Phantom of the Opera

I will be analysing the Mise en Scene of Phantom of the Opera (2004) directed by Joel Schumacher.
Mise en scene includes a variety of different elements which help create meaning. These include:

• Props
• Lighting
• Costume
• Make Up
• Setting
• Facial Expressions
• Position of characters and objects in the frame

At the start of the movie we can evidently see that it was set in a particular period of time. This is shown through the colours of the scene. The opening scene is filmed in black and white which suggests that this was film was set in a distant past.

Titles/Credits:
The credits appear in a gold font with a slight shine around it. It is placed on a black background which makes the credits stand out. The title of the film then appears in a much bigger, handwritten font. The colour gold is often used to symbolise wealth which fits in with the opening sequence, as we are introduced to upper class characters at an auction.

Setting:
It is set in an out of business theatre which has transferred into a auction room. It is a large theatre which appears to have magnificent interior. It is covered in cobwebs and dust which creates a mysterious atmosphere. The theatre indicates that it was used to entertain many people of higher class during that time.

Costume:
The male characters are wearing a black suit/ top hats and the woman in the scene is wearing a black dress and veil. Both of the characters are wearing sophisticated clothing which suggests that they are wealthy. The costume also helps emphasise the time period this film was set in.

Music/sound:
At the start of the clip we hear the sound of a candle burning. This slowly builds into a sound of people walking and wind. Music plays a big part in the opening sequence of the film. It gives an eery feel to the start which helps increase suspense. It is also used to show the importance of the chandelier which is revealed from underneath a cloth. Towards the end, the opening crescendo music dusts of the dirt from around the theatre and slowly starts adding colour to all the props/settings. This helps imply the grandness of the theatre.

Lighting:
Low key lighting is used throughout the majority of the sequence. This creates an dull, spooky atmosphere. However, when the chandelier was displayed, the lights became lighter signifying the energy and power it has.

Colours:
When the theatre becomes to uncovers its grandness, the main colours used are red and gold. Red represents a fiery heat feel and warmth as well as wealth which gold also represents. This also suggests that the theatre is often visited by wealthy people.