Mise en scene

Mise en scene is a French expression which is used to explain the various design aspects within a film. When applied to the cinema, mise-en-scène refers to everything that appears before the camera and its arrangement, composition, sets, costumes, actors and lighting. Mise-en-scène also includes the positioning and movement of actors on the set, which is called blocking. In modern filmwork, these are all the areas overseen by the director.

It is important because it sets up the content and feel of the film. Uses of dark screen and aloof acting are conventions of horror whereas bright direct lighting and vivid colours are conventions of romantic films.

The descent is a horror film that uses dark and red filters to make it scarier.