The decor in this scene of Mad Men shows prosperity, and wealth. A table full of food, ornate wall paper, men in suits, crystal glasses, and fresh, beautiful flowers. Everything in the room speaks of money and comfort. Money is power in American society, and Don Draper has guests over which he is trying to impress. It only makes sense that the decor of his house emulate power to go with his desired image.
This image from Mad Men is of the employees celebrating after landing a large contract. High key lighting is used here to show joy, and the fulfillment of a hope. The High key lighting brings positive energy to the room and the lack of shadows shows the lack of doubt with the characters. They were successful and can put their doubts to rest.
The costumes used in Mad Men clearly show the roles of the characters. Don is in a sharp suit showing him to be powerful, influential, and in charge. Betty is in modest garb that hides her womanly features, and is pink. this shows innocence, and obedience. Sally Draper, the daughter, is dressed in the white of innocence, and baby blue of childhood. she is looking up to her father, as is her brother dressed in the classic garb of a young male; a t-shirt and shorts.
Mad Men utilizes deep space with this scene. Don is in Hawaii on vacation with his wife, yet no he is alone at a bar drinking. The camera focuses on him an his sorrow while the background is blurry and going on in the distance. It represents Don's feeling of isolation and being lost on his path in life unable to find happiness. The drink in front of him and the ashtray represent the only releases he has in life, and the only things that bring him happiness.
Three point lighting is used here to draw attention to Joan. She is dress in red as a symbol of her power as the head woman in the office. She is being pointed out by her boss due to her ability, and the three point lighting makes the viewer pay attention to her, and only her in the shot. It makes a more intimate connection.
This image from Mad Men shows contrast exquisitely. Don and Joan are lit up focusing the viewers attention on them, while the background is dark taking away from it's presence. At this point in the show Don was in a dark place, and Joan is bringing him up again which the contrast alludes to. Dark and somber in the background to represent how Don was feeling, then bright on him a Joan for how his mood is changing from her presence.
This shot show angle of framing very well. It is Peggy's first day at work as a secretary, and Joan is the head secretary, and chastising her. This angle puts Peggy at a much lower position in the frame than Joan to show Joan's power over her.
This Mad Men scene is a good demonstration of long shot. Don is the center of the focus, but he is relatively far away which allows for a scene to take place during movement without re-framing. At this point in the show Don has yet another great idea, and is striding down the hall to share it with his partners.
This image is a medium close up shot example from Mad Men. It is a medium close up because it needs to show three characters and their level of affection towards one and other. Roger Sterling is the babies father, though no one but Joan and Roger know, and Joan is the mother. Roger is being introduced to the son he can't claim for the first time, and shows a look of inspection and hidden endearment. Joan is studying his reaction with a smile playing on her lips because she hopes the child's father will like him.
This shot displays depth of focus. Joan is being taken forcibly by her husband, even though she doesn't want it. Her eyes facing the camera create intimacy towards her and makes the viewers heart go out to her. They use depth of focus here with the chair in the forefront of the scene because it creates a sense of hidden criminality; something that is wrong, but shouldn't be seen. This fit perfectly with the culture of the show because men take what they want, and woman have no real power. if a man forcibly has sex with his wife, society will turn a blind eye, as if it were hidden, as it partially is behind the chair, but that does not lessen the woman's suffering from the act.
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