Analysis of Still from Sixth Sense Using Mise en Scène

Analysis of Still from Sixth Sense Using Mise en Scène

This camera angle is a "medium close-up." We know this because we can

see the head and shoulders of the character. This shot shows the main

purpose of the scene by focusing on a single character and creates a

sense of intimacy by being within close proximity of a lone character.

Setting

The setting is almost haunting. It's a make-shift tent within the boys

bedroom and inside there is a holy shrine. This generates a sense of

mystery due to its surrealism. By going into a tent which has a sign

saying 'Don't Come In' on it we get the impression that we are

intruding and so we feel more tense, anxious and consequently scared,

which is exactly what is intended.

Lighting

This lighting is produced from a torch which Cole is holding. He

flashes it upwards from his hands creating the infamously scary glow

on his face. Because it is night we can see how effective this

illumination is.

Props

The props used within this scene are what make it unsettling. We find,

within this tent, a holy shrine which has many holy statues Cole

steals from the church. The abundance of these religious ornaments

creates unease because it is not a very abnormal situation.

Sound

The sound during this scene is digetic (naturally occurring.) the

young boy is breathing quickly and loudly at a 'panicky' pace. These

short breaths add a real feeling of loss-of-breath and subsequently

quick paced anxiety. Although there is no background music the noise

of the scene is still intensely frightening because of the hint of

horror the silence infers.

Character

There is only one real...

... middle of paper ...

...on. We feel more

related to character as we follow their processes. The psychologist

As a catalyst, provokes reaction and arouses emotion. This purposeful

interruption shows how the director's main focus was on laying the

foundation for the later upturn. The director also plays around with

the camera when he wants to show a difference. When the mood needs to

change, or the audience's point of view needs to be re-addressed, he

changes the camera angles. For the less intense scenes wider camera

shots are used and for the extreme scenes, close-ups are used. Sound

is too utilized to its full potential. Not only is background music

played to create mood but silence is used to add suspense. The

director is very slight with his intention but very clear. He uses all

of the factors of Mise en Scène to create effective horror.