Choose an element of mise-en-scene from The Dark Knight Rises (Nolan, 2012). Consult this week's Course Notes, the Yale Film Analysis website, and A Short Guide to Writing About Film, 9th edition, pgs. 51-60 for definitions and discussion of mise-en-scene.
Write a paragraph (or two) explaining the motivation of this element in the film. Remember that motivation, in film criticism, refers to the purpose that the element serves in the film. What narrative or thematic importance does this element have in overall design of the scene or film? What meaning does this element have in the film?
Overview 2
Select an element of either mise-en-scène or cinematography that you find particularly important or interesting in the film The Dark Knight Rises (Nolan, 2012).
Write an introductory paragraph and a conclusion paragraph for a potential critical essay focusing on this formal element.
Your introduction and conclusion should do the following:
1. Describe the element you will be focusing on, placing it in the context of the film as a whole.
2. Explain the motivation or function of the element in the film.
3. Explain how the use of the element changes or develops throughout the film.
Remember that you are not writing the full essay! This assignment only asks you to submit the introduction and conclusion paragraphs.
Please consult this week’s reading in the textbook, A Short Guide to Writing About Film, for sample intro and conclusion paragraphs.