Mise-en-Scene
I chose to watch the film version of the Phantom of the Opera, because of its wonderful theatrical flair. I actually had the opportunity to see The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, which is why I believe this show is the perfect representation of the elements of mise-en-scene.
Lighting:
During Christine's aria, "Think of Me", the lighting is very soft and ethereal around Christine. This creates a feeling of purity and youth, which is representative of the character, who has just made her debut at the Opera Populaire. Candlelight is used heavily in the production because electricity was just invented. The candlelight also gives off a mysterious glow, which conveys the mysterious nature of the Phantom. Overall, the lighting is low-key, in order to give off the dark themes of the show.
Costumes:
Because the movie is heavily centered around numerous opera productions, there are two levels to the costumes. The first is the actual costuming of the actors. Since the movie is set in late 19th century France, the outfits reflect the era. The Phantom nearly is always seen wearing a suit with tails, which is representative of his attribute as a composer. Christine is usually wearing white, which symbolizes her youth and naivete. Most of the characters also play characters in the operas they perform, therefore their costumes represent those settings as well, such as the rich red and jeweled costumes in Hannibal.
Setting:
Most of the movie takes place in the Opera Populaire. The opera house is very lavish and haughty, but the waterways/catacombs underneath are very dark and mysterious, because that is where the Phantom resides. Fog and candlelight make the setting difficult to discern, which is a motif of the Phantom.
Staging:
Carlotta is always striving to be at the front of the stage or the group. This symbolizes her desire for the never-ending spotlight and need for constant attention. Christine is staged more often in the back or amongst the group and needs to be pushed towards the front because she is not desperate for attention yet she is deserving of it.
Lighting:
During Christine's aria, "Think of Me", the lighting is very soft and ethereal around Christine. This creates a feeling of purity and youth, which is representative of the character, who has just made her debut at the Opera Populaire. Candlelight is used heavily in the production because electricity was just invented. The candlelight also gives off a mysterious glow, which conveys the mysterious nature of the Phantom. Overall, the lighting is low-key, in order to give off the dark themes of the show.
Costumes:
Because the movie is heavily centered around numerous opera productions, there are two levels to the costumes. The first is the actual costuming of the actors. Since the movie is set in late 19th century France, the outfits reflect the era. The Phantom nearly is always seen wearing a suit with tails, which is representative of his attribute as a composer. Christine is usually wearing white, which symbolizes her youth and naivete. Most of the characters also play characters in the operas they perform, therefore their costumes represent those settings as well, such as the rich red and jeweled costumes in Hannibal.
Setting:
Most of the movie takes place in the Opera Populaire. The opera house is very lavish and haughty, but the waterways/catacombs underneath are very dark and mysterious, because that is where the Phantom resides. Fog and candlelight make the setting difficult to discern, which is a motif of the Phantom.
Staging:
Carlotta is always striving to be at the front of the stage or the group. This symbolizes her desire for the never-ending spotlight and need for constant attention. Christine is staged more often in the back or amongst the group and needs to be pushed towards the front because she is not desperate for attention yet she is deserving of it.
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