Describing patterns in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)’s mise-en-scène
In no more than 350 words, describe a single pattern you see in DDLJ’s mise-en-scène. That is, pick a category of mise-en-scène (setting, costume and makeup, lighting, staging) and describe a pattern that you see within the use of that element, such as a pattern of repetition or variation. Then relate that pattern to character or theme: how does that pattern in the use of costume, for example, reveal something about (for example) how the character feels? Or how does a pattern in the use of setting (for example) tell us something about the film’s theme(s)?
This assignment is practice for the upcoming screening report. The goal of the assignment is to give you practice at making connections between what you see on screen and a less tangible feature of the film, such as character psychology or theme. This connection is made by gathering evidence of association. For example, when we examined a pattern in Singin’ in the Rain–such as the repeated appearance of Don in a tuxedo–we found that it was associated with his love life (two times a loss, the third time a charm) but also with the development of his character. In other words, the film emphasized these moments through the establishment of a pattern of repetition, then asked us to compare the moments to find the significant variation (from Don-as-jerk to Don-as-great guy).
Similarly, describe moments in DDLJ that establish a pattern. Then make an argument for the significance of that pattern for the film’s characters or theme.
