Mise-en-scene of film still image - Extension Task

Pursuit of Happyness (Drama + Biography, based on a true story)

To analyse this I will be using 'C.L.A.M.P.S' which stands for Clothing, Lighting, Audio (no sound), Make-up, Props and Setting. 

Clothing

The character is dressed in a full suit which could mean he had a successful life in the past. His son is also well dressed and by there clothing they do not show financial difficulty. 

Lighting

The lighting in the scene is provided through the lights in bathroom they are in.

Make-up

Their isn't enough facial detail for me to analyse any make-up used.

Props

In the bathroom, they have sat on tissue paper which is most probably to keep themselves clean of the floor. This shows a major sign of struggle as he has to reside in a bathroom. As well as all his luggage which is scattered across the floor. The effect of child bag which is next to the two characters makes the audience sympathise for them as the Dad is trying his best efforts for his son to be comforted.

Setting

The position that the Dad has held his son shows that he is distraught and lonely as his only company is his son, who which has to go through a struggle which he may not realise in the moment. The bathroom looks to be surrounded with valuables which may be extremely important to him, in order to gain financial stability. Under the brown bag is a scanner from quite a long time ago which most likely did contain some value, but now he has probably held onto it to try sell it.

Kassim the Dream (2008)



This film genre is a documentary, whereas the 'Pursuit of Happyness' is a hybrid of Drama and Biography (based on a true story). Similarly, both characters in the still images show a sign of struggle. In Kassim the Dream he shows a depressive state from his facial expression. The setting where the main character is situated shows punching bags which shows he may be determined to reach some sort of boxing goal, hence the punching bags. Also the lighting has been altered so that the punching bags stand out in the background. The effect of this that it makes it clear to the audience what goals the main character wants to reach. In 'Pursuit of Happyness', it isn't clear what goals he wants to reach but from the film title, he is desperate to find a route to happiness for him and his son. The main character of this film is showing a different sign of struggle then the struggle that the main character in the Pursuit of Happyness. In this film, he seems to want to pursue his boxing dream but something is stopping him from achieving that goal. In Pursuit of Happyness, he seems to have a financial struggle which is why they may be suffering from different circumstances.