Mise-en-scene.

Mise-en-scene. The arrangement of performers and properties on a stage for a theatrical production or before the camera in a film.


The director of the Return of the Pink Panther keeps things simple for most of the opening title sequence, with sometimes the only things in the shot being the cartoon versions of the detective and the pink panther. This helps to emphasise that these are the principle elements to the movie, or the main storyline. Because they are the only subjects on screen, it makes the plot very easy to understand as there are not other objects or elements complicating the scene and distracting the audience.

At other times, the director includes items to accessorise the panther. Examples include, a cowboy hat and a fruit head-piece and other hats which easily hide him from the detective and also tell the audience who the pink panther is acting as (a gangster, Charlie Chaplin, a cowboy etc...) just by adding a simple hat into the scene. This gives the idea that even though the pink panther may be right under the detectives nose, he won't be able to find it.

We are shown the panther cruising across the shot in a pink limousine. The detective follows on a precarious looking scooter. This gives the audience insight into the movie's storyline, giving them the idea that the pink panther is elusive and that the poor old bumbling detective is going to have some bad luck and some troubles along the way.

The fact that there is never too much going on is very effective and to the point and makes the concepts easy to grasp and the mise-en-scene is used to foreshadow the ideas of the movie.