Mise-en-scene: Stranger Things Analysis

1: Action/actors

Denotation:

Going to the scene where Will was being pursued by an unknown entity, we can see that he starts panicking and flees to his house, locking the door. His mum and brother are nowhere to be found, so he goes to the phone and calls the police, only to be met by static and disturbing sounds coming from the other line. He checks the door, phone gripped in hand, when he notices the same entity unlocking the door. He takes this opportunity to run out the back door and into the shed, nervously loading the gun yet determined to shoot his stalker. His efforts are in vain however, as the entity appears behind him. He turns around, looks at the creature, the camera focuses on the flickering light bulb when suddenly...

Nothing.

Connotation:

From Will's panicked actions, and him running for safety, we can infer that in this situation, he is terrified; an unknown, tall figure is stalking him, and he doesn't know why. This point is further emphasised as he frantically calls for his mum and brother, and when he realises neither of them are there, he's quick to call the police. Will's actor expresses his character's fear in such a way that it makes it believable that this could've been something that took place in real life as the actions he proceeds to take are completely logical.

2: Lighting

Denotation:

This scene takes place at night. Throughout the scene it's all very gloomy and dimly lit. The lighting in his house is very dark and eerie which sets in the horror tone of the series and the thrill of the scene. Lots of lights flicker here too which adds to the whole eeriness of the scene.

Connotation:

The night time setting is a staple for most horror movies/shows. It makes the scene feel more unknown and scarier in a way as the darkness obscures the evil that is ahead of the main characters. The flickering lights is almost like a warning that an alien and/or unknown creature is lurking near them, as we see it throughout the scene.

3: Setting

Denotation:

This show takes place in a town called Hawkins in Indiana, as shown in the intro before we meet our main characters. All the main characters go home, in which the scene focuses on Will. He lives far out, reaching into the forests, even passing by a strange facility. His house appears like it's in the middle of nowhere.

Connotation:

This is another common theme that some horror movies approach; a mysterious setting. It really adds to the thrill and scariness of the movie/TV show. Showing Will lives in the middle of nowhere has connotations that nobody is able to help him (immediately) since he's far out from the main town.