Essay Practice question

What is the importance of mise en scene and/or sound in creating meaning and generating response in the films you have studied?

La Haine (1995) frequently uses and depends on the unique style of verisimilitude to tell its narrative. Embedded in the sequences is a vast array of carefully selected mise-en-scene and choice of sound in order to create meaning based on social and cultural issues and also generate a personal response to the issues raised and addressed within the film. 

Upon the introduction of Vinz, we initially see a long shot in a dark underpass. The mise-en-scene of the graffiti behind him emphasises the emphasis of typical American culture that has taken over the lives of the lower class in France. This kind of representation implores the audience to consider the effects of western globalisation and the way popular culture has become a form of escapism for those across the world who have little to cling to. The non-diegetic sound in this shot where Vinz is pictured dancing, is typical Jewish music - giving the audience an insight into Vinz's cultural background. The mise-en-scene of his clothing and appearance, however, juxtaposes everything expected of a typical Jewish individual and this makes him seem separate to his own culture, almost emphasising not only his marginalisation in his own country, but also the way he is separate and distant from his lifestyle and the way he's been raised. This shot then cuts to Vinz asleep in his bedroom, making it quite clear that this was a dream - perhaps a glimpse into Vinz's unconscious mind and his desire to fit in and be equal to others in the country. This also establishes his role as 'the dreamer' in the film and makes the audience aware that he only seems to be happy in his dreams. When Vinz does wake up, the camera pans around his room to show the mise-en-scene of Nike trainers, Marilyn Monroe and Bruce Lee posters and a cannabis poster. This, along with his spiderman T-shirt further emphasises the impact of American culture on the lower class in France and how the culture is being taken over by western globalisation. 

Later on in the sequence, we are introduced to Vinz's family in the dining room. The mise-en-scene of the Menorah in the back of the shot conveys the strong Jewish culture in Vinz's home and makes his diversion from his family's religion seem much greater. There is, in the house, a notable lack of a father figure which begs the question where Vinz learns his behaviour from, as an ongoing message of the film is how behaviour is imitated and learned. It is likely that Vinz has learned most of his behaviour from other lower-classed men and boys in France on the streets. The mise-en-scene of the television in the back of the shot in the dining room emphasises the impact of the media in society and its presence everywhere - always watching and waiting for the next big story. This highlights how characters struggle to shut off from the world, and unlike the television, they can't just 'turn off' and stop living or witnessing the troubles they see on a daily basis.