Micro essay - Final 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' directed by Tobe Hooper in 1982. The clip this 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 and her encounter with an evil entity.  


One aspect of mise-en-scene is setting. The clip is set in the bedroom of a family house. The setting is dark and not everything is visible which creates a sense of mystery for the audience.

The costume and make-up used in the clip are used to highlight Carol Anne’s innocence. She 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 audience can see that the bedroom is clearly lived in as objects are out of place and clothes are scattered around the room. Photographs are displayed around the bedroom allowing the audience to infer that they are a close family unit. 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 switched on, portraying different images such as grand American historical buildings, 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. 


A prominent 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 allows 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.

The lighting in this clip is used to create a dramatic atmosphere and to warn the audience of sinister happenings. 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 allowing the audience to see that the family are asleep, besides Carol Anne. This creates a 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 sense of panic and keeps the audience engaged in the scene.

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 television. This holds connotations of unity and togetherness suggesting to the audience that they are a strong unit and a wholesome American family. The diegetic music of the National Anthem is playing from the television. This sounds becomes sinister as it is played while the family are sleeping, preparing the audience for the peace to be broken. The television 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 the sound the television produces 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, keeping them focused on the narrative. The diegetic dialogue of Carol Anne 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 suggests to the audience that she is unaware that this paranormal activity is of a threatening nature. 

Non diegetic sound is used when Carol Anne is crawling off the bed towards the television. The high pitched violin strings are used to constantly interrupt the melody which is playing forcing the audience to remain on edge, staying alert. As the energy is coming out of the television 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 of mise en scene and sound in this essay are used to provoke a physical response from the audience of fear and anticipation. The use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound are used to build tension, allowing the audience to predict the narrative; that something negative is about to disrupt the scene. Overall, the micro elements in the clip ‘They’re here’ create a sinister atmosphere and keep the audience engaged in the narrative.