Blog Post #15 Mise-en-Scene in Film Part: One

 Today i will be analyzing the Mise-en-Scene used in the film Sandlot and how the simplicity of the setting and costume designs. Also, how these simple uses of this micro feature help create a down to earth theme in the film.

The sandlot is a down to earth film that uses its small town to convey the "small town, big dreams" theme that it is going for. the main use of the setting is the baseball field which is very simple and not too flashy. This helps push the reality of the film and how they are not famous athletes playing baseball but rather just some kids who are having fun playing. This also is conveyed using the costuming in the film, through the basic and simple clothes that they wear. This helps complete the setting and the Mise-en-Scene with it perfectly being able to convey the theme that the movie is based in a small town and it is really just kids playing. 

The simplicity of the filming location and costuming helps with this films structure because the it allows for the film to keep its small town themes. This in total allows for the film to connect with the audience more because of the small town realism in the scenes. This connection with audience has helped with a large variety of viewers being able to relate to the film and represent a large amount of viewers. This relation has made the film not only a classic baseball movie but a classic movie. This is not only just because the film feels realistic and sensible but also that it relatable to many of the audience. This is through peoples child hood memories and how those tie to where they currently are as a person for the better or worse. I hope to be able to bring this aspect into my film, while not as light hearted and innocent, it still holds a lot of similar characteristics in the way that the film represents a large group of people.

For example, The Mise-en-Scene used in this scene specifically the setting conveys the small-town presence through the house being directly behind the baseball fields. This conveys that the location is in a urban neighborhood and that they are just trying to have fun. This location factor also helps tie to the plot of the film whenever a ball goes over the fence and into the creepy houses yard. This allows for the following sequence to occur with the kids attempting to get the ball that had babe ruth's autograph on it from the backyard. Also, the use of vines and dull colors, it helps express the lifeless coloring of the creepy house in contrast from the lighter and more colorful baseball field. Also, through the house being there throughout the plot structure of the film it helps build suspense as to what the kids may have to face on the other side if a ball went over.

This connects to my film because the costuming and setting in the first two minutes and also sometimes throughout the film will be similar in order to create a connection with the audience with something as simple as the clothes that the characters wear, and also the area that the filming takes place. This connection with my audience should allow for my film to reach a larger audience and represent more people. Weather that is athletes, people from small towns, or even people who just like the costuming. The first two minutes being able to connect with the audience so early can help hook the viewer into watching the whole film and stay entertained throughout.