Mise En Scene Analysis #2 - Harry Potter

I am going to use mise en scene to analyse a shot within this clip of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2'.

I will use the shot below of Filius Flitwick producing a spell which will help to protect Hogwarts.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 synopsis (IMDB) - 'Harry, Ron and Hermione search for Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts.'

Lighting

- Low-key lighting is used in this shot with the main source of light coming from the wand which is producing a spell. 

- The whole of the shot is relatively dark to make the audience aware that something bad is about to happen. The darkness offers suspense and fear to the viewers.

Costumes & Props

- Filius is wearing what seems to be a robe with a suit underneath. Robes are stereotypically worn by wizards which helps us to indicate that this film is in the fantasy genre and based around magic.

- The character himself, is very small in comparison with average-sized people. This also helps us to figure out that the film is very mystical.

- The main prop in this shot is the wand that Filius Flitwick - played by Warwick Davis - is holding. Wands are used in magic to create spells. This also helps us in identifying the genre.

Positioning

- The positioning element of mise en scene can be divided into two sub categories; objects and characters.

• People - The only person in shot is the before mentioned, Filius Flitwick. He is positioned in the centre which makes him the subject of the audiences attention.
• Objects - There is a lack of objects in this shot, this means that all of the audiences attention is on the character.

Setting

- It is difficult to figure out where this is shot just by looking at the picture. Watching the clip makes is obvious that this is based outside of a school. The only indication of this in the shot is the background light which appears to be coming from an entrance.