Mis en Scene

The film spends most of its time experimenting with techniques in regards to structure, graphics and chronology, all of which are present in the opening sequence. The use of Mis en Scene in the opening sequence however, focuses on graphics in terms of colour, as well as setting. Through the use of colour the director cleverly creates atmosphere as well as shaping the viewer's emotional response. The setting of downtown LA and the homes of Summer and Tom as children, assist with conveying the strong theme of new beginnings at the beginning of this film.


A controlled colour palette is used in this film, mainly neutral colours are apparent. For example neutral browns, greys and beiges are used in the office scene. All the furniture are in these dull colours, as well as the staff's clothing, the artwork in the background and the water jugs. The use of bland colours sets the mood of the scene; boring, mundane and innocuous. This is exactly Tom's attitude towards life, until he meets Summer. Summer is generally always associated with the bright colour of blue. This blue used exclusively with Summer offers a breath of fresh air for the viewer when she enters the room, and emphasizes this as the role she is designed to play. Every outfit worn by Summer in the opening sequence is blue; the blue dress, coat and hat, the blue floral dress, the blue and white stripe shorts, and finally the blue top and jeans. Not only does this highlight actress Zooey Deschanel's striking blue eyes, but the use of blue makes Summer stand out. This is because a base of neutrals is built up in this film, avoiding primary colours in most cases, whereas blue is a primary colour and shows significant contrast. This contrast shapes the viewer's opinion of Summer into thinking that her character is more sophisticated than any other. Which is very much true. Summer is portrayed to be different from anyone else because her opinion of love is different to most, the colours associated with her also resemble this. Blue is generally used to symbolize sadness. The viewer feels as though they should sympathize Summer and the sadness she must feel, if she cannot feel love. The feeling of sympathy created also furthers the director's purpose and ability to prove viewers' expectations wrong, yet allow the viewer to be able to relate. The viewer's expectations are proved wrong because we sympathize for Summer because we think she will never find love, the use of blue enhances this, yet Summer does find love, to our complete amazement. The director's shaping of the viewer's emotion to feel sympathy also relates the viewer to the film. This is because from time to time we all feel sympathy for ourselves, and sometimes doubt whether we will ever find love. 


The film is set in downtown LA. While only the first part of the opening sequence exploits the eccentric downtown of LA through the beautiful shot over a small part of the city, showing unique older buildings which is completely appropriate for this quirky film, it is just enough time to give the viewer a taste of the film's imminent setting. The director's purpose for choosing the downtown of LA as the film's setting, is because people often think of LA as Venice Beach or Beverly Hills, but the truth is that there is another LA that pre-dated all of that. Part of Tom's character is about finding beauty in places that other people have forgotten, and this is a major message in the film. The director's purpose is also to constantly surpass the viewers expectations. Downtown LA is perfect for this. LA is also symbolizes new beginnings which is a main theme at the beginning of the film, when Tom wants a new beginning to love after a rough break-up and Summer wants a new career beginning. LA represents new beginnings because it is often thought of as a place for new beginnings for actors and musicians trying to make it in the industry. The further setting of Tom and Summer's homes as children, further this idea of new beginnings. For example as Tom learns to play guitar in his bedroom and Summer to ride a horse in her backyard they begin to grow up. They are new beginnings, as they are still new to this world.


The specific colour and setting choice in this film opening, act as enhancers for shaping the viewer's emotional response as well as conveying themes. The bright green of the tree, in the inner city park for example is used as a contrast to the neutral backdrop of skyscrapers. The contrast emphasizes the importance of the tree, and the idea it conveys of time passing and new beginnings made through the changing of seasons. This idea of new beginnings is continued through the next setting, as the video of Tom learning to play soccer in his backyard is shown, this is a new beginning for him. The dominant components of Mis en Scene that enhance this film opening are therefore the colour use and choice of settings.