Mise-En-Scene Analysis The Untouchables

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Mise-En-Scene Analysis The Untouchables

Elliot Ness, a treasury agent, has been trying

to stop alcohol from being smuggled into the United States.

He feels that the key to putting an end to the alcohol

distribution is to put gangster, Al Capone, behind bars.

But there is a small problem, Ness can't seem to be able to

link the incoming alcohol, or any other crime to Capone.

Until, Oscar Wallace, the uptight, "dorky", government official,

entered the picture to help Ness fight his battle for prohibition,

and ultimately, against Capone. Wallace discovered that Capone

hasn't paid his taxes for several years, but the only way to

prove it is to get to Capone's book keeper. Ness discovers that

the book keeper will be going to the train station, so he along

with colleague George Stone intend to be there to pick him up when he arrives.

The scene starts in the train station.

The setting is the main lobby.

The floors, pillars, and stairs are of a light gray color. There is a clock

that is directly above the big, dark, wooden doors that are continuously

reverted back to during the scene.

The costumes of the main characters in this scene are the same as throughout

the movie. Ness wears a light gray colored suit, hat, trench coat and tie.

Stone is wearing a little darker colored, more casual, clothing with a tie and

light colored hat. Capones men were dressed similarly with trench coats and hats

of light colors. Also, the innocent bystanders in this scene are the sailors in

their suits, the woman, with the baby in her innocent raggy clothes, and all the

other people in the scene who look as though they might be Capones men.

The lighting in this scene is a little bit dull,