The Role of Set Design in the Le Jour Se Leve Film - Essay Example

The set designer’s job is to ensure that the design can suggest the style and tone of the entire production, create the mood and atmosphere of the action, give an idea of the specific time and place where the action occurs, and offer creative possibilities for the movement and grouping of the actors. This paper will therefore discuss the role of set design in the Le Jour se Leve film production based on the remarks made by Bazin.

In this film, Bazin identifies different components of set design that were used in Le Jour se Leve. Bazin identifies that film is impeccable in that its representation of symbolism does not take precedence over its realism, instead, the one complements the other. Carné uses set design appropriately to analyze various specific items and materials that comprise the architecture and furniture that were used. Bazin also brings out a considerate analysis of the relationship between imagery and pragmatism. However, the constructed sets that Bazin prefers rather than the definite locations controvert his remarks concerning complementary balance.

Consequently, Bazin points out that since it is often used in close-ups, the role of glass is apparent. He argues that the glass had three main qualities. The principles are its transparency which develops faith in the audience, its deceptiveness which separates the audience from the actor, and its drama which is brought up by the ignorance of the transparent glass of the audience. This is so since ignoring the glass would lead to its breakage and disaster. The balance created between transparency and deceit denotes not only the connection between the different characters in the play but also between the structure of the plot of the film and the audience. For example, Valentin controls Francois in various instances, she even tells him that he is the father of the child after all the other men have been involved with her. Bazin identifies that the film uses flashbacks and manipulates the viewers. This film thus generates a proper mood and atmosphere for the audience.

Equally important, Bazin notes that Le Jour se Leve was built in a suburban setting, which brings out a more real setting of the film. This logistical setting in the film gives the audience an idea of the specific time and place where the action occurred. It however controverts his theory about striking the balance between symbolism and realism. For instance, creating an imitational set for the clear purpose of creating a unique character or driving force in the synopsis of the film or play is essentially symbolic. This offers creative possibilities in the movement and grouping of the actors, which captures the attention of the audience throughout the presentation of the film. In addition, the construction of a set design enables the producer of a film to interact indirectly with the audience thereby bringing up the style and tone that will be used in the entire production.

Le Jour se Leve was therefore a great example of a rigorous film that used set design to bring out its purposeful narrative structure. Carne used flashbacks to make the audience virtually think of instances that occurred several months back, whilst seated in the same audience room. A good set design can therefore enable the audience to know the style and tone that the entire production is based upon. It will also create the mood and atmosphere of the action that the audience expects thereby giving them an idea of the specific time and place that the action occurs. Finally, it may also offer creative possibilities for the movement and grouping of the actors in a particular film. Read More