Downton Abbey- Analysis

Mise en scene:

Scene 1-

• Set- 1912 England the day of the sinking of the Titanic.
• Location- Downton house below stairs.
• Actors- Jim Carter (well known actors will widen audience).
• Costume- Sterotypical butler and maid outfits (black and white fabric).  Those who go above stairs are dressed in a more presentable fashion.
• Lighting- Darkly lit below stairs.
• Props- Service bells, iron, newspapers, telegram.

Scene 2-

• Set- 1912 England the day of the sinking of the Titanic.
• Location- Downton house above stairs.
• Actors- Hugh Bonneville (well known actors will widen audience).
• Costume- Intricately designed outfits made with expensive fabrics.
• Lighting- Well lit above stairs to represent wealth and opulence.
• Props- Breakfast set, lap tray, silver ware, newspapers.

The Mise en scene used in both of these scenes helps to give the audience context for the time period which the drama takes place in as well as the class and status of each of the characters involved in the scenes.  The well executed Mise en scene will allow the audience to feel a closer connection to the characters featured and so will make them more likely to watch this drama opposed to another with a poorer element of Mise en scene.