In chapter 4 of “Film Art,” the authors introduce the concept of mise-en-scène. They define it as “the director’s control over what appears in the film frame.” (Bordwell et. al 113) Mise-en-scène entails the manipulation of film elements such as lighting, costume, setting, makeup, characters, and performance.

Setting can be used with costume and makeup to help establish characters and their role in the film. In “L’Argent,” based on shot 4.22, There are only 2 types of costume in this shot, men with blue guard uniforms, and men with grey suit jackets and white button down shirts. Viewers can assume by this that the men in guard uniforms have authority over the men in the grey jackets. The power structure is further established by the way a prison guard is manhandling a man in a grey jacket.

Furthermore, a show that I believe uses mise-en-scène well is “Insecure.” Issa Rae uses costumes for her character in the show to exhibit the stages of life her character goes through as well as her development. When explaining the role of costume and makeup in mise-en-scène, the authors state that “Less obviously, costumes can become motifs, enhancing characterization and tracing changes in attitude.” (Bordwell et. al 119) In the start of the series, Issa (the character) is seen wearing wild prints, mismatched outfits, and old T-shirts. The costume choice mirrors Issa’s life at the time, where she is fickle, immature, and confused and unsatisfied with her job, relationships, and life in general. Towards the end of the series, Issa wears business casual clothing, matching sets, vibrant colors, and presents herself as “clean” and “put together.” At this time of her life, Issa is on her desired career path, has established meaningful relationships, and can have mature conversations with others.

The concept of mise-en-scène is imperative in the shaping of film and helps viewers understand the director through the manipulation of elements such as lighting, costume, and setting. Through examples from “L’Argent” and “Insecure,” we see how setting and costume can not only establish characters and their roles, but also reflect their growth and development throughout the film/show.