Cardon: Mise en Scene of Igby Goes Down

The dominant in this image from Igby Goes Down could either be the father in the center back, or the back of the mother’s head in the foreground. I would argue that it is reasonably the father. There is a triangle effect including the father and the two boys, one placed on each side. Therefore one could assume that that particular arrangement of characters directs the eye to focus on the father. The lighting key is relatively medium but more on the high key level due to the brightness of the table lamps in the background. They almost sort of light/illuminate the father. In terms of camera proxemics, I would say that this frame is social. You get a view of the room they are in and what they are doing (having dinner). As for the back of the mother’s head, that would be considered intimate even though she is out of focus. An interesting use of set props that I noticed is the three paintings on the wall. You have the larger one directly behind the father, and then the two smaller ones above the young boys.

This frame clearly portrays the scene. The viewer can easily conclude that something isn’t right with the father due to his lack of clothing in a clearly formal home. Then there is his son to the right of the frame that is raising his glass in agreement/admiration. The fact that the mother’s head is out of focus and that we are shown the back of it pretty much sets the tone of how the couple feels about one another. The expression on the father’s face also reveals this. Overall, I think that this frame is well done. The character placement is well calculated and their body placement is appropriate in regards to the context.