Shelby Gevry- Saving Private Ryan Mise-En-Scene

For my mise-en-scène I chose the film Saving Private Ryan. Directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat, the film chronicles the journey of a company of soldiers who embark on a mission behind enemy lines in war torn Germany to rescue a deserted paratrooper. The still shot I chose to analyze for my mise-en-scène is a scene in the movie in which Pt. Daniel Jackson, as played by Barry Pepper, is amidst a battle engaging in enemy fire.


Within this shot Pt. Jackson is in the process of firing his rifle.

Dominant- The first thing, upon looking at this picture, that your eye is drawn to would be Pt. Jackson himself. The severeness of his face and the intensity that radiates from it draws the viewer immediately to it. From his face you are lead to the scope of his weapon, to the body, until eventually the viewer is led off camera to the presupposed enemy present just shy of the camera shot.

Lighting- I would have to say that this shot takes advantage of the natural light with low key elements. If anything the camera would have a filter on to give the scene more of a low key, as to show the darkness that invades any place entrenched in warfare.

Character Proxemics- The two characters within this scene, one being Pt. Jackson and the other a fellow soldier, are in a personal proxemics. They are close enough as to provide cover fire and protection for one another, but far enough away as to allow them space to fire their weapons and reload effectively.

Camera Proxemics- In regards to Pt. Jackson the camera is in an intimate spacial arrangement with him. It is extremely close to his face and gun, so much so that the viewer can see every detail on his face, hand, gun, uniform (of what is in view).

Conclusion- In conclusion this scene is pivotal to the feel of the entire movie. As Pt. Jackson is locked in battle so is the viewer. He is fighting the very same war the viewer is fighting, the viewer is simply doing so merely by watching alone. The scene illuminates the hardships that all soldiers had to go through. The camera proxemics indicate the extremely intimate level war was viewed with by soldiers. The character proxemics show the personal connection, the brotherhood that was formed among soldiers. This scene encompasses elements that lend themselves to the overall feel of the film.