Mise-en-Scene: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Mise-en-Scene, literally the "putting together of a scene", determines the mood of both the scene, and of the characters in it. (For more Mise-en-Scene, see the analysis of M (1931)) Used in many films, both old and new, this technique helps the audience with characters intentions and thoughts, without using any spoken word. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), definitely more modern then M, contains many scenes put together with Mise-en-Scene. From Mike Newell's (director) skill at putting the film together, one can get a sense of what is happening in a scene, even before it is released in theaters!

Both scenes in this analysis are in the Quidditch World Cup scene. Although not back to back, they describe the mood before and during the eruption of chaos. As Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), the obvious protagonist of the series, views the Quidditch World Cup (for all you Muggles out there, Quidditch is a wizard sport), thoughts of his archenemy Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), nicknamed 'Voldy' by his loyal fans, are nowhere to be found. Having a good time with his best friends, this peace of mind is suddenly interrupted by Death Eaters, faithful followers of You-Know-Who.

In this first scene, before the Death Eaters wreck havoc, the trio of friends are setting up in their new 'tent'. As both author J.K. Rowling and director Mike Newell show, the Wizarding world can be . . . fun. From viewing the tents, the audience gets a sense that something is out of place; mainly the smokestacks and whether vanes. From the crazy and out of the ordinary items in this scene, a mood of happiness and joy is expressed to the audience. The main 'good guys' are predominate in the frame, and so are the Wizarding items that represent happiness, such as the tents. In addition to these examples, the happy attitude is also gained from the light (day) on the location. From these elements, Mike Newell tries to emphasize the peace before the attack of the Death Eaters.

Unfortunately, evil arises when happiness is at its peak. With the Death Eaters comes destruction, pain, and a new Mise-en-Scene analysis (not all necessarily bad). The most obvious element of evil in this scene is the outfits of the Death Eaters. Shockingly similar to the robes of both the Grim Reaper and the KKK, this uniform installs fear in the audience, through previous knowledge of other 'non-fictional' characters of the real world. In addition to the real fear the robes create, the hoods are draped over their heads, creating shadows and darkness. The masks also create an element of darkness in this scene. Unlike in the book, the Death Eaters are wearing masks representing a decaying corpse, a future no one looks forward to. The darkness is greatly emphasized in this scene, by the lack of happiness. In the previous scene, many crazy objects, such as weather vanes, are visible, giving the viewer a sense of happiness. In this scene, there are no objects to install laughter; the tents and good wizards are either missing, or are really small in the frame. Good is no longer the focus of the scene, causing it to be weak and insignificant. It is no longer day, and the darkness produced from the lack of light (and color) creates both shadows and a feeling of the unknown. Also, smoke clouds the horizon, showing any viewer that there is either chaos nearby, or that the Death Eaters weren't invited to a Barbeque. (Incidentally, that is probably not a witch being tortured by the Death Eaters, but a Muggle, a non-magical being)

From the wonderful Mise-en-Scene that Mike Newell puts in his film, we can determine both the feeling and situation of the scene before viewing it. Just the simple technique of day and night gives an audience the feeling of the characters, and their intentions. Mise-en-Scene, included in even "children's movies", is in almost every film. Whether in a classic such as M, or a modern movie like Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Mise-en-Scene always guides the audience to the correct conclusion of what is to come in the film, or even the feeling of the characters and their thoughts.

*To my great dismay, I have found out that both of these scenes are not included in the film.*

Zathura (2005)

Since the only thing I have been thinking about was this film for the past few days, I thought it would be best that I write a review of this amazing and new film. While many people (non-viewers) criticize the film for being a rip-off of Jumanji (1995), this film does not copy the ideas in Jumanji. The main reason for this is that Zathura (2005) is the sequel to the 1995 blockbuster. (Check IMDb, I'm right) Both films are based on books by author Chris Van Allsburg, and they do have similar themes, but Zathura is NOT ripping off its predecessor in any way. However, even before it was released, I knew the film would do good, because of many reasons. First off, Chris Van Allsburg is an amazing author, and gave the film an excellent story to work upon. Director Jon Favreau (famous for Elf (2003)) is increasing in popularity, the amazing Screen Playwright David Koepp, and the incredible cast also contribute to this film's success.

