Analysis of film still

I chose a still from the romantic drama, Atonement (2007). I chose this still because although it is quite a standard shot, the composition and mise-en-scene says a lot about the film just from this single image.

Camera:

• MLS of Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and Robbie (James McAvoy), with a sharp focus on Cecilia and Robbie softly out of focus. Cecilia is in the foreground and Robbie is in the background, in a slightly high angle shot, from the point of view of a window.

Mise-en-scene:

• The vivid green colour of Cecilia's dress stands out against the mainly brown background.
• The large bookcase & brown walls makes it looks as though it is in the interior of a library.
• The light at the side of the shot to make the Cecilia's dress stand out more, with light on Robbie - possibly from a window - so it looks as though it is natural light.

People:

• Cecilia is looking off screen and Robbie is looking at her, so we can guess that Robbie is in love with her but because Cecilia is unable to look at him, she may not love him/her love for him is not allowed.
• Cecilia and Robbie both formally dressed, so they are attending an event, possibly a dinner party.

Composition:

• The shot is off center, in order to show both of the characters and both of their facial expressions. 
• They are standing far away from each other to show the friction in their relationship.