Mock question: For 10 marks – Explore how one example of mise-en-scene is used the opening sequence of HOFD.
Mise end scene is used in the opening sequence of House of Flying Daggers to create meaning, for example the repetition of the butterfly motif in the Peony Pavilion. The butterfly acts as a visual metaphor to symbolise new life and transformation, represented through Mei. This suggests she has been given a second chance, revealing her motives as part of The House of Flying Daggers. The reoccurring butterfly and floral patterns is symbolic of femininity suggesting Mei has a delicate and gentle nature, however, is contrasted by her resilient nature, linking to how the butterfly could be interpreted to represent her ability to change and transform into a warrior. The reoccurring floral patterns foreshadows Mei’s connection with nature and the significance in the changing seasons through the film, as well as highlighting the importance of the House of Flying Daggers in the ‘north’. Next, in terms of mise end scene, Mei is presented wearing red lipstick with a red flower in her hair. The use of the colour red foreshadows the danger and violence of the scene, as well as represented Mei’s underlying fierceness and resilience. Alternatively, in Chinese culture the colour red symbolises beauty and fortune, linking to the song lyrics ‘beauty of the north’. The red lipstick could be viewed as sexualising Mei, presenting her as someone performing and being watched in order to flatter Jinn’s ego, perhaps intending to show a targeted critique of modern culture surrounding typical gender stereotypes. Similarly, a reoccurring image that is seen in the opening sequence is the use of the sword motif. This is symbolic of the power imbalance between genders as the sword is presented as a masculine object, acting as a phallic symbol. During the sequence the opening shot the audience sees is a close up of swords establishing their significance in the film, as well as the fact that Jin uses this to undress Mei before sexually assaulting her, using it to sexualise her as an object. Next in the scene, a key element of mise en scene that we see is the use of the lotus seeds. In Chinese culture lotus seeds are symbolic of a full wallet and traditionally meaning wealth and money. This shows to the high class and grand setting as a showcase of wealth, linking to the cultural contexts of the Tang dynasty. This time period is referred to as the golden age known for its art, painting and ornate architecture, as well as its economic growth due to its development in culture. Similarly, House of Flying Daggers uses bold colours, representative of the Tang Dynasty and traditional Chinese culture, for example the colours of the characters robes such as bright reds, pinks, blues and greens.
Emma Coe Film Studies 