Six and three-quarters years old Danny (Jonah Bobo) and ten years old Walter (Josh Hutcherson) are your typical brothers. They constantly argue with each other, fight for their father's affection, and have an evil, ignoring sister. After one of their quarrels, Danny is forced into the creepy, dark basement, of which he is completely terrified of. When down there, he discovers a mysterious board game called 'Zathura', and the adventure starts. After convincing his brother to play it, the entire house is flung into outer space, orbiting around the scenic Saturn. The magical game materializes terrifying events to happen to the players (and anyone else who is nearby), such as meteor showers, defective robots, and the Zorgons, space aliens who are always hungry for a snack . . .

While playing the game, Danny rescues a stranded Astronaut (Dax Shepard), who was a player of the game 15 years ago and has been stuck in limbo ever since. Although kind of rude at some times, the Astronaut becomes an important character in the film, who helps out the family in times of need. Lisa (Kristen Stewart), the sister, finally realizes what's going on, and starts to fall in love with the Astronaut. As the film progresses, many problems arise, such as loosing the board game, fights between characters, and an invasion of Zorgons.

The character of Danny is very interesting, especially when compared to his brother Walter. Danny, in the words of his father, has an amazing imagination. When stranded in space, Danny decides to cook Macaroni and Cheese (as a true six year old would). Despite his brother's belief that it is impossible (the house is in space), Danny's imagination allows him to try out a gas powered stove, and a sink in the middle of space. Of course, the result is that they work, showing that imagination can do anything, even help cook. This explains many of the 'loopholes' in the film, such as why there is oxygen and gravity in the house.

There are many themes discussed in the film, some of which are shown in Jumanji. The most obvious one deals with growing up. As the father says, "there are some days where you need to grow up all at once." This is shown many times in the film, through comparison of before and after they play the game. When Danny confronts his fear (the basement) the first time, he is completely terrified. However, later on in the film, he must go down there again, but this time with deadly, meat eating aliens down there ("and that's bad, because we're meat!"). Another example of the characters growing up, is through the characters of Walter and the Astronaut. However, a major twist in the plot involves this example, so I will not tell it to you. The relationship between Walter and Danny is also shown both before and after the adventure takes place. Before the game, Walter and Danny argue when playing catch (mainly because Danny was horrible at it). However, when they learn their lesson, both brothers play together, teaching each other skills and, more importantly, not arguing.

Another theme discussed in the film deals with brotherhood. As Walter constantly reminds Danny during the game, "Nothing's going to happen to you, because I'm your brother". Saving his brother from the dangers of space, Walter stays true to his word. Brotherhood is also shown in the dependency that both Walter and Danny have with each other. When one is missing, the other cannot continue the game, showing that the brothers must learn to cooperate to get home. In addition to this, Danny cannot read, so he is constantly depending on Walter to read the cards.

Interestingly enough, when arriving to the goal of the game, Zathura itself, the characters realize that Zathura is nothing more then a black hole. The reason, I believe that Zathura was made to be a black hole lies in the tagline for the film, "Adventure is Waiting". Believing that reaching the goal, Zathura, will return them to their world, the two brothers play till they reach Zathura. When finally reaching the black hole, all of the space objects, the adventure, are sucked into the black hole. I believe the black hole represents reality, and shows how dull normal life is. When traveling on their adventure, the brothers learn their lesson, and return to their boring life with the knowledge of all that has happened.

For all the Jumanji fans who worry that this film will ruin the reputation of the 'original' film, do not worry! Zathura, as many critics say, is better then the original. Of course there are many similar connections between the two films, what sequel doesn't? For example, both films contains themes of siblings, family, and of cheating (not to mention a magical board game). The thing that makes this film better though, is the fact that it is not overloaded with special effects. When Jumanji was released, it was praised for the amazing visuals it presented. Zathura, however, does not focus on the visuals, but on the characters and themes.

Both Danny and Walter go on an amazing adventure filled with action, comedy, and important themes. Though critics may call this a 'children's film', it is more of a family film, because it can be enjoyed by everyone. When watching Zathura, there was no point in which I thought "Wow, this movie is for kids." On the contrary, most of the time I was so entranced by the film, I had no time to think. Even though it is similar to Jumanji, I highly suggest this film for any family, person, or pet who enjoys movies. You will enjoy the film from the beginning, and want more when it's "Game Over (thank you for playing)."

*As a fair warning to any parent who might want to bring their child to see this film: Both of the brothers may be young, but they do use inappropriate language towards the beginning of the film (Many audiences gasp at this). *

The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

It is the year 1757, and the famous French and Indian War rages on between the two nations in this 'new world'. As history states, both the French and British acquire help from the natives of the land, the Indians. History, unfortunately, does not go into great detail after this, but James Fenimore Cooper's novel The Last of the Mohicans does. Telling the story of the remaining survivors of the Mohican tribe, this classic story has been recreated over 12 times. The 1992 film version, directed by Michael Mann, contains all the aspects of a fairytale, and is molded into a film that has amazed audiences for more then a decade.

