The Use of Mise-en-scene to Portray Carols Lack of Identity in Movie Safe by Boaz Yakin Free Essay Example, 1250 words

In general, although she goes to the usual social meetings, Carol is not much of a social person and prefers to keep to herself most of the time. For example, at the baby shower, while all the other women mill around the host for the opening of the big present , Carol alienates herself from the group. Haynes (1995) also uses the desert as a natural locale for the Wrenwood retreat center to which Carol goes to seek treatment. Wrenwood is a sharp contrast from San Fernando Valley, as the former is located in the middle of a dangerous desert. Unlike San Fernando Valley, Wrenwood is inhabited by people of other races, is close to the motorway and does not have any form of security systems (Haynes, 1995). Ironically, Carol escapes from San Fernando Valley where safety is almost guaranteed, in search of safety in the desert. Haynes employs clever use of long and deep-space shots in filming Carol s mansion in such a way that the viewer becomes immersed in the beauty of the house and forge ts Carol s presence (Haynes, 1995). In some instances, the film is shot in such that the viewer gets a double vision in which both Carol and the house are in a single shot, somehow competing for attention. We will write a custom essay sample on The Use of Mise-en-scene to Portray Carols Lack of Identity in Movie Safe by Boaz Yakin or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page Carol s life is defined by the riches that surround her and for being the wife of a rich man (Haynes, 1995). Otherwise, there is nothing else going on for Carol as an individual in the film. Haynes makes perfect use of lighting to produce the mise-en-scene affect when Carol arrives home only to be met by a black couch in the living room.