Mise-en-scene is a French word that translates to "placing on stage." It refers to everything that appears in framing within a movie. These elements include actors, lighting, props and costumes. Cinematography also plays a huge role in the mise-en-scene within a film. In the movie "Prisoners," the director (Dennis Villeneuve) does a fantastic job incorporating key elements in order to portray the films mood. The film is based on Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) and his family dealing with the abduction of their daughter. Keller also has a problem with law enforcement as they refuse to specifically follow all of Dover's requests. Keller also has a strong inner conflict with himself as this film develops. The theme throughout is self imprisonment and is very well depicted through the cinematic elements of the film.
I first want to talk about the name of the film. The title "Prisoners" suits this film very well. The name of this film gives us significant insight on the overall feeling and actions that are involved within the movie. Obviously the name of the film is a negative sort of suspicious type of title. We know right off the bat that this movie is going to portray negative emotions into the audience. Though as we break the name of the film down, we gain a deeper intelligence for the suitable title. Not only are several characters literally prisoners in the film, all characters act and make decisions as if in a psychological prison of there own individual past.
The main character Keller had experienced tragedy early in his life when his dad committed suicide when he was just 14 years old. This as a result has caused faith to play a big role in his life at a young age. He has grown up into a father who puts his family at the highest priority. Through his preparation to maintain their safety at all times, he has become a man of control. His need for control conflicts his strength in faith.