Mise-en-scene in Lolita: The Drive-In

The scene I chose was the one where the characters are watching a horror movie at the drive-in. Throughout the scene, the filmmaker establishes the characters’ desires and intentions. He achieves this by using certain elements, for example: showing the reaction of the characters to the movie they were watching. The movie accomplishes this, by providing frightening sounds and images, which the characters use as excuses for making physical contact with each other in a more “accepted” way.
The filmmaker also uses lighting to make us notice the characters’ desires. There is a poor external light source that passes through the windows while the characters wear dark clothing. This lack of light makes the contrast easier between the characters’ clothes and their hands and faces, adding importance to the movement of their hands and expressions. Both women take hold of Humbert’s hands, thus highlighting their desires towards him. Then, Humbert displays his own interests by letting go of Charlotte’s grip. Later in the movie her rejection-fueled despair drives her to an accidental death, which proves that this scene gives us information of what is going to happen as the movie moves on. Further exposing himself, he puts his free hand on top of Lolita’s. This excess gives us a clue of what will later transform itself into Humbert’s uncontrollable obsession for Lolita. This scene is filled with foreboding, as it provides a general feeling of what the characters’ attitudes toward each other will become as the film progresses.