COMM 231 1st EditionLecture 11 Outline of Last Lecture • Different elements of mise en scene Outline of Current Lecture • Art Direction and set design⁃ Realism⁃ Expressionalism⁃ Analyzing Current LectureIn analyzing the set design (art direction and production design) we can decipher films according to 2 categories:RealismExpressionalism3 types of realism:Poetic realism: a more stylized type of realismDocumentary realism: made as if you were there, doesn’t have to actually be a documentary, but shooting in an actual location and using it for what it isStudio Realism: shot in a studio but in order to look realAll try to convince us of the realism of the setting (actual or studio) whether this be drama, science fiction, horror, or epic, the emphasis is on accuracy and moodSome examples:Precious—Documentary RealismMidnight In Paris—PoeticExpressionalistic art design emphasizes the psychological, emotional, or spiritual state. Emphasis is evocative rather than supportive to the characters and scenario. Prioritizes visual design above all. Taps into anxiety and terror. Represents a state of mind, not a sense of place. Usually created in the studio. Appeal to our sense of the marvelousExamples: George Melies, first magician of cinema; Tim BurtonThe Cabinet of Dr. Caligari—Robert Weine, 1919German, style in anxiety and terrorSets are deliberately artificialHorizontal and vertical lines avoided in favor of diagonals; sense of instability and anguish1. Regardless of stylization, beauty and impact of a setting is in its truth2. Even ugly locations can be regarded as aesthetic beauty3. Set must present a character before they appear 4. Indicate social position, tastes, habits, lifestyles, personalities5. Intricately linked with action of the scene6. A filmmaker that pays attention to the setting distinguishes on amateur from a seasoned professional filmmakerAnalyzing: consider how the set design can affect the interpretation of a scene1. Exterior or interior (and what is the role of nature)2. Studio or location3. Style4. Period5. Class6. Size7. Decoration8. Symbolic function (does it add up to more than its parts?)Example: All That Heaven AllowsTwo different classes, art direction is used to show upper class and lower
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