Macro Analysis of Setting and Mise-en-scene

1. Choose one area (Narrative, Setting/Mise-en-scene, Themes and Values or Characters and Representation) and compare elements from the areas in the films, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Reservoir Dogs.

Setting and Mise-en-scene:

• In Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels the characters are introduced immediately to the audience which is similar to Reservoir Dogs as the characters are introduced in the restaurant to the viewer.

• Another similarity between the two films is the clothing that all the characters wear. This consists of white shirts and black suits or long coats, and sunglasses which hide the characters identity, so that less emotion can be detected from their faces. In Reservoir Dogs the black suites they all wear contrast the background scenery highlighting them as being authoritative, strong characters.

• The setting in the opening sequence to Reservoir Dogs is a restaurant where the character are seated eating breakfast, the lighting is made to look like natural daylight pouring through the window amongst the character's cigarette smoke. 
  
  
• A tracking shot is used to include the viewer in the conversation over the table although the shot  is occasionally obscured by the character back/shoulder as the camera moves around them. Also over the shoulder shots are used so that the viewer can see the characters hand gestures, props, and what they are eating and drinking.

Reservoir Dogs

• The setting in the opening sequence of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is different to Reservoir dogs in many different ways. Firstly because Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is filmed out in the open, backstreet's of a  town/city. Match on action is also shown through the fast paced shots and quick events that unfold, such as the police men chasing the characters. Secondly the lighting in this film is different to Reservoir Dogs, the lighting is an orange/beige colour which alongside the products the character is trying to sell,  the scene looks suspicious and the orange colour in particularly makes the background street look even more dirty and grimy.

• The casting for both films was carefully considered to make the films look effective and true to life. All the characters look shady and secretive and in Reservoir Dogs all have the same type of hair style, which makes them look like a natural unit/group together.