Unit Assignment: An Auteur’s Mise en Scene
An Auteur’s Mise en Scène Instructions
Auteurs are directors who have a signature style of work such that they make a clear imprint on their films. Auteur theory states that the director controls their mise en scène in such a way that they become the true author of the film, superseding the importance of the screenwriter. How the director imprints their style upon the mise en scène is unique to each auteur.
- Choose an auteur that you are interested in personally. *This director must meet the characteristics defined in the unit materials.
- Research the auteur’s body of work and what makes them more than a mere director, but an auteur.
- In your assignment address the following:
- What are the defining qualities of their directorial style?
- What are the themes of their work?
- What camera movements typify their work?
- What color palettes do they tend to use?
- Select one (1) still image from one film that typifies your chosen auteur’s mise en scène style. Embed that image in the Word document and cite it properly in MLA format.
- Perform a mise en scène analysis of this film still. Using the elements of mise en scène, interpret the meaning of this scene.
- Be sure to utilize the specific terminology learned in the unit to address the important elements of this particular frame relating to:
- Setting and Props
- Costumes, Hair, and Makeup
- Facial Expression and Body Language
- Lighting and Color
- Actor Blocking
- Shot Composition
- After performing research about your selected auteur and seeing their work in action, how much do you believe the director’s style affected the design of the mise en scène? Why? Be specific.
*Do NOT research this scene/film for your analysis. Use only the information you can assess yourself based on the image and what you have learned in this unit.
General Assignment Instructions
- Answer the following prompts in an MLA formatted Word document in a minimum of 300 words.
- Do not recopy the questions into your document.
- Research the topic and obtain college-level, credible sources. Credible sources can be found using the HCC library in the form of books, databases, and scholarly articles. *Refer to the Plagiarism, Citation, and Format Unit for information on how to create MLA citations.
- Remember: Citations and Works Cited do not contribute to your minimum word count.
- You must embed an image in this assignment. This is as simple as pasting an image file into the document from your device. Find the image file wherever it is stored, copy it, and paste it onto the document. Alternatively, you can upload the image directly into the document using the insert picture feature in Word.
- A complete assignment applies the lessons of the unit to the topic of the assignment.
- Please read the rubric carefully before beginning the assignment.
Rubric
Unit Assignment: An Auteur’s Mise en Scene Rubric
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeImage of Mise en Scene with MLA Citation | 10 to >5.0 ptsExcellentImage of a mise en scene embedded with proper MLA citation.5 to >3.0 ptsAverageImage of mise en scene embedded with improper MLA citation.3 to >0.0 ptsPoorImage of mise en scene embedded with missing MLA citation.0 ptsMinimum StandardsImage missing. | 10 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDefining Qualities of the Auteur | 20 to >18.0 ptsExcellentPresents an argument or critical position on the qualities of the auteur’s directorial style that is supported by reasoning, detail, and credible, college-level sources. Use of critical thinking – analysis, evaluation, interpretation, or synthesis to present views.18 to >15.0 ptsGoodPresents a critical position on the qualities of the auteur’s directorial style that is supported by reasoning and credible college-level sources. Additional detail or credible, college-level sources may be needed. Use of critical thinking – analysis, evaluation, interpretation, or synthesis to support views.15 to >12.0 ptsAverage:Presents a critical position on the qualities of the auteur’s directorial style that is supported by some analysis. Additional reasoning, detail, or credible, college-level sources may be needed. Applies the analysis, but may need to include evaluation, interpretation, or synthesis to support the writer’s point.12 to >0.0 ptsPoorDiscussion is incomplete, information, or opinion-based. Presents an informal opinion or summary that is not supported by reasoning or detail. Need additional critical thinking and support from credible, college-level sources. Analysis, evaluation, interpretation, or synthesis needed.0 ptsMinimum StandardsThe assignment is not complete or does not meet lesson goals. And/or utilizes plagiarized material. And/or does not meet the minimum standards for this assignment. | 20 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMise en Scene Analysis | 25 to >22.0 ptsExcellentPerforms a mise en scène analysis of a film still using specific terminology. Uses excellent critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, interpretation, and/or synthesis to present views.22 to >18.0 ptsGoodPerforms a mise en scène analysis of a film still using specific terminology. Uses critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, interpretation, and/or synthesis to present views.18 to >14.0 ptsAveragePerforms a mise en scène analysis of a film still using specific terminology. May attempt to use critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, interpretation, and/or synthesis to present views.14 to >0.0 ptsPoorMinimally addresses the mise en scène analysis of a film still using some terminology. May need more critical thinking and evaluation.0 ptsMinimum StandardsThe assignment is not complete or does not meet lesson goals. And/or utilizes plagiarized material. And/or does not meet the minimum standards for this assignment. | 25 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStyle in Action | 10 to >8.0 ptsExcellentPresent views about how the auteur’s work is applied in the example still. Use critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation.8 to >6.0 ptsGoodPresent views about how the auteur’s work is applied in the example still. Use some critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation.6 to >4.0 ptsAveragePresent views about how the auteur’s work is applied in the example still. May attempt to use moderate critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation.4 to >0.0 ptsPoorPresents views about how the auteur’s work is applied in the example still without evaluation or interpretation.0 ptsMinimum StandardsThe assignment is not complete or does not meet lesson goals. And/or utilizes plagiarized material. And/or does not meet the minimum standards for this assignment. | 10 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics and MLA Format | 10 to >8.0 ptsExcellentThe writer projects an expert, intellectual or creative voice. The response has style and is free of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Attends to all netiquette or course communication guidelines. Follows all MLA format guidelines.8 to >6.0 ptsGoodSome proofing is needed for spelling errors, typos, and word usage. Minimal editing is needed to correct grammatical errors. Some use of terms. Attends to netiquette or follows course communication guidelines. Follows most MLA format guidelines.6 to >4.0 ptsAverageFeatures an informational level of communication. Additional proofing is needed for spelling, typos, or word usage errors. Some editing is needed to correct repeat grammatical errors. Attends to some netiquette. May need a review of course communication guidelines or terms. May need to address some MLA format errors.4 to >0.0 ptsPoorConversational or personal voice. Editing is needed to remove repeat grammar errors that confuse meaning for the reader. Review of netiquette or course communication guidelines needed. Major correction of MLA format required.0 ptsMinimum StandardsGrammar errors impact readability and comprehension. A review of Course Communication Guidelines is needed. Netiquette Violations are present. Or plagiarized materials utilized in the assignment. Or MLA format is ignored completely. | 10 pts |
| Total Points: 75 |
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