Mise-en-Scene
I decided to comment on the mise-en-scene in the American television sitcom, Friends. Set in New York City, the show incorporates establishing shots of the city in transitions between scenes. While a large part of the episodes are shot in the city, it also includes distinct sets for the different settings. The series is notorious for the clothing and lifestyles of 20-30 year olds in the 90s through the costumes and performance of actors. I made this decision because I am currently watching Friends, and I really love the comedic aspect of the show. Watching the show makes you love New York City and get a feel of life during the 1990s. The episode I chose to use was the first episode of the entire series. This episode best shows the mise-en-scene of the show because it is first introducing all the main characters. The episode is titled "The One Where Monica Gets a Roommate."
The series intro uses shallow space. The group is seated on a couch in front of a fountain in Central Park. They laugh and play around with each other, splashing water from the fountain. The song "I'll be there for you" plays in the background as the group smiles. The intro seems like it is happening right in front of the viewer, enhancing the visual connection and establishing a wholesome bond between the 6 people. Throughout the show, high-key lighting is most notably used. The series is mostly care-free and relaxed, so the comedic aspect is brought to light in high-key lighting. However, certain areas of the episode have low-key lighting techniques being used. Specifically, when Ross and Rachel are feeling lonely and sad, the director chose to put them in dark shadows to emphasize their emotions through the lighting. Additionally, when the scene transitions to Monica's workplace, the restaurant has dark shadows around it because it is shot at night.
The episode begins with Monica, Phoebe, Joey, and Chandler sitting in the famous "Central Perk" coffee shop. They are each wearing very 90s type of clothing, demonstrating the era. Monica wears neutral colors, with tan pants and a simple white shirt. She seems to be put together and slightly "uptight", but it demonstrates that she keeps her friend group together. Phoebe is wearing very loose fitting clothes and pigtails, associating her as a free-thinker. Joey is wearing a leather jacket and jeans, a typical outfit for a man at this time. This shows that he is considered the "alpha male" of the group. Chandler is wearing a big polo t-shirt and vintage jeans. He seems very relaxed and comfortable, showing his carefree nature. Ross walks into the coffee shop and seems very upset because his wife left him. His shirt is red, indicating his love for his now ex-wife. After a few minutes of the group casually talking, just like they would do everyday, Rachel enters in an extravagant wedding dress. She looks distraught and out of place, considering she hasn't seen Monica in years. The costume decisions represent the dynamic of the group, and signify the decade that the show was made.
The acting in the show is the most recognized. Each actor truly embodies the character they are playing to the fullest extent. Especially in the very first episode, the audience gets a feel for each character. As I noted in the costume decisions, the personality of each person is represented thoroughly in the first episode. Monica seems responsible for everyone. She takes care of Ross and Rachel, comforting them when they are feeling upset. Joey represents the airhead of the group. He means well in his actions, but doesn't always think things through. While he may not be the smartest, he treats his friends nicely. Phoebe is similar in that she's a free-thinker. She often says whatever comes to mind, even if it doesn't relate to the conversation. Ross, while a very educated professional, often seems naive and helpless. He speaks with little conviction and confidence, and often needs reassurance from Monica. Chandler is the comic relief. In all tense situations, he is able to keep everyone happy. He works as an accountant, but doesn't care about it, given the manner he left for work during the episode. Rachel, the "new roommate", is brutally introduced to this new world in her leaving the altar. She is welcomed by people she has just met, but pushed away by her own family and fiance. The director ensured that the group would represent a typical group of friends that love and care about each other.
Overall, Friends incorporates all aspects of the mise-en-scene to enhance the impact of each episode. The lighting, acting, costume design, and setting are all highlighted to improve the outcome of the show. A big reason for the show's success is for its ability to write creative scripts while focusing on smaller aspects that will benefit the episode's impact as a whole. Friends is a great show that demonstrates all key factors of the mise-en-scene.
The series intro uses shallow space. The group is seated on a couch in front of a fountain in Central Park. They laugh and play around with each other, splashing water from the fountain. The song "I'll be there for you" plays in the background as the group smiles. The intro seems like it is happening right in front of the viewer, enhancing the visual connection and establishing a wholesome bond between the 6 people. Throughout the show, high-key lighting is most notably used. The series is mostly care-free and relaxed, so the comedic aspect is brought to light in high-key lighting. However, certain areas of the episode have low-key lighting techniques being used. Specifically, when Ross and Rachel are feeling lonely and sad, the director chose to put them in dark shadows to emphasize their emotions through the lighting. Additionally, when the scene transitions to Monica's workplace, the restaurant has dark shadows around it because it is shot at night.
The episode begins with Monica, Phoebe, Joey, and Chandler sitting in the famous "Central Perk" coffee shop. They are each wearing very 90s type of clothing, demonstrating the era. Monica wears neutral colors, with tan pants and a simple white shirt. She seems to be put together and slightly "uptight", but it demonstrates that she keeps her friend group together. Phoebe is wearing very loose fitting clothes and pigtails, associating her as a free-thinker. Joey is wearing a leather jacket and jeans, a typical outfit for a man at this time. This shows that he is considered the "alpha male" of the group. Chandler is wearing a big polo t-shirt and vintage jeans. He seems very relaxed and comfortable, showing his carefree nature. Ross walks into the coffee shop and seems very upset because his wife left him. His shirt is red, indicating his love for his now ex-wife. After a few minutes of the group casually talking, just like they would do everyday, Rachel enters in an extravagant wedding dress. She looks distraught and out of place, considering she hasn't seen Monica in years. The costume decisions represent the dynamic of the group, and signify the decade that the show was made.
The acting in the show is the most recognized. Each actor truly embodies the character they are playing to the fullest extent. Especially in the very first episode, the audience gets a feel for each character. As I noted in the costume decisions, the personality of each person is represented thoroughly in the first episode. Monica seems responsible for everyone. She takes care of Ross and Rachel, comforting them when they are feeling upset. Joey represents the airhead of the group. He means well in his actions, but doesn't always think things through. While he may not be the smartest, he treats his friends nicely. Phoebe is similar in that she's a free-thinker. She often says whatever comes to mind, even if it doesn't relate to the conversation. Ross, while a very educated professional, often seems naive and helpless. He speaks with little conviction and confidence, and often needs reassurance from Monica. Chandler is the comic relief. In all tense situations, he is able to keep everyone happy. He works as an accountant, but doesn't care about it, given the manner he left for work during the episode. Rachel, the "new roommate", is brutally introduced to this new world in her leaving the altar. She is welcomed by people she has just met, but pushed away by her own family and fiance. The director ensured that the group would represent a typical group of friends that love and care about each other.
Overall, Friends incorporates all aspects of the mise-en-scene to enhance the impact of each episode. The lighting, acting, costume design, and setting are all highlighted to improve the outcome of the show. A big reason for the show's success is for its ability to write creative scripts while focusing on smaller aspects that will benefit the episode's impact as a whole. Friends is a great show that demonstrates all key factors of the mise-en-scene.
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