Mise-en-scene Paragraph (Chicago) Draft 1

The mise-en-scene in the scene from Chicago, enhances and depicts how the setting of the film effects the main characters. Shown through the heavy black doors with crème pillars of the courthouse and the layered theater room with red velvet curtains express the dominance and wealth of the court and importance of show-biz in Chicago in the 1920's and the successful characters are further shown though the use of costume. Miss Sunshine's character is show through her pearl necklaces and warmth of her clothing show her superiority against the other members of the press who wear only thin suits and fedoras. Similar to Billy's Flynn's “big boss” character, through his large, fur lined coat, scarf, suit and fedora, expresses that he is rich and powerful to his success in his high end role as a lawyer in Chicago. Flynn's character is further enhanced by the actor, Richard Gere's portrayal of him as Flynn and Roxy's, played by Renee Zellweger, characters interact. Roxy's desperation to be in the spotlight is balanced by Flynn's control and accustom to playing the press creates a balance between both character and a clearer understanding of the drive of the characters. Their performance in the spotlight is portrayed by the successful use of colour and lighting and by tinting the theater stage with a red glow, especially on the press, conveys to the audience that it is dangerous what they are believing and Flynn and Roxy are using the press to help her get away with murder. Increasing the effect of this, Roxy and Flynn are both in a calmer, blue light conniving the press that they are blameless and genuine. Because of the use of mise-en-scene in the scene, the viewer is able to get a depthen knowledge of the characters.