The Mise-en-Scene of Cabin in the Woods, Essay Example

In cinematography, the use of arranging the properties and scenery in order to represent the place where the movie is enacted is considered a mise-en-scene. When used correctly it can convey the raw emotions of the characters, and help tell the story the way it was intended. This type of scene has been used throughout cinema history including in Citizen Kane, Rear Window, American Beauty, and horror/comedy movie, Cabin in the Woods. These types of scenes are useful in giving the audience a real story in the use of perceived smells, prop sounds, and lighting. Looking at the composition and design of the visual component of the mise-en-scene it infuses several aspects of the scene in which establish a reciprocal relationship between the actors and the stage around them. Cabin in the Woods which was directed by Drew Goddard provides a prime example of a mise-en-scene from the beginning to the end of the movie. The standout mise-en-scene is in the control room that sets up as headquarters in which keeps a watchful eye on the group of unsuspecting teenagers.

When we are first introduced to the group of teenagers, the staging is set up as typical road trip where the suburban town helps to create a safe, tranquil setting, which uses the high key lightening that sets up the ordinary scene. However, it is in the sterile room surrounding by screens and controls that reflects a type of the control room in an important setting. Looking at the control room, the use of lighting created a high-contrast environment in which utilized a three-point lighting system in which created dynamics in a single stage, into being a real interactive control room. The fill light was used in softening the shadows while the key light was used in the room as a dominant source. While the backlight was used in intensifying the scene in which created feeling of death. The director more likely used these lightings was used in easing the mind of the audience in which created a contrast in which the low lighting is used to create the scary cabin atmosphere. The characters in the control room are mostly two workers that dressed to be in an office, in which they are discussing “Japan and Us.” The music starts off as low chord, non-diegetic sounds in which incorporate an electric keyboard that mimics instruments such as a violin or cello. The music in the scene helps to create an “epic” feel in which this control room is a significant point in the movie. Looking around the scene, we can see there are hieroglyphic arts that depict a sacrificial theme, and other gruesome pieces. Looking at the way the control room is the stage, it can be thought that this is part of government agent, or a high profiled agency in which holds much power. The way the scene is also edited alludes to the use of 180 and 30-degree rule, with continuity editing that avoids confusion, and makes it easily digestible for the audience. This mise-en-scene creates a relaxed intro that not only helps easily link back to the control room throughout the movie, but also tricks the audience into what to expect with the rest of the fast-paced film.

Mise-en-scene used in Cabin in the Woods helps create a horror movie, which not only draws you in but also makes you pay attention to what is going on in the background. Throughout the movie, the audience is tricked into thinking that the group is going on a regular road trip to an isolated cabin. The control room, while does not seem as ominous in the first scene, serves as an external force, in which the misfortunes of the group are controlled directly from this sterile, The Truman Show styled place. With a room full of cameras, levers, and switches, that correlates to the master area that controls what is going on in eerie, isolated cabin in the woods.