The Piano and its Mise-en-scene

The Mise-en-scene, specifically the colors of the setting, of the film The Piano, directed by Jane Campion, play a major role in the power created by the film. The forests blue and grey colors illuminate the fact that Ada is traveling through this bleak, colorless, unfair world only to reach her piano and new found lover. Once near the comfort and safety of her piano the colors illuminate red and orange alluding to her new found love in the "home away from home" Baines has created for her. The relationship between Baines and Ada is quite interesting. Though the audience feels Ada's hatred for being forced to use her body in order to do what she loves most, it becomes clear that she cherishes how desired she is by Baines. His love for both Ada's skin and the music she plays build a strong attraction for Ada. This is interesting and beautiful romance. Quite true to the Gothic novel form.