The Goodfellas is a 1990 American gangster/crime thriller based in New York and directed by Martin Scorsese. The mise-en-scene is the arrangement of everything that appears in the frame, including actors, props, lighting, costumes and décor. Martin Scorsese is especially well known for his use of cinematography and mise-en-scene.
Goodfellas takes place in Queens, New York. Which possibly conforms to the conventions of mob settings as historically The New York Mafia was originally known for Italian mobs, especially the 'Five Families'. Who were organized crime families by the names: Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese. The crime families were publicly named in 1963 based on their bosses at the time: Tommy (Lucchese), Vito (Genovese), Carlo (Gambino), Joseph (Bonanno). This setting would've been convenient for the audience, being a mob location and making them actually believe that these activities took place.
It also conforms to typical conventions of gangster costumes as the mob seen above and throughout the trailer are seen in smart, well dressed attire possibly portraying them as business men, as well as being well off. Apart from that they dined in fancy restaurants, being served the finest food on the menu. The lighting in this restaurant is also very dark around them with spotlight placed above them, surrounding their table. Highlighting that they're the focus point, drawing the audiences attention. However it could also represent the dark, devious side to the members and possibly the conversation that they're having.
They continue to conform to conventions of gangster/crime thrillers by playing poker, dealing cards and money. Also representing stereotypical hobbies that are practiced by the alpha male. As well as drinking and smoking which could also highlight manliness.
This red hue stands out against all the other variations of lighting within the trailer, especially because its red and red could be connotations for blood, danger, passion or love which goes with the still image (setting the atmosphere) as the three men are seen digging up a hole in the ground, possibly for a dead body.
No comments:
Post a Comment