Analyzing the Use of Mise-En-Scene within Friends

In this episode of Friends, titled "The One with the Monkey," multiple areas of mise-en-scene are used. This includes setting, lighting, costume and staging. This episode takes place during winter in New York City, and the six "friends" are throwing together a New Years Eve party.

Setting: As a general setting, this episode takes place in New York City. Nonetheless, like most Friends episodes, the majority of the episode is spent in Monica and Rachel's apartment. Decked out for the holiday, this setting creates a very homey and Christmas-y vibe for the viewer.

Lighting: With additional Christmas lights strung across in the background and bright white snow falling outside, the main space of the apartment is extremely bright. This allows for a very happy and carefree feeling, as there is no shadows or darkness. There is no sense of eeriness or confusion for the viewer, and the overall feeling is very happy.

Costume: As an ode to New York's below freezing weather at Christmas time, the six friends are bundled up in hats, boots, and sweaters- even when inside. More specifically, each character fits the role of "family member at Christmas dinner" archetype. For example, Chandler's striped sweater which looks strangely similar to something that the dad from Home Alone would wear; Monica's red cardigan, which gives off strong mom vibes. By simply looking at the character's outfits, it's clear that it's Christmas time.

Staging: Always situated in either the kitchen or living room, the group is clearly sat in a very specific way. Rachel throws her feet over the love seat, the three boys are on the edge of the couch, Phoebe is standing in the corner, and Monica is at the center, going on a spiel. It's a common sight among episodes, and it almost allows the viewer to be in the action with the characters.