As a film student, my evaluation of Seven Doors, the Netflix mini-series produced and directed by Femi Adebayo and others, may differ from the general audience's. While the audience is integral to the film's meaning, my academic perspective allows me to appreciate the cinematic craftsmanship that underlies the narrative.
Unarguably, in the same way that auteur theory highlights the director's creative vision and Schreiber theory emphasises the screenwriter's role, mise-en-scène theory underscores the art director/production designer's contributions to the film's visual language.
The art director/production designer plays a crucial role in creating the mise-en-scène, encompassing settings and props, costumes, facial and body expressions, lighting and colour, and character positioning within the frame. Therefore, the art director of *Seven Doors*, Olatunji Afolayan deserves a special recognition for designing visual elements that evoke nostalgia and cultural memory.
That you may know, the vintage chinawares and floral metal bowls in Seven Doors are props and carefully designed elements that contribute to the film's visual composition and spatial relationships. The mural and sculptural designs are creatively etched on the walls and plotted to depict the period piece seamlessly. The choice of architectural designs (constructed or adapted) is a brainchild of the art director's attention to detail when selecting these props, which helps create a sense of realism and authenticity.
An art director is said to be a “master of visual storytelling, a weaver of worlds, and a conductor of the cinematic orchestra.” The look, feel, mood, and colour pallets that connect all the departments are designed by an expert—the art director. Olatunji Afolayan’s technical depth and prowess are the apparent signature of Seven Doors. Without Afolayan's 'dirtied hands', Seven Doors would remain bald and bland.
In conclusion, the art director/production designer is an essential member of the filmmaking team, and their contributions to the mise-en-scène deserve recognition. Olatunji Afolayan's work in Seven Doors is a testament to the importance of the art director/production designer in creating a visually stunning and engaging film.
Undoubtedly, Olatunji Afolayan is the god of mise en scene in Seven Doors.
Steven Anu’ Adesemoye PhD
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