Once upon a time in America-How does Sergio Leoni utilise generic conventions in the 'mise-en-scene' in the film

The establishing shot of the 'Eve', is a close up(silhouette) of her in the frame of the doorway. This shot gives of the impression as though she has been set up, as though framed.This establishing shot instantly suggests that the genre of this film is a Thriller because of the light
("Chiaroscuro Lighting", light on dark) reflecting off of her pearl necklace that she is wearing it also shines upon some of her face.


As she progresses through the the door into the living room there is the non-diagetic sound (Aural signifier) outside the mise-en-scene, one of which being the charactors footsteps. The other playing in the background. The song, "God Bless America" is being played.This somewhat is ironic, as 'Leoni' is portaying that the era in which the film is set (1930's) tells of the poor condition 'New York' was in after prohabition was legalised. Another film this used in the film "The Deer Hunter". It could also represent the action that takes place within the next few shots. Both of these non-diagetic sounds connote a form of anxiety.

There is a shot of 'Eve' through a close-up of a glass chandelier, from this shot the audience are able to tell that there is an eerie feeling to the room, this creates a sense of tension.

Eve's face is seen for the first time from the bright light of the lampshade, the shot of her is a close-up showing her facial features and expressions. The Exteme close-up of Eve's face is utilised to involve the audience.


The shocking, high angle tilt image of the bed, connotes a symbol of death, it also is used for the theme of murder.After view this shot the audience are able to gain an idea of what may be about to occur.After this shot there is a scrolling shot following 3 policemen into the room. One of the men is seen with a gun, all policemen are dressed rather typically of the era,they look as though they could be part of some form of mafia or secret police.
The sound of the click of the gun is heard whilst the camera focuses on 'Eve'. A close-up of the gun is then seen this shows that the policemen with the weapon is more dominant than the female character.'Eve' is then shot.
Her dead body lays on the bed. There is a close-up of 'Eve's' face. The policemen stand behind the dead body, this connotes stength and dominance.

Cuts to Scene 2

To start off with the audience are thrown into the action, viewing a extreme close up from over the shoulder of one of the policemen. What's happening is that a man is being beaten up whilst being hung from a nuse.
The audience don't know who is character is, but this established later on in the film. This violence is typical of what would be seen in a thriller film.

Perfume advert-Ghost(Deep Night)

Perfume advert-Ghost(Deep Night)
Originally uploaded by Craig-CNS Media

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Key Terms

Mise En Scene-Everything in the picture seen by the audience EG: -Costume, lighting, props.

Connotation-Metaphorical/Symbolic meaning of something.

Denotation-What something is.

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I'm Craig Vargerson and this my blog all my work will be on.this features all Media AS level work at CNS.


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