Elliot Mise En Scene Analysis

Cinematography plays an extremely vital role in the scene, it allows audiences to feel as uncomfortable as Elliot does within the scene, through methods of adjusting tonality, speed, perspective, and framing. Elliot’s discomfort in the scene is palpable as ET approaches him, and cinematography aids the scene’s purpose in the film. The first extremely relevant part of the cinematography of the scene is the tonalities that range within the shots. The beginning scene shows a perfect eerie night with clouds in the air, dark corn fields, and the light from the flashlight. The shed is one big light source in the scene, since there isn’t a lot of light that is around at night. The shot magnifies the otherworldly feelings that run throughout the scene and it becomes consistent throughout

Fear drives this slow movement and creates a way for audiences to truly feel connected to the ways Elliot feels. The frame changes the perspective and now shows Elliot’s view of the situation rather than a wide shot of the entire scene playing out. The lack of wide shots in the scene allows for more perspective change within the scene, and it would ruin ET’s back lighting throughout the scene. The shot of the Reese’s Pieces helps the audiences and Elliot’s understanding of ET. This close up of ET placing the Reese’s on Elliot’s blanket starts out creepy, especially since nobody knows what ET planned on doing. The slow motion feeling of this part gives the mixed sensation of anticipation and fright, before it becomes obvious that ET is harmless. The importance of this shot allows the audience to understand ET’s harmless nature and creates a different understanding of the situation around. The shot allows for audiences to see both the alien aspects of ET through his hand, and the inquisitive and mild nature as he places innocent Reese’s down in front of