Research Part 5: Mise en Scène Codes

 1. Codes in the Film 

The film Underground Hustle uses various technical codes to convey meaning and atmosphere, including: 

• Low-key lighting – Creates shadows, suspense, and tension. 

• Shaky handheld camerawork – Adds a sense of realism and urgency. 

• Urban setting – Reinforces themes of crime, survival, and moral corruption. 

• Muted color palette – Reflects a bleak, gritty world. 

• Props (guns, drugs, money) – Symbolize power, crime, and greed. 

• Slow-motion editing – Highlights dramatic turning points. 

 

2. Setting 

Film’s Setting: 

• Where is the story set? 
  The film is set in a modern, urban crime-ridden city filled with corruption, gang violence, and a constant battle for survival. 

• Description of the setting: 

• Time of Day: Predominantly nighttime to establish mystery and danger. 

• Time Period: Contemporary (modern-day). 

• Location: 

• Outdoors: Dark alleys, underground clubs, industrial warehouses. 

• Indoors: Interrogation rooms, abandoned apartments, crime dens. 

• Climate/Season: Cold, rainy, adding to the film’s dark, noir-style atmosphere. 

• Geography: Urban jungle, industrial cityscape. 

• Culture/People: Reflects a criminal underworld where people struggle with survival and morality. 

• Social and Economic Status: Characters mostly belong to the lower class, engaging in crime as a means of survival. 

 

3. Set Design 

Definition: 

Set design refers to the visual environment created through scene arrangement, décor, and props. 

Set Design in Underground Hustle 

• Décor & Props: Dimly lit rooms, exposed brick walls, cluttered spaces, flickering neon lights. 

• Connotations: The setting reflects chaos, danger, and survival in a harsh world. 

• Genre Connection: The gritty, unpolished look supports the crime-thriller aesthetic. 

 

4. Props 

Genre-Specific Props in Underground Hustle 

1. Handgun: Symbolizes power and control. 

2. Stacks of cash: Represents greed and corruption. 

3. Drugs (cocaine, pills): Suggests crime and addiction. 

4. Blood-stained hoodie: Represents violence and struggle 

5. Acting & Character Analysis 

Main Character: Damien (Protagonist) 

Acting Element	Definition	How It Supports Genre & Story
Appearance	Dark hoodie, scars on face, worn-out jeans.	Suggests a rough life, danger, and a criminal past.
Facial Expression	Tense, serious, avoids eye contact.	Shows paranoia and internal conflict.
Body Language	Defensive, always alert.	Reflects a life of crime and survival.
Vocal Qualities	Low, husky voice, few words.	Creates an aura of mystery and toughness.
Personality	Brooding, calculated, untrusting.	Fits the crime-thriller archetype.
Role	Ex-criminal trying to go straight.	Drives the film’s central conflict.
Actions	Hesitates before violence, struggles with morality.	Shows his internal struggle between right and wrong.

Supporting Character: Rico (Gang Leader & Antagonist) 

Acting Element	Definition	How It Supports Genre & Story
Appearance	Designer suit, gold chains.	Represents wealth and power in the crime world.
Facial Expression	Smug, confident smirk.	Shows dominance and intimidation.
Body Language	Relaxed posture, always in control.	Suggests power and authority.
Vocal Qualities	Slow, deliberate, deep voice.	Creates an intimidating presence.
Personality	Ruthless, manipulative.	Classic crime boss trope.
Role	Antagonist, leader of a powerful gang.	Main source of conflict.
Actions	Calmly orders violence, never gets his hands dirty.	Highlights his calculated nature.

Were the actors good choices? 

Yes! Here’s why: 

1. [Lead Actor] – Naturally fits the brooding, morally conflicted protagonist. 

2. [Supporting Actor] – Has an intimidating presence, perfect for the gang leader role. 

 

6. Costume, Hair, and Makeup 

Influences on Costume Design: 

1. Urban crime aesthetic – Dark, rugged clothing. 

2. Realism – Practical outfits reflecting the criminal underworld. 

3. Symbolism – Clothing choices highlight power, struggle, and deception. 

Character	Costume Description	How It Supports the Story
Damien (Protagonist)	Black hoodie, ripped jeans, scars.	Suggests hardship, constant danger.
Rico (Gang Leader)	Expensive suit, gold chains.	Reflects his wealth and power.

 

7. Color in the Film 

Codes	Meaning & Use
Setting	Dark, muted tones reflect a bleak world.
Lighting	Harsh contrasts emphasize suspense.
Décor & Props	Industrial look enhances the crime-thriller feel.
Costume & Makeup	Dark clothes for criminals, lighter tones for law enforcement.
Character Representation	Contrast in colors differentiates good vs. bad.

 

8. Composition & Blocking 

Definition: 

• Composition: How elements are visually arranged in a frame. 

• Blocking: The placement of characters to illustrate relationships. 

• Analysis: 

• Rico stands higher than Damien, symbolizing power and control. 

• Damien is partially hidden in the shadows, emphasizing his internal struggle. 

 

9. Lighting 

Lighting Type	Use in Film
Low-key lighting	Creates mystery and suspense.
Neon lights	Adds a stylized contrast.
Harsh shadows	Represents moral ambiguity.

 

10. Tone of the Film 

Three Words to Describe the Tone: 

1. Dark 

2. Gritty 

3. Intense 

How Mise en Scène Supports the Tone: 

• Color: Dark, moody palette. 

• Lighting: High contrast enhances suspense. 

• Camera Angles: Close-ups and low angles build tension. 

• Setting: Crime-infested, urban world adds realism. 

 

Conclusion 

Mise en scène plays a crucial role in shaping Underground Hustle’s tone, themes, and genre. Every element, from lighting to costume and set design, enhances the film’s dark, suspenseful atmosphere.