The film industry has an unbelievable amount of varying genres and categories of film. Even though there are major differences in the styles of films presented, one element is responsible for creating a link amongst them all. The element is known as mise-en scene and was originally used as a French theatrical term which means ‘placing on stage’ (Giannetti, 2014, p. 47). Specifically, mise-en scene refers to all of the elements which can be seen within a theatrical production on stage (Giannetti, 2014, p. 47). In film, mise-en scene is both a complicated and complex system of visual elements which support the main theme or ideology that the director is attempting to convey (Giannetti, 2014, p. 47). The film Meet Me in St. Louis is a Technicolor…show more content… The film Meet Me in St. Louis was one of the films responsible for the creation of the genre commonly known as musicals. The soundtracks in Meet Me in St. Louis were specifically chosen to amplify utopia. As mentioned prior, utopia is an aspect of a perfect, almost unrealistic life. Through the use of music, producer Arthur Freed is able to enhance this theme. In the opening scene, the introductory music is composed of a variety of instruments which are all reciting consistent higher pitch tones and mid pace beats. The music in the opening scene is equivalent to that in a mystical, ‘made up’ land where all is good. Alongside the musical elements, there are sounds taking action to back up what the viewer is seeing as well. These are the sounds are kids playing and laughing, friendly honks from a car filled with a picture perfect family, and most importantly, a whistle sequence with the same rhythm as the song Tootie begins to recite moments later. As the opening scene develops, it is obvious that the soundtrack “Meet Me in St. Louis” is one that is well known in not only the main house, but throughout the city as well. As the clip develops the song is passed on from Tootie, to Grandpa, and finally to the entire city when the window is opened and the town starts singing. The…show more content… Movement can be broken down into two broad categories; kinetics and camera motions. The word kinetic was originally derived from the Greek word ‘kinein’, as were the words choreography and cinema. In a film, both camera movements and kinetics are essential components of a film which commonly go unnoticed, yet play a substantial role in the overall perception of the film. Movements are used for two main purposes: Firstly, to keep the viewer interested and entertained, because without movement in a film, it would become dull extremely quickly. Secondly, to back up an emotion, ideology or theme. In Meet Me in St. Louis, movement techniques are intentionally used to support utopia. Slow camera movements accompanied by cool colors are direct symbols that carry the notion of peace and serenity. In the opening scene of Meet Me in St. Louis, director Minnelli combines dolly shots and side to side panning to use to both capture the entire scene and back up the bright Technicolor visual attributes in order to create a common and subconscious thought of tranquility amongst the films viewers. Kinetic movement cannot be looked past however because it plays a substantial role both in the initial scene and throughout the entire film. In the opening scene of the film, kinetic movement takes place in nearly every frame. During the outside scene, it seems like the entire neighborhood is together
