Prop Use in Film

 Hey blog! Back again with another post for my media class, and today I’m talking about mise-en-scène—specifically, how props play a crucial role in storytelling. Since I’m working on a film centered around cooking, props are going to be essential in setting the tone, developing characters, and driving the narrative.

Props aren’t just background decorations most times they tell a story on their own. In a cooking-themed film (like the one im planning to make), every kitchen utensil, ingredient, and dish can have meaning. For example, a chef’s worn-out knife might symbolize their years of experience, while a spotless, unused apron could indicate a novice stepping into the culinary world for the first time, or even a chef who's a neat freak and is so careful he doesn't spill. As well as a burned recipe card might hint at a past failure or a lost family tradition that a character is trying to bring back.

Props also help establish mood and setting. A cluttered, chaotic kitchen filled with half-prepared ingredients can create a sense of urgency and stress, while a pristine, well-organized space can suggest precision and control. The presence of specific tools, like a traditional mortar and pestle versus a high-tech food processor, can show some type of cultural difference or the experience of a character.

Beyond just visuals, props can be used interactively to develop character dynamics. Imagine a scene where a character nervously adjusting their measuring cups before an important cooking competition, subtly showing their anxiety. Even something as simple as a half-eaten plate of food can tell the audience how a character feels, whether they’re savoring a meal or too distracted to finish it. All of these things might seem like such little elements, but overall they tell a story like no other. 

For my own film, I plan to use props to highlight the character's journey. Perhaps they start with a battered cookbook filled with handwritten notes, symbolizing their connection to a teacher/mentor. As they grow, their tools might become more refined, showcasing their skill development. Maybe a dish that repeatedly fails at the start of the film finally comes out perfectly in the climax, visually representing their growth. Or even the use of skills that might start out bad, uneven, and rushed changed into precise, calm, and organized. 

Im excited to see what I will use for my film, I will keep you guys updated!