The Great

Gatsby
Mise en Scene Presentation
By: Sophia Wojcik
Scene Context
After now Gatsby and Nick become acquaintances, Gatsby wants
Nick to arrange a reunion between himself and Daisy, but is afraid
that Daisy will refuse to see him if she knows that he still loves her.
Nick invites Daisy to have tea at his house, without telling her that
Gatsby will also be present. After an initially awkward reunion,
Gatsby and Daisy reestablish their powerful connection.
Link to full scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7yBQIGyunI
01. Dominant &
Subsidiary
Contrast
 Dominant & Subsidiary
Contrast
The Dominant contrast is where the audience members eyes look to first. In both
shots selected the audience members eyes look directly to Daisy or Gatsby as they
are centred in the frame. The objects in the background are strategically positioned
in order to frame around the main character. The subsidiary contrast is the second
or next place the eyes look too. In this case the surrounding objects such as the
flowers represent the subsidiary contrast. Although the flowers are the largest and
take up most of the frame, they center around Gatsby and Daisy, illuminating their
significance and the main point in the shot.
02. Shot &
Camera Angle
 Shot & Camera
Angles
This scene is so critical as it symbolizes the parallel between Daisy and Gatsby’s
expressions when meeting each other for the first time in a while. The camera angles
focus on centering around each character individually. The first focusing on Daisy who is
looking away from the window towards Gatsby as the rain pours in the background.
Whilst the second shot focuses on Gatsby who has just returned from outside, soaking
wet staring at Daisy. The facial expressions exhibited by each character as the symbolize
the emotions of Daisy and Gatsby meeting again. This scene incorporates an eye level
shot which helps the audience feel they are in the room alongside the characters. It
relates more to the audience when this angle is used. This angle is also best when there
is dialogue because it allows the audience to focus mainly on the dialogue and the
characters expressions, whilst still understanding the emotions being displayed
physically.
03. Lighting
 Lighting
The lighting in this scene stays quite consistent and dull throughout the scene, mimicking
the conditions of the storm outside of Nick's house. We can see that with the use of the
windows in the background a backlight is being used to illuminate the room. This casts a
slightly moody and monotone feel on the whole scene, causing the audience to feel less
excited towards Gatsby and Daisy's reunion compared to if there were brighter or faster
changing light conditions. This is quite a large contrast compared to other scenes, many
of which are brightly lit with intense colours and contrasts. The director has chosen to do
this so the audience's attention is drawn solely towards the characters' facial expressions
and dialogue, striping it of any special effects or flamboyant lighting techniques. With the
progression of Daisy and Gatsby's relationship however, the lighting does brighten
slightly, mimicking the joyous mood felt by both the characters and the audience for the
rekindling of their relationship.
04. Staging Positions &
Character
Proximity
 Staging Positions and
Character Proximity
Throughout this scene both Gatsby and Daisy are shot from a full-front, facing the
camera. This is particularly done in order to ensure the audience's understanding of what
is occurring physically and emotionally for the character. Gatsby and Daisy are
positioned on opposites sides of the room in order to resemble the distance between
them. Moreover, with the use of flowers surrounding the stage as the scene continues the
audience begins to be aware of the camera only closing in on both of the characters,
again for allowing the audience to be immersed within the movie. In many films
characters are placed on opposite sides of a room in order to resemble a distance within
their relationship or to emphasize the moment that is occurring.
05. Colour Values
 Colour Values
Surrounding the characters Nick’s home is covered in
dark wood accents which play a big congrats to the
colorful vibrant flowers throughout. The pastel petals
of the flowers create a calm, youthful and
melancholy mood throughout the room creating
another contrasts with the storm outside. Prior to
meeting Daisy Gatsby is very anxious hence why he
encourages Nick to fill his home with the flowers.
Gatsby wants to ensure he can create the best
outcome of their meeting.
06. Composition
& Framing
 Composition &
Framing
The composition of the scene consists of the two characters Daisy and
Gatsby as well as the surrounding flowers. Although the colour of flowers
incorporate a melancholy mood throughout, they also symbolize the ultimate
wealth Gatsby has and his efforts in displaying it. The proximity of the flowers
surrounding Daisy and Gatsby allow the elusiveness of the audience into the
scene. Even through the movement of the characters their composition and
proximity towards each other reflects off one another. This is seen as a
component of ensuring a balance of symmetry between the characters.
Framing on the other hand refers to the direct placement and position of the
characters and objects. We can see that in this specific shot there is a
significant amount of flowers compared to Daisy or Gatsby.
07. Depth of Field
 Depth of Field
This scene is shot from a wide angle view capturing the character being surrounded
by the flower compositions. The Depth of field can be described as the zone, that
presents a sharp image to the viewer. This zone can be larger or more narrow
depending on the camera settings and other circumstances. The focal length of the
lens is mainly focused on the character itself, causing the surrounding objects and
background scenery to partially fade into the scenery.
08. Density
 Density
When looking at this particular shot it is evident that the texture of the image is
moderately detailed. The reason for this being is that there are three main
components in the shot; Daisy, the flowers and the setting beyond the glass door.
These three components together help create a detailed shot. Depending on the
goal a producer has, each scene will display key objects guiding the audience to
understand a main motif or theme. In this case the density in the shot is catered in
order to prioritize the moment of Gatsby and Daisy meeting again for the first time.
09. Form
 Form
Film form is how a piece of work is arranged in order to be created. Essentially film
makers or directors make certain decisions based on what wants to be achieved.
WHen looking at this particular shot the director could have had several instances
where they chose between different ideas based on what they wanted to convey. For
example at the beginning that Gatsby decided to run out of the room and walk into
the home after daisy. Therefore instead of Daisy walking into the living room and
seeing Gatsby it was the other way around. The director may have done this in order
to achieve a type of perception, not only is the interaction between two characters
different but it also can tell a different story.
 Purpose
The use of elements from a Mise en Scene help drive the underlying motif of time in
the great gatsby. The effect of all these elements working together create an image
for the audience to understand that Gatsby’s version of the American dream only
truly relied on who Daisy embodied and represented. The Audience begins to
understand that the so called love Gatsby has for Daisy is merely just intertwined
with his desire for social acceptance and the fulfillment. However, regardless the
space created between in the characters in the shot, alongside the lighting and
choice of colour values, one can begin to understand how consumed Gatsby is of
Daisy.
 Works Cited
YouTube. (2013). The Great Gatsby. YouTube. Retrieved January 2, 2024, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7yBQIGyunI.