Analysis of The Crown

     While simply watching a movie or show gives you a general understanding of its structure, analyzing one really allows you too interpret the tiny details and components that make the movie into what is. This can be said for every single film and series ever created, but especially The Crown. This entertaining Netflix series, which has been streaming since 2016, features the life of Queen Elizabeth II and key events that shaped the second half of the 20^th century. Obviously, in order to correctly depict the life of a reigning monarch and her surroundings, producers and directors must pay careful attention to detail and make sure everything makes sense for the story. I chose to watch episode 5 of season 1, since it features the grand coronation of the Queen in 1952 and incorporates several features of mise-en-scene.

First, one must applaud the creators of The Crown for executing such an amazing, realistic telling of the British monarchy in the 50s. It should be made clear that this series is a period show, meaning it takes place in a time period different from today, specifically the early 1950s. This means that the costume designers, producers, set designers, and many other people on set must make sure to use items or props that make this fact obvious. For example, the appearance of many old-timey cars and black and white photographs display that the episode takes place before the creation of colored images or modern cars. Also, one can tell by the outfits of the characters that they are not from a very recent time or from a very distant time that had even more strict, unique modes of fashion. The setting is also established through many means like the accents of the characters that communicate the show takes place in Great Britain and the establishing shots of several iconic landmark, like Buckingham Palace. The show creators make sure to include grand halls, posh rooms, high ceilings, expensive items, and fancy paintings in the set to show that the characters are in a palace and have a large amount of money. Costume is everything in this show. For example, the crown represents the power of the monarch, so Queen Elizabeth wearing it during her coronation shows her transition into power and leadership. Her smaller diamond tiaras, expensive jewelry, and fancy dresses indicate that she is very rich and comes from a high ranking, like royalty. The set and costume design of The Crown really takes you back in time by 70 years and makes you feel like you are living the events of 1952 Great Britain in real time.

            The complexity and beauty of this show doesn’t stop at costume and sets but continues into several other mise-en-scene features. For instance, lighting of a scene can play a very important role in the mood and tone of a certain shot. During this episode, Queen Mary is seen on her deathbed and passes away. When the scene changes to Mary of Teck deceased on a bed, the lighting in the room is very dark and gloomy, which is done to fit the mood of death. This dark lighting is displayed again when Elizabeth and Phillip are having an argument, while whispering, in a cathedral concerning the protocol of her coronation. One can say that this dark lighting is just because of the fact that they are in a cathedral, but I believe the creators purposefully did this for the reader to envision the conflict that there is between the couple. Lighting is used in another way during the coronation when the priest is applying holy oil to the hands, breast, and forehead of Elizabeth. The bright lighting allows there to be a reflection on the oil while it is on her, so viewers can see it more easily. Framing also plays its role in the making of this episode. During the coronation, the director frames the shot to capture the camera that is broadcasting the ceremony while also showing Elizabeth walking in the background. This is done to emphasize the fact that this coronation broke normal tradition by broadcasting the sacred ceremony to the entire world, instead of keeping it for the eyes of the nobility. Another example of framing is right after Elizabeth and Phillip’s fight in the cathedral, it shows an extreme long shot with Elizabeth right in the center and Philip walking away from her. This is done to emphasize the conflict they are going through and how distant they feel from each other.

            It is no question that one of the reasons The Crown is so successful is because of its advanced storytelling techniques and mise-en-scene. It is no coincidence that the show has been able to receive an average of 1.3 million total viewers. The accuracy of the show, in terms of the costume design, props, and acting, is really what makes it so popular and successful. It really makes audiences feel like they are living the events and that they are present in the moment. This also allows the show to define its genre, historical drama genre. The conflict between characters, dialogue, dramatic music, and use of dark lighting brings out the drama portion, while the telling of real-life past events during the Queen’s life shows its historical component. Like many others, I am interested in the lives of the royal family and also enjoy drama shows, which makes The Crown a very entertaining show.

            The Crown is a very well executed series that depicts the complex life of a popular royal figure who has lived for more than nine decades. It can be said that many are interested and curious about such private, but noble, people. Which attracts many viewers to stream the show and learn more about the royals. Still, ultimately what keeps people watching a show is how well made it is, which is what keep fans of The Crown still watching. It is no surprise that it is rumored that the Queen herself has watched the entirety of season one and enjoyed it.