Mean Girls Analysis

Research- Mean Girls

Sound

The sound in 'Mean Girls' starts with a tribal, African type of music with a strong drum beat. This builds tension and the suspense therefore foreshadowing that something will go wrong due to the equilibrium opening. This is used through the majority of the two minute opening credits, but then changes to an upbeat, cheesey American pop song when the establishing shot of the stereotypical American school is set. The contrast in these two songs show the contrast between the two doffernt lifestlyes- Typical American teenager and growing up home schooled in Africa. The dialogue is direct to the audience and almost like a diary, this is quite comedic and is also very stereotypical to most Romantic Comedies. The idea of the protagonist talking to the audience gives the idea that it is friendly and could help some of the audience and relate to them if they have the same problems- show them that they are not alone.

Lighting

The lighting is mainly natural lighting as this is used in most ROMCOMS as it represents a happy environment and connotes an automatic strong, good feeling. A lot of lighting is used when images of Africa is shown as it could suggest that it was when she most happiest, this could also foreshadow that the American lifestyle could not go to plan for her.

Camera Angles

There is a low angle close up of the parents which gives us the impression that they are talking to a younger child that is perhaps having her first day at school. This came across as very patronizing, expecially due to the fact that the character is sixteen years old.

Mise en Scene

 Mise en Scene shows a typical American High School with stereotypical social groups such as: Jocks, Nerds, Cheerleaders talking outside of the building, connoting a typical school day. In contrast to this setting, we see glimpses of Africa which basically just shows and reflects a huge contrast to the living style and could foreshadow that the protagonist may not fit in at the intense high school. Also, the trees could represent a shield that is acting as a sort of protection against the new American Lifestyle. 

(Movie Clip- http://www.putlocker.com/file/DB4154BB5E392F27#)