The Mohican tribe is small and dwindling fast. It's only survivors are Uncas (Eric Schweig) and his father, Chingachgook (Russell Means). Traveling with them is Chingachgook's adopted white son, Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis). One day when traveling, the three encounter a party attacked by an opposing tribe, the Hurons, led by the antagonist of the film, Magua (Wes Studi). Of course, since the Mohicans are the heroes of the film, they are obligated to save the damsels in distress, Alice (Jodhi May) and Cora (Madeleine Stowe) Munro. Once again, in order to fulfill their requirements for heroes, the tribe of three escort the two lost ladies (and Duncan Heyward (Steven Waddington), a British soldier) to their final destination.

Alice and Cora are the daughters of the famous Edmund Munro (Maurice Roëves), the head of Fort William Henry. Both stern and fair, 'Grey Hair' (as Magua calls him) is constantly giving and taking back promises. However, Munro's message to his daughters (do not come to Fort William Henry!) 'mysteriously' did not arrive (in addition to the mysterious dead messengers). As the film unfolds, the war rages on, romance is in the air, and the travelers find themselves thrown into a plot of revenge, planed by none other then Magua.

One of the amazing things about this film, is the ability it has to present each scene with a beautiful layout, showing an artistic view of Lake George in the 1700s. Of course, there is much Mise-en-Scene in the artistic view too. For example, Magua, a very dark character, is constantly shown in shadows, hinting that he has both a dark past and dark intentions. This, in contrast to a good character, is quite different from Cora. Director Michael Mann uses techniques to emphasize the difference between these two characters; Cora is wearing a white dress, while Magua is . . . not. The Mise-en-Scene is also used to show how 'pure' and innocent Cora is, as she is placed against a white cloth. The background creates an illusion of a 'heavenly quality', while Duncan, who is placed against the dark background of the forest, does not have the same innocence. (Of course, Magua does not have this quality either.)

The main reoccurring theme from this film is the idea of promises and of survival. Constantly repeated, Hawkeye says to Cora "You stay alive, no matter what occurs! I will find you". While this also implies that the travelers run into trouble quite often, it also shows Hawkeye's dedication for Cora, and his determination to find and save her. Lucky for us, Hawkeye is a hero, and saves Cora from this danger. Magua . . . does not. The other theme that is constantly repeated in The Last of the Mohicans is the concept of promises. In the beginning of the film, the local villagers are promised that they may return from battle (remember, they are in a war) to defend their homes and families from the "savages". Munro does not keep this promise, and threatens any abandonment with beheading. A promise is broken later in the film, but this time it is Magua that breaks the promise. During a parley, the French and British negotiate terms of surrender, which the French General later wants to back out on. (Realizing the British may not honor the terms of parley, and he may fight the same soldiers again.) However, he cannot brake the terms of parley. (Let me say that again with more emphasis) HE cannot brake the terms of parley, but Magua . . . can. Once again showing his 'dark side', Magua breaks the promise of peace, eat (literally) eats the heart of Munro.

The Mise-en-Scene and Magua may be entertaining, but easily the most remembered part of the film is the end. With a beautiful landscape behind him, Chingachgook remarks at how sad it is that he is the LAST OF THE MOHICANS. It is a very sad scene, which ends in the complete opposite way of how the film begins. However, in the director's cut, Chingachgook continues on to say that the Mohicans will not be the only ones to die out. The frontier will push all of the Indians out, with nowhere to go, and, eventually, all of the frontier will die, leaving only ". . . my white son and his woman and their children". While both speeches are important, the original ending leaves more of an impact (mainly because the last words are the title), which is probably why the second speech cut in the first place (or, it could have been because the film was over 3 hours long).

The Last of the Mohicans is a film that will be viewed for generations, adored by its themes, artistic views, and of Magua. Although some of Daniel Day-Lewis' quotes are funny and out of place, the film has a serious mood, of which the war greatly emphasizes. With a perfect fairytale story, this film is not for children (Eat his heart out Magua!), but contains a classic hero, a beautiful damsel, and an awesome Magua. The ideas and characters of the film will live on forever, (As will the places, because they are real places. I've been to Fort William Henry before.) and the amazing artistic views will be praised for years to come.