Three Decades of &ldquo;For Better or for Worse, for Richer or for Poorer&rdquo;: Mise en Scene in the Portrayals of Women in Selected Filipino Romantic Comedy Films

Joseph Arsie  C. Cabanto,; April  A. Escarcha,; Regina Aurora  A. Mercado,; Maria Czarina  D. Sanigan,

Three Decades of “For Better or for Worse, for Richer or for Poorer”: Mise en Scene in the Portrayals of Women in Selected Filipino Romantic Comedy Films

Joseph Arsie C. Cabanto | April A. Escarcha | Regina Aurora A. Mercado | Maria Czarina D. Sanigan

Abstract:

This research analyzed the cultural context, narrative structure, and sexuality of women through the Mise en Scene surrounding the female lead characters of three Romantic Comedy films, namely: Tamis ng Unang Halik (1989), Basta’t Kasama Kita (1995), and Got 2 Believe (2002). The setting, costume, figure behavior, lighting, and framing were the five elements the researchers looked into to analyze the Mise en Scene surrounding the female lead. Moreover, the researchers used a purely qualitative and iterative approach as the data gathered required the researchers to go back to previous findings. The researchers found out that women were portrayed in the first film as someone who thought that to be able to get out of poverty, she needed someone’s help to lift her up; in the second film as a woman whose only concern in life was the love of a man; and in the third film, as women equal to men in that both genders needed each other to help them realize each other’s values. Further, the researchers deduced that there were changes in the portrayals of women, in terms of their narrative, their view of life and the society, their perception of themselves, as well as their sexuality. As a recommendation, the researchers encouraged Colegio de San Juan de Letran- Calamba to consider this as a tool for institutional policy reforms in the Collegiate Student Handbook 2016-2018, specifically in the reviewing of the sanctions for major or serious offenses against the objectification of women. Results of the study could serve as a guide for movie-goers to be more critical when selecting and viewing films, as well as to be sensitive specifically on the portrayals of women. In addition, results emphasized the need for filmmakers to devise new formula for an improved substantial content in Romantic Comedy films. This study could also provide students a guide in conducting related studies to further their understanding on the value of film and its elements, particularly in Bachelor of Arts in Communication Program.