Opening Sequences

Over Her Dead Body - Mise-en-scene

Over Her Dead Body is a film about a bride who gets killed on her wedding day and can't seem to let her fiance move on. The mise-en-scene in the opening to this film is key in setting up the story.

The first most obvious thing to be seen is that the key colour in the opening is white which practically takes over the every shot and has a lot of symbolism. It is first used to help show purity which is synonymous with weddings. Secondly when the character wakes up in this odd place, it gives a feel of cleanliness, peace and mystery which helps to present the setting as otherworldly.

The choice to show pictures of the couple before the first scene is good as it gives the audience insight into the relationship and makes it feel more realistic. Then you see a series of layouts (plates, table names) that are all being meticulously put together, this helps to show how the bride is desperate for her wedding to be perfect.

The main characters costume of a yellow dress and red lipstick helps to make her stand out and presents her as an important part of the film. Also the red of her lipstick could signify the oncoming danger she is about to be in. Another point is that she herself is in high contrast to the other characters who are wearing darker clothing, e.g. her friend is wearing a dark flowery dress which even though it is still girly, it is quite dark, keeping your attention on the main character which helps to portray the bridezilla image of it all being about her. She is also in contrast to the scruffy looking man who delivers the ice sculpture in that she is very well put together and he unkempt, this helps to highlight what a perfectionist she is. Her make-up in the other scene is a lot less fierce and she is wearing a white dress which may help to show that she is at peace.

The high key lighting of the wedding scene helps to give the sense of reality and also the slight hint of glamour associated with weddings. The lighting in the other scene is a lot softer and seems slightly top lit which helps to give a more mysterious and angelic feel the the scene.

The setting of the wedding is outdoors in view of the sea, this natural location helps to portray a sense of relaxation and serenity which helps to emphasize how stressed the bride is due to the contrast in her behaviour and the surroundings.

The setting in the other scene is basically just white, it does not seem to be anywhere and seems to be somewhat shrouded in fog which helps to add to the mystery of the place and the supernatural feel to it.