Mise en scene in Juno (Jason Reitman, 2007) - Essay Example

8 May Elements of Mise-en-scene in Juno The film’s mise-en-scene refers to “all the elements in front of the camera that composea shot” (“Elements of Mise-en-scene” par. 1). All the aspects of a shot like the setting, acting, costume and make-up of the actors, lighting, camera placement and movement of shots as well as music all interplay to create what is called a movie or film’s mise-en-scene. The movie “Juno” has a simple plot – that of a 16-year old teenage girl who gets pregnant at a time when she still cannot handle the responsibility of motherhood.

It tells of how this girl Juno finds a way to get out of this sticky situation not by resorting to abortion but by instead going through with the pregnancy and finding good adoptive parents and securing a better future for her child. The film is, first of all, divided into the 4 seasons starting with autumn and so on. Somehow, this division of the film by season assisted in the transition of the whole story from Juno realizing her problem up to the time she gives birth and after. The movie starts with a long shot of Juno looking at a living room lounging chair, with a gallon of orange juice on her right hand, a closer shot of the same scene and then Juno’s face in close-up showing the actress’ face as reminiscent, sad and worried all at the same time.

Juno narrates the cause of her mood then a flashback is shown and the viewers begin to understand the importance of the chair to the story – it was where Juno had sex with her boyfriend and the reason she got pregnant. The scenes are set in the local village where Juno resides, her home, her school, the local store, etc. Some scenes are shown of the house where the adoptive parents of Juno’s baby lived which left a good impression on Juno and her plans to give her baby to a good couple who love each other and who are capable of raising an equally good family.

Narratives by the lead actress are used all throughout the film to shorten parts of the story which would otherwise draw attention from the main character to the other sub-plots. Although the main topic of the film is sex and teenage pregnancy, the presentation of the shots was tastefully done and only suggestive scenes were shown especially in the part when Juno and her boyfriend did the act. Scenes significant to the pregnancy like the ultrasound and the actual delivery of the child were also included which rendered more credence to the film since it seemed like the actress really got pregnant and gave birth.

The costumes were also realistic with the lead actress and friends dressing up like typical teens, and then the adoptive parents of the baby clad in more formal wear bespeaking of their mature demeanor. The music which set the mood for the most part of the movie was very characteristic of a teenager’s choice of music, and made the topic of pregnancy much more manageable. All the actors in the movie did well specially Juno. She literally carried herself well, especially in the scenes where she was already in her last term and the adoptive parents of her baby were contemplating on a divorce.

At that time, it seemed that she had no other option, but then, she still managed to think through the situation and come up with a matured decision despite her age -- all of these emotions she carried were successfully communicated to the viewer which proves that her kind of acting was excellent. Of course, she was also ably supported by the actors who portrayed the adoptive parents who eventually got divorced. Jennifer Garner who played the adoptive mom looked every inch the loving and affectionate mom for Juno’s adorable baby.

Also Juno’s father, stepmom and bestriend were equally notable in their performances in supporting Juno and the situations she went through. Juno’s boyfriend was also good portraying the mama’s boy who soon realizes his love for Juno and stays by her side after she gives birth, thereby making the story’s ending an “all’s well that ends well” one. Works CitedJuno. Dir. Jason Reitman, Perf. Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman. Fox Searchlight. 2007. Film.“Elements of Mise-en-scene”.

Film Reference. Film Reference, 2010. Web. 8 May 2010.