Analysing a scene in terms of Mise-en-Scene - The Grand Budapest Hotel 'You're Under Arrest'
Character
At the beginning of this section, there are two characters present, Zero and Gustav. Throughout the film it's made clear that Gustav is in charge due to his large height and confident stance, while Zero is smaller and more reserved in this performance. This is especially evident now as Gustav stands on a chair, giving him even more height and connoting that he is in charge of the situation. He is also closer the camera, which makes him look larger and connotes importance by itself, and also he's facing away from Zero, which shows that he doesn't need to pay attention to the person he's conversing to (possibly showing a lack of respect or that he assumes Zero is paying attention, regardless he is still in charge). Zero on the other hand faces Gustav, making him look up at him and therefore show his diminutive status and size compared to him, and makes him appear subservient and weak, increased more by the fact that Zero is holding an object carefully for Gustav.
A secondary character also appears at the doorway briefly to inform Gustav, his boss, of the events transpiring. The character never steps out of the doorway to reveal his whole body, instead only peaking around the corner showing just his head and parts of his torso. This is important as it shows that the average worker is intimidated by Gustav, to such an extent that they're ready to flee at all times and don't like to appear before him. As a result, it gives Zero a new sense authority, as although he appears to be a similar rank to the other man (ie by his costume), he is capable of not only appearing directly in front of Gustav and directing him directly, but also being wanted or needed by him.
Setting
In keeping with the rest of the film, the setting for this scene appears to be in 1930s Europe (specifically in the 'Republic of Zubrowka', a fictional nation). The technology (ie the lights) appear dated by modern standards, the decor is very reminiscent of the time and other miscellaneous items which add verisimilitude, such as boxes or a ladder, also appear of the time.
However, the setting of this scene in particular is different to all others in the hotel. While the hotel appears to be important and high-end (ie the 'Grand' in the name), with polished wood, brightly lit large rooms and chandeliers, this room is a lot more dingy. The curtain used by the duo is obviously very dirty and old, with frayed edges and mud/muck covering almost the entire thing. The lights are uncovered and look far more functional than the decorative candles that litter the rest of the building, spare chairs and tables are stacked unceremoniously to the back and top of the frame. Is shows the real, messy, hidden aspect of the hotel, and by extension the story as a whole (as it centres around it), and creates connotations of falsity.
Props
Very few props were used in this scene, as it is mainly used for dialogue. The coat zero is holding throughout the scene remains unused until the end of the sequence, wear he returns to the frame to place it, which throws off the pace of the scene, making it appear more random and confusing, an effect Wes Anderson strives for in his films. It also removes some of the apparent urgency the characters have, making the following scene less serious, and it also adds to the character of Zero, showing his determination and commitment to both his work and Gustav.
The curtain previously mentioned were also used briefly, opening the window to show the expression of the characters at their revelation. This was most likely used to draw attention to how grubby it looks, ensuring the audience fully grasps the connotations of secret disrepair hinted by them.
Costume
Zero and the member of staff that briefly appears in the scene both wear purple matching uniforms, the uniform of the hotel. As purple has royal and wealth connotations, it shows the audience that the hotel is for a wealthy clientele (which supports the plot), or that the hotel wants to project the image of wealth even if there is none, which relates to the points above. In addition, the uniform is also used for verisimilitude, as it suits the time period with its hat and jacket.
The Gustav character also wears purple. However, his suit is more expensive, formal, and as a result shows importance while still maintaining that he's related to the hotel. The light purple/lilac trousers also show this while also reflecting his personality - fun, bizarre, sexually promiscuous.
A secondary character also appears at the doorway briefly to inform Gustav, his boss, of the events transpiring. The character never steps out of the doorway to reveal his whole body, instead only peaking around the corner showing just his head and parts of his torso. This is important as it shows that the average worker is intimidated by Gustav, to such an extent that they're ready to flee at all times and don't like to appear before him. As a result, it gives Zero a new sense authority, as although he appears to be a similar rank to the other man (ie by his costume), he is capable of not only appearing directly in front of Gustav and directing him directly, but also being wanted or needed by him.
Setting
In keeping with the rest of the film, the setting for this scene appears to be in 1930s Europe (specifically in the 'Republic of Zubrowka', a fictional nation). The technology (ie the lights) appear dated by modern standards, the decor is very reminiscent of the time and other miscellaneous items which add verisimilitude, such as boxes or a ladder, also appear of the time.
However, the setting of this scene in particular is different to all others in the hotel. While the hotel appears to be important and high-end (ie the 'Grand' in the name), with polished wood, brightly lit large rooms and chandeliers, this room is a lot more dingy. The curtain used by the duo is obviously very dirty and old, with frayed edges and mud/muck covering almost the entire thing. The lights are uncovered and look far more functional than the decorative candles that litter the rest of the building, spare chairs and tables are stacked unceremoniously to the back and top of the frame. Is shows the real, messy, hidden aspect of the hotel, and by extension the story as a whole (as it centres around it), and creates connotations of falsity.
Props
Very few props were used in this scene, as it is mainly used for dialogue. The coat zero is holding throughout the scene remains unused until the end of the sequence, wear he returns to the frame to place it, which throws off the pace of the scene, making it appear more random and confusing, an effect Wes Anderson strives for in his films. It also removes some of the apparent urgency the characters have, making the following scene less serious, and it also adds to the character of Zero, showing his determination and commitment to both his work and Gustav.
The curtain previously mentioned were also used briefly, opening the window to show the expression of the characters at their revelation. This was most likely used to draw attention to how grubby it looks, ensuring the audience fully grasps the connotations of secret disrepair hinted by them.
Costume
Zero and the member of staff that briefly appears in the scene both wear purple matching uniforms, the uniform of the hotel. As purple has royal and wealth connotations, it shows the audience that the hotel is for a wealthy clientele (which supports the plot), or that the hotel wants to project the image of wealth even if there is none, which relates to the points above. In addition, the uniform is also used for verisimilitude, as it suits the time period with its hat and jacket.
The Gustav character also wears purple. However, his suit is more expensive, formal, and as a result shows importance while still maintaining that he's related to the hotel. The light purple/lilac trousers also show this while also reflecting his personality - fun, bizarre, sexually promiscuous.
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