mise-en-scene | stranger things analysis 𑣲⋆｡˚

 

Costumes;

In the first scene the man is wearing a white lab coat, which can suggest he is a scientist as the place he is in looks sort of like a bunker or a lab. When the group of 4 boys are introduced (mike, will, dustin and Lucas) we can see that their clothes are retro given that the show is set in around 1983. For example dustin in wearing an old style baseball cap and graphic tee. Will has a white shirt underneath a chequered blouse style top with the buttons undone. Mike is wearing a navy blue sweater and regular jean looking trousers. Lucas is wearing a blue v neck sweater with a yellow collar and black trousers. 

Props;

In the scene where the boys are sat around the table they are seen with the game Dungeons and Dragons, there is a pizza box on the table with a faded image of the places logo. When the boys are getting ready to leave dustin offers the last piece to Nancy, mikes older sister. In her room she has an old timey phone, sort of like a landline, again linking back to the setting of the show. Then as the boys go to leave Mikes house they all have a bike to ride home.

Setting;

The first season is set in 1983, in a town called Hawkins in Indiana (a state in the USA). `It seems to start in a regular neighbourhood where everyone knows everyone. The houses seem suburban, like a middle class area. The first scene seems to be set in some sort of bunker or lab, while the second scene is set in mikes basement and it's just a normal evening for the boys. The last scene can be inferred to be will house as when he goes inside he knows exactly where to go and he called out for his mom, Joyce and brother, Jonathan.