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Pilot

     Today, for the first time, I watched the hugely popular American television show "The Office", specifically its first episode "Pilot".* However, not only did I watch it, but I also carefully analyzed the four areas of mise-en-scene used inside the episode: Setting, Lighting, Costume, and Staging, and how each of these affected the film and how they each made it more appealing.

    Overall, the setting in "The Office"'s first episode is while being true-to-life and seeming relatively realistic, like something you'd see at a workplace. One reason for this is the assorted trinkets set all around the office, making it seem more comfortable, as if people work their every day. There's no doubt that these were deliberately placed on the set, which is a purposeful stylistic design that no doubt made the episode more fun to watch. This was one reason specifically which made me enjoy the episode more than I otherwise would have, as it's easier to relate to, and I'm sure that this was the case for many other people who watched the episode as well and was a reason for its popularity. Two examples of this are below:


(1:04 - An example of a trinket would be the inflatable Homer Simpson to the man's left)


(16:38 - While the focus is on the characters, potted plants have been placed on set for realism)

    The lighting, like the setting, is also subtle, mainly due to the fact that it, once again like the setting, is largely realistic. All throughout the office, there are lights overhead and windows on the walls, many with the blinds open. It is clear that throughout the film there wasn't a large focus on the lighting, which is likely the way it was meant to be designed, being a simple film where you'd like to see the same things on camera as you'd see with your eyes. The angle of the lighting (high-key lighting) was very consistent throughout, coming from light sources clearly visible on camera. High-key lighting specifically was used likely to not only add realism but to raise the mood to a more comedic state (the series is a comedy after all). This factor also added to the film, making it more relatable for an average person just wanting to watch the film, and not disorienting the viewer.

    The costume used in the film varies between characters, as we'd expect to see in a normal office, but the characters are largely all dressed formally. An interesting example of costume is to show the personality of the characters, as despite the character Michael being in a position of power (manager), he dresses in a more casual outfit than does the character Dwight. This contrast was no doubt made deliberately and is to showcase the character Michael's more laid-back nature. Attention to detail like that is a significant part of why I liked the episode. Here is an example of the contrast (at 13:58):


    Finally, there's the staging, which truly sets the episode apart and was certainly the part that I felt has had not only the biggest hand in making the show a success, but also appealed to me personally. The staging in this episode was spectacular and really showed the personality of each character and their relationships with each other. For example, the character Michael's eccentric tone and easygoing characterization can be shown in the way that he speaks, even in more official meetings. Dwight is also well-played as being a rather awkward character, for instance in the way he introduces himself and shakes the hand Ryan at the 14-minute mark. Pam's personality is also shown in the way she looks at Michael discontentedly as he throws away a message from corporate into the wastepaper cabinet, laughing as he does. Pam says nothing. This also lets Michael's character shine once again.


(3:33 - Michael, Dwight, and Jim)


(2:17 - Pam watches Michael throw the message from corporate into the wastebin)

    It is easy to see why such a show has become so popular over the years, especially with subtle yet expert decisions like the above having been made to maximize the realism of the show and the effectiveness of the humor.

I watched the episode on this website, where you can watch any episode of the series for free.

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