Micro essay 2nd draft

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 television 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 and the props used. This clip is set in the bedroom of a family house. The audience can see that the room is clearly lived in as objects are out of place and clothes are scattered around the room. 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 atmosphere 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.

One significant prop used in this clip is the television. From the beginning of the clip the television is on portraying different images such as grand American historical buildings, which are associated with unity and some that appear to have political importance. This allows the audience to understand the message of ‘unity’ making them aware this is perhaps a key symbol in the scene. A prominent image on the television screen is the silhouette hand grabbing out to the other hands below. The fact it's a silhouette creates a sense of mystery for the audience as they are forced to question and think about who the hand belongs to. The appearance of the silhouette hand on the screen also foreshadows what is about to happen, acting as a subliminal message to the audience of future events.  At the side of the television the time is displayed which is 02:37. This is an unusual time for the television to be on at, considering all the family members are asleep. Therefore, the audience begin to question why the television is still on in the early hours of the morning. 


Another significant prop in the clip is the helium heart shaped balloon which is on the wall next to the bed. At the beginning of the clip the heart balloon isn't visible to the audience, however when the negative energy is released from the television 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 togetherness. When the energy is released it begins to move the heart shaped balloon, however it struggles to fall. This could allow the audience to predict that there is going to be a struggle within the family. The balloon deflates and falls to the floor without being popped, implying that the energy is powerful and is there to disrupt innocent childlike fun. The fact that the energy takes the heart off the wall highlights that the purpose of the energy is to take the heart and soul of someone. This creates a sinister atmosphere for the audience as Carol Anne is very vulnerable.

-----Photographs are displayed around the bedroom allowing the audience to infer that they are a close family unit.

Lighting is a further aspect of mise-en-scene. To begin with, the room is dimly lit suggesting that 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 the audience 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 red cheeks. This is the typical innocent little girl which purely emphasises how sinister the energy is compared to Carol Anne. This triggers a nurturing emotion from the audience, making them want to protect her as they are aware she has now met with danger. 

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 unit and a wholesome American family. The National Anthem is playing loudly not subtle. This acts as a warning to the audience that something is not right as it is strange that the family have fallen asleep with the TV playing loudly. The TV abruptly cuts to white noise, creating an element of suspense for the audience. The television represents 'family time' to the audience, however; irony is created as in this scene the television disturbs 'family time' and replaces it with something negative. This further acts as a warning to the audience that peace will be disturbed and allow them to expect some drama. 


The high pitched strings of violins creates an ear piercing sound, forcing the audience to physically jump and feel uncomfortable. The noise halts 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 highlights to 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. 

The micro elements in this essay have provoked a physical response from the audience as well as creating an overall sinister atmosphere and sense of mystery throughout the clip.