Secrets and Lies - ELEVEN

Notes on ELEVEN

Mise-en-scene 

Costume – The little boy has his blonde hair combed over to make him look smart and cute. He is wearing a little red waistcoat and black shorts which is quite old fashioned clothing and so the aim of this shot was to make the photo seem like it was taken decades before, it also again makes the boy look smart. The woman (possibly the mother) is wearing baggy clothing (which was fashionable at the time).

Body language&Facial expression- The little boy is clearly unaware of what is going on and is not cooperating with his parent for the shot as he places his finger up his nose. This is done for comedic effect as the dirty nose picking activity contrasts with the smart clothing. The woman also has to grab his hand and hold it on the arm on the sofa to show him how she doesnt want it up his nose. This is a very motherly gesture giving the audience hints of the relationship between the two of them.

Lighting– There is a darker background and strong lighting coming from above the little boy shining down to make him more apparent in the photo. Also, darker, plain background makes the light source clearer and could also be considered as a prop backdrop for the photo shoot.

Sound- There is no music while the photo shoot is taking place so the speech from the photographer allows the comedy coming from the lines are heard by the audience. The lines are also overlapping; this gives the scene a very realistic setting.

References to Britain- The photographer has a stereo typical cockney accent. However the woman has a very recognisable irish accent.

Colour- There is a lack of bold, bright colours except from the little boy's red waistcoat and his blonde hair which makes him stand out in the shot.

Stereotypes are used frequently in this clip so that it is easy to relate to and is entertaining.