Mis En Scene In The Sandlot And The Longest Yard

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Recommended: Role of setting in story

Giannetti defines mis en scene as, “the phrase that refers to the arrangement of all the visual elements of a theatrical production within a given playing area” (50). This French theatrical term provides an understanding of the meaning of arrangements the director chooses to place in the frame and where they are located. While mis en scene can be analyzed in any film, we looked at The Sandlot and The Longest Yard for strong examples. The Sandlot (1993) directed by David M. Evans is a film about a new kid, Scotty Smalls, moving to a new town and trying to befriend the local boys and finding a love for baseball while playing for the Sandlot team. On the other hand, we have The Longest Yard (2005) directed by Peter Segal, which is about Paul …show more content…

This scene is a prime example of where actor placement and its relation to character importance comes into play. Giannetti claims that the, “area near top of frame can suggest ideas dealing with power, authority, and aspiration” (58). All of the boys on the Sandlot team look up to Babe Ruth as their role model and inspiration for wanting to play baseball. Babe is seen as a power symbol amongst the boys and Benny aspires to be as great as him one day, which is exhibited by his placement at the top of the frame showing his importance. Babe is also center screen, which alludes to central dominance and the fact that he is the most important character in this shot. Giannetti also explains that, “areas near bottom of screen suggest meanings opposite from the top: subservience, vulnerability, and powerlessness” (61). Benny is subservient to Babe because he idolizes him, which explains why he is placed lower than Babe in the frame. This placement also reveals Benny’s vulnerability because this is when he is being convinced by his idol to jump over the fence and get the

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