MISE-EN-SCENE

Mise-en-scene

Mise-en-scene

Mise-en-scène is a French term and originates in the theater. It means, literally, "put in the scene." For gentlemen prefer blondes, it has a broader meaning, and refers to almost everything that goes into the composition of the shot, including the composition itself: framing, movement of the camera and characters, lighting, set design and general visual environment, even sound as it helps elaborate the composition.

The story is about two showgirls who are fishing for men, but each according to her own priorities: one is a gold-digger and the other falls for the handsome looks. So both girls are superficial and don't show any signs of maturity. Yet the movie pushes the viewer to admire the brunette friend (Jane Russell) for not going after money, while of course counting on the charm of the blonde (Marilyn Monroe) to dazzle and her naivity to stir laughs. It is a commerical movie by the measurements of the 50s. But how could it succeed in attracting me to watch it now, even though one hold all these negative thoughts against it?

1. The facinating picture with its lively colors and color coordination of the 50s, where each scene it like a harmonious painting; matching dresses with the background setting and the grace of old decoration.2. The movie is full of beautiful songs and dance. Even if the words of some songs are used to promote the ideas previously mentioned, yet the music and dance choreography are magnificent.3. I discovered that the story was not as awful as I had thought. Actually it is satirical of the superficiality of men and women alike. For although the movie is about the two women, its title is "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," which hints at men's superficial judgement of beauty. The blonde ladies, like Monroe, make use of that to become rich. An old businessman (owning a diamond mine in South Africa) fell an easy victim once "the blonde" started showing interest in him, although he knows that she was after his money.

4. There is also the strong friendship between the two girls, although they are supposedly so different in character. The brunette friend is willing to wear a blonde wig and face trial instead of her friend who is accused of stealing. And the seemingly selfish blonde is trying to secure the future of her friend by trying to hook her up with a wealthy man. They stick together till the end.These would better be the real reasons why I keep watching this movie again and again, but I'll still go for more analysis anyway. Hollywood clamored for several months to secure the film rights to the hit musical. Columbia negotiated for the property as a vehicle for their blonde comedy star, Judy Holliday, while Fox originally wanted it for Betty Grable. Grable campaigned heavily for the part, realizing the importance of the role to her faltering career. The actress with the million-dollar legs had been Fox's top box-office draw during Marilyn's unsuccessful tenure at the studio in the ...