fur coats. Throughout the film as Therese begins to settle into her job at a department store in Manhattan, she begins to dress more confidently through the use of vibrant color tones and bold stylish pieces. During the scene, both women are seen wearing naturally blushed makeup and fully buttoned neutral colored suits as they sit across from each other for the first time. Therese wearing a suit to this meeting is something to keep in mind since it is the first time she is seeing Carol since she left her without warning.
Lighting, which is defined as the lighter and darker areas surrounding the frame is widely used throughout the film. Due to the vintage aesthetic that is reflected throughout the film, many scenes are dimly lit and focus primarily on the use of shadows and soft lighting. However, in this specific scene the lighting is very naturally lit and highlighted more than other scenes. The lighting appears to depict a light and optimistic mood which alludes viewers to believe this is a high point in their relationship.
Altogether, the use mise en scene in the “I Love You Scene” conveys a clear, natural and sincere mood between the overall setting and the two actress as they embrace the negatives and positives of their relationship.
Written for UCLA’s Course 376802: The Language of Filmmaking taught by Professor Michael Bodhi Green.
Sherene M. Hall 