Analyse a Scene using Mise-en-scene

The Bourne Supremacy

In the film “The Bourne Supremacy”, there is a scene in which all five elements of mise-en-scene are used.  This is when Jason Bourne is taken into custody in Naples and escape seems futile.

The scene starts with Bourne being questioned in the back room of an airport.  The first typical convention of a thriller film is the setting.  They are in a small isolated room without windows.  This is created so the audience feels that there is no possible way to escape and, when Bourne does manage to do so, it shocks and entertains the viewer.

There is one security guard and an interviewer both wearing dark official looking suits to re-enforce the feeling of no escape.  The security guard is against the wall with a stern look on his face.  This shows that he is not important in the scene and that he is experienced as he is not nervous.  The camera then switches to Bourne.  He is sitting in the middle of the room to show the audience that he is the main character.  He has a straight face and is not talking.  This is to lure the audience into a false sense of security so that when something does happen, they are completely surprised.

The room is painted a grey colour and all of the characters are wearing dark colours.  This is called low key lighting and is another generic convention of a thriller film.  The directors use this because it calms the eyes and thus your other senses are multiplied for when the action happens, you are literally thrilled.