Mini Assessment #1

“Carol” by Todd Haynes

Film analysis
Scene at time [27:45]

1. How would you describe the mise-en-scène?

Setting: constructed studio setting. Props such as photos pasted on the wall, desks, stacks of
paper, and a camera are present. Props are dark or shadowed to focus on the two characters
speaking (Therese and Dannie).

Costume/Makeup: Characters wear light-colored outfits that create a great contrast with the
dimly lit background, making us focus on them. Therese wears either slight or no make up at all.

Lighting (Quality, Direction, Source): Low-key, soft underlighting for Therese as she is farther
away from the lamp and a low-key soft side lighting for Dannie. Lighting is diegetic; they come
from the lamp on a desk and from the outside of a window.

Staging: There is a noticeable distance between the two characters speaking, which can help us
infer that the two characters ( Dannie and Therese) are distant from each other. In movement, we
see Dannie walking over to Therese and kissing her. Therese rejects him and leaves. Performance
appears natural and not overacted.

2. Which aspects of the mise-en-scène are most significant in this scene?

I consider that the most significant aspects of mise-en-scène are the staging and the lighting.

3. How exactly are they significant?

Staging, ( position between the characters) helps us have a sense of separation or unfamiliarity
between the characters. The dim lighting makes us feel uncomfortable, which helps us sympathize
with Therese’s rejection of Dannie.

Scene at time [1:27: 40]

1. How would you describe the mise-en-scène?

Setting: Outdoor real scene of a motel, then a sequence of shifts between outdoor scenes of the
car and indoor scenes of rooms (possibly staged).

Costume/Makeup: Therese is dressed in simple clothes that camouflage with the dark settings.

Lighting (Quality, Direction, Source): High Key lighting at the motel scene, followed by several low-
key lighting and dimly lit scenes ( side-lighting and back-lighting).

Staging: sound is non diegetic, as we are listening to Carol’s voice while Therese can only read the
letter. She is mainly portrayed as abandoned and helpless although she is accompanied by Abby.

2. Which aspects of the mise-en-scène are most significant in this scene?

Lighting, and staging.

3. How exactly are they significant?

The dim lighting emphasizes Therese’s feelings of sadness and creates a gloomy aura. Staging with
Carol’s voice help us understand what is being said on the letter that Therese is reading.