Mise en Scène

Creating Material Worlds

Literally translating to "placement in a scene," the French term Mise en Scène refers to those elements of a film that are put in position before the filming begins and are employed in certain ways once it does. By taking a closer look at Spike Lee's 1989 film Do The Right Thing, we can begin to understand the important role setting, props and wardrobe play in the messaging of a film.

To begin, complete the following lessons below:

LECTURE - Mise en Scene

Click the VIEW LECTURE button below to access the powerpoint presentation on mise en scene.

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WATCH - Do The Right Thing (1989)

On the hottest day of the year on a street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, everyone's hate and bigotry smolders and builds until it explodes into violence. Click the WATCH NOW button to view the film.

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WATCH - Interview with Spike Lee

Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Lee talks with Cameron Bailey about the enduring political relevance of his Bed-Stuy classic 30 years after its release. Click the WATCH NOW button to view the interview.

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READ - Film In Focus: D.T.R.T.

From the Experiencing Film textbook, this quick read summarizes the many ways in which Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing (1989) uses mise en scene to build tension throughout the film. Click the READ NOW button to check it out.

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WATCH - Film Criticism Crash Course

Mainstream American films don’t often tackle race and racism head-on, and when they do, they often end up trying to find easy answers. Which makes films like Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing all the more powerful. Click the WATCH NOW button to view.

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REFLECTION - Mise En Scene

After reviewing notes on the Mise en Scene and watching Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing and the various video elements above, click the START NOW button below to answer several questions about the films and write a detailed analysis on one specific scene from Do The Right Thing.

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