First draft - mise en scene and sound

This essay will analyse how the use of two micro elements, mise-en-scene and sound, create meaning and provoke audience response in an extract from the film 'Poltergeist' produced by Tobe Hooper in 1982. The clip the essay will focus on is the TV Scene 'They're Here' which centres around an American family, in particular a little girl called Carol Anne.  

One aspect of mise-en-scene is setting. This clip is set in the bedroom of a family house. The room is clearly lived in as objects are out of place and clothes are scattered around the room. Around the bedroom photographs are displayed which suggests to the audience that they are a close family unit. The setting is dark and not everything is visible which creates a sense of mystery for the audience. In the corner of the room is a window where the curtain is blowing, a bedroom is normally a peaceful place however this creates a sinister feeling for the audience and acts as a warning that something is going to happen. The bedroom also contains a lot of white objects and furniture which has connotations of innocence, this contrasts with the unnerving atmosphere caused by the dark lighting in the room.

Another aspect of mise-en-scene is props. The significant prop used in this clip is the television. From the beginning of the clip the TV is on and is showing different images which are associated with unity. At one point the TV shows a close up of a silhouette hand grabbing out to other hands. The fact it's a silhouette creates a sense of mystery for the audience as they don't know whos hand it is. The appearance of the silhouette hand on the TV also foreshadows what is about to happen and gives out a subliminal message as it puts the idea into the audiences head without them realising. After this the TV screen goes blank and turns to white noise. This creates an element of suspense for the audience as they are waiting for something to happen. It is ironic how the TV is going to disturb family time when it is usually something which is used for family time. This acts as a warning to the audience that something is going to in fact disturb them and break them apart. At the side of the TV the time is displayed which is 02:37. This is an unusual time for the TV to be on at, considering all the family members are asleep. Therefore the audience begin to question why the TV is still on in the early hours of the morning. Another significant prop in the clip is the heart shaped balloon which is on the wall. At the beginning of the clip the heart balloon isn't visible to the audience, however when the energy is released from the TV it makes the heart visible. This allows the audience to see it is a deep red colour which suggests that they are a strong family unit as red has connotations of love and family unity. When the energy is released it begins to move the heart shaped balloon, however it struggles to fall. This could highlight to the audience that there is going to be a struggle in the family. The balloon then deflates and falls to the floor without being popped. This shows that the energy is powerful and is there to disrupt innocent childlike fun as balloons are normally associated with children. This creates a sinister atmosphere for the audience. The fact that the energy takes the heart off the wall could highlight that the purpose of the energy is to take the heart/soul of someone. This heightens the fear for the audience as Carol Anne is very vulnerable.

Lighting is a further aspect of mise-en-scene. To begin with the room is dimly lit which suggests something sinister is going to happen. The light starts to flicker which acts as a warning to the audience. The room then becomes light and clear which highlights to the audience that the family are asleep besides Carol Anne. This heightens the threat and suggests to the audience something is going to happen. As the energy is released chaos is caused to the setting and the lighting changes again so that we cannot see what is going on. This creates a dusky atmosphere and keeps the audience on edge.

A final aspect of mise-en-scene is costume and make up. Carol Anne is dressed in pyjamas with bright blue eyes and rosy cheeks. This is the typical innocent little girl which purely emphasises how sinister the energy is compared to Carol Anne. This makes the audience feel scared for her and in some way empathise with her.

The second micro element this essay will analyse is the use of diegetic and non diegetic sound. The scene opens with the diegetic sound of the National Anthem playing from the TV which suggests to the audience that they are a strong family unit and a wholesome American family. The National Anthem is playing loud not suttle, which is warning the audience that something is not right as it is strange that the family have fell asleep with the TV playing so loud. The TV then cuts to white noise preparing the audience for something sinister to happen. A high pitched screech and the sound of violins play which makes the audience physically jump and feel uncomfortable.  The noise abruptly stops and goes to complete silence which creates audience anticipation as it makes them wait for the next thing to happen. Carol Anne then says “They’re here” in an innocent, young voice which shows the audience the contrast between the sinister energy and the innocence of the little girl. Carol Anne says this line slowly and clearly, this could suggest to the audience that she is used to paranormal activity around her as she isn’t panicking.

Non diegetic sound is used when Carol Anne is crawling off the bed towards the TV where high pitched violin strings are used to constantly interrupt the melody playing, forcing the audience to remain on edge and stay alert. As the energy is coming out of the TV the music which is playing builds to a loud crescendo amplifying the impact of the energy and making the audience feel tense. The music then alters to a low pitch, which has connotations of threat, creating a sense of fear for the audience.