Mise-en-scène Of Utopia (2013)
Julia Rodrigue
Joe Sapphire
Topic 5
COM 126
10/23/20
Utopia Scene Analysis
Utopia is a 2013 BBC television show that follows the mystery of the late Phillip Carvel’s graphic novel also called Utopia. Four internet friends that all enjoy the graphic novel come together in real life, as they are promised a Utopia part two. This leads the group to being hunted by an organization called The Network. They are attempting to wipe out half of the population through a vaccine that sterilizes one out of ten people. When thinking about what to do for my scene analysis , this was the show that came to mind. I feel that the showrunners did a wonderful job of allowing the Mise-en-scène to highlight the actors and story being told. The show excelled in using design, lighting, composition and kinesis in ways that add to the overall story. I feel this is what allowed
The scene I chose to focus on was the opening scene of the series. When I first watched this is what really grabbed my attention. The design of the scene allowed for the set and actors to feel realistic. The action of the scene starts in a comic book shop. Two men walk in the scene disturbing the calm of the store. There is a direct shot of a bright yellow bag that stands out against the floor. This shot began to tip the audience off that there is something not quite right with the two men. As immediately after Lee the man in the blue suit pulls out a metal pipe.
Design of scenes incorporate not only the set dressing but how the actors are dressed. The textbook states “The most important of these are (1) setting decor, and properties and (2) costume makeup and hairstyle” p.156. Arby’s outfit is heavenly in contrast with Lee’s. The costume design of these two characters is done in a way that shows their very different personalities. While Lee is put together and uptight reflective of his clothing choice of a blue suit. Arby is dressed in sweatpants, as he is more laid back and more or less only asks short questions. The set dressing also plays an important role, as the comic book shop is dressed in a realistic way. The set designer used bright colors such as red and yellow to accentuate the set. They also used a more muted green color for the walls, that adds to the drama. This is used throughout the show bright yellows and reds to draw attention to certain details.
The lighting of the show plays a huge role in the filmmaking of Utopia. The use of natural lighting can be seen in the few opening moments. There are short moments of different outdoor settings that almost look to be out of a documentary. However these naturalist shots are heavily saturated. Overtop of these opening scenes are radio broadcasts of an announcer talking about food shortages. While within the comic book shop, the characters are lit in a stark contrast between the indoor and outdoor images. The comic book shop uses soft overhead lighting that can be seen within the store. This lighting gives the scene a very green hue to it, as you look further into the store. When the shot changes they use conventional three point lighting to properly show each subject. However the filmmaker chose to use high saturation of color, this almost creates even more drama within the scene.
The composition of the scene plays a huge role within the action, as each moment is framed in a way that brings the action to a head. For example the opening of the scene starts with the comic book store owner framed in the left corner of the shot. While Arby and Lee are shot from below you only see their legs as they walk into the store. Arby and the comic book shop owner are framed in the foreground of the scene, while the background is slightly blurred. There is then a direct shot of a sticky note that says Utopia Manuscript, the shop owner looks afraid saying he sold it. The non diegetic music used over the shot is used throughout the show when something bad will happen. We then see one of the shoppers being beaten over the head with a metal pipe by Lee. Arby asks the shop owner where Jessica Hyde is. When the shop owner doesn’t know who Jessica is, he is gassed by Lee.
Kinesis plays a role in creating the drama of the scene as both Arby and Lee’s movement is intimidating. Whenever Lee moves you know something bad will happen. As he framed in front of the body of the man who got hit over the head with a pipe just casually walking away. He then calmly walks across the store and gasses another shopper. This calmness within their body language as they commit horrendous acts of violence add to the overall anxiety the scene creates. They both calmly plan to blow up the shop with gas as the owner had no information on the manuscript. The scene ends with a man dressed as a rabbit dancing to the music, which is foreshadowing for the main villain Mr. Rabbit.
To wrap up my summary, I feel Utopia used so much of Mise-en-scène I didn’t even scratch the surface of all the elements used. Utopia was able to take many of the elements of Mise-en-scène and creates a beautiful piece of filmmaking. I would definitely recommend watching as the show is shot in a way that is closer to a big budget film rather than a TV show.
While you’ve done well to address every element of Mise-en-scene, and incorporated references to the text, the writing itself could use some proofreading. There are disjointed and incomplete sentences that detract from your arguments. Otherwise, my only suggestion is to separate your plot synopsis from your formal analysis a bit more. Some paragraphs start out with solid thesis statements about a formal analysis, but then devolve into description of the narrative. Both are helpful approaches to allow the viewer to understand the significance of the scene, but the tactics seem to disrupt each other.
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