Use of Mise en Scene in the Chen Kaiges Movie Yellow Earth :: Movie Film Essays

Use of Mise en Scene in the Chen Kaige's Movie Yellow Earth The movie Yellow Earth by Chen Kaige utilizes mise en scene to encompass the full power of the messages that are being sent throughout the movie. By allotting the abundant use of mise en scene instead of montages, the audience is better able to grasp the in depth of the struggles in the film. Using montages would take away from the surroundings, due to the quick shots adding various scenes together to create a meaningful message, which would be lost in the editing. Most audiences would never grasp the overwhelming landscape unless seen in a continuous mise en scene shot. When the soldier (Gu) helps Hanhan and the father plow the fields, the audience gains a sense for the surroundings. We are better able to understand how the surroundings may be a haven of sorts, yet at the same time act as the entrapment that these people have to cope with. The land is magnificent and imposing, giving a sense of space and freedom, yet at the same time completely trapping the people in a noman’ s land, with no way out. The land provides for its people, yet at the same time they are its mercy. (Rottentomatoes.com) One of the most powerful scenes in the movie, is when Qiaocui learns the plans for her wedding. The scene is introduced with the father talking to a woman, Qiaocui enters the house and the woman leaves. The shot encompasses both father and daughter as the father tells Qiaucui about her upcoming wedding. As he continues to talk the camera focuses on Qiaucui – even though her father is the speaker. This is an overwhelming moment for the girl, which we are able to see through the reaction in her eyes. The continuous shot of only Qiaucui allows the audience to understand the depth of her disappointment and suffering. This is a vital moment in her life, and thus allowing the focus to fully encompass her reaction gives her reaction that much more power.