Avatar: The Last Airbender Mise-En-Scene

 

Sozin’s Comet Part IV

When I saw that I had to choose an episode from any show and give a mise-en-scene analysis, I immediately knew what I wanted to choose. I took probably the best episode from the Avatar: The Last Airbender show, Sozin’s Comet Part IV. This piece has a long to unpack, so let me give a general synopsis. We see Azula, the princess of the fire nation, about to be crowned ruler. Right before the coronation, her brother Zuko interrupts her and attempts to call the whole thing off. Outraged, Azula calls for an Agni-Kai, which is a traditional duel, usually over honor. We are shown the build-up, the fight, and the aftermath of probably one of the most tragic characters in fiction. It fits great with the fantasy genre, considering the power system involved throughout the entire show. 

Setting

One of the most crucial parts to a good story is the setting. It provides much needed context in a story, assisting to create the mood and understand the different emotions from the characters. This is perfectly developed within this episode and while it stays in mostly the same area, their location holds great meaning. The episode starts with a shot in the firelord's chambers, where Azula thinks she will start her reign. After a manic episode, she stalks over to the front of the main temple where she calls on the nation's elders. Azula sits on the top stairs overlooking the entire kingdom, just waiting for the crown to be placed on her head. She is then interrupted by Zuko and we see the area where the rest of the episode is going to take place. This is a large, squared pavement not far from the ruler’s estate. Before the conflict between Azula and Zuko, the audience is hit with a sense of deja vu. We realize that this is the same place where Zuko had his first duel that we saw in his backstory. Predating the story, Zuko was exiled from his home because of his “disrespect” and was forced into an Agni-Kai with his own father as punishment. His father showed no remorse or mercy, burning his right eye with hot flames. This stage holds traumatic memories for the character, as it’s the exact place where all of his doubt and negative feelings arise from. While this may be the case, it’s also his opportunity for redemption as Zuko can finally erase all of his regrets. 

Lighting

The visuals of this fight are some of the most visually stunning in animation history. One of the first things we have to note are the distinct features of each person’s powers. First, we have the antagonist, Azula. She is a prodigy above all others, especially for one of royal blood. Her skills as a firebender are second to only her father, as shown with her blue flames. The Blue Flame at its core is the essence of strength and energy. Next, we have Zuko who is known as just an average firebender. He has been belittled all his life by everyone around, with only his uncle supporting him. He has orangish-red flames which mean something extremely important. It’s a warm, loving orange symbolizing his path from revenge to one of love and acceptance. The collision of the orange and blue flames are not only stunning, but symbolic. It shows a direct clash of both color and character. They have completely different personalities and beliefs driving them through life. Everything occurring makes it seem like these two couldn’t be further opposed to one another, but in reality, they’re siblings. This is a tragic story about a brother fighting his sister for something that never should’ve happened in the first place. An additional thing to note is what happens when Azula pulls out her trump card. She has the ability to control lightning, which is something only 1 in a million benders can even dream of using. When Zuko realizes what she’s doing, the screen gets dark and it immediately focuses on the lighting. We see a dark path radiated by blue light, nearly killing him. Just when it seems nothing will work, the light picks back up and the fight continues. Overall, the clash of blue and orange shows a Power vs Love dynamic. We have Azula seeking approval and Zuko breaking away from his past. It’s something beautiful that can only be shown with these colors. 

Costume 

Although the outfits of the characters are typically something extremely important in stories, it doesn’t hold too much of a role in this episode. As we can see in the image below, both characters are fitted in royal garments. They are of the Fire Nation, whose colors are red and black. They were a robe type outfit with pristine hair clips at the top. These are signs of royalty and pure blood, something to make themselves more distinct from the average person. At the start of the episode, we really start to see what Azula’s declining mental health does to her body. In a fit of rage and panic, she starts cutting her hair excessively. With her desire to look perfect, she grows angry at her looks since she can’t find it within herself to look pretty. She goes from someone like a queen, to be looked up to, to someone who you pity and wish was given a second chance. If she were to hear this, Azula would be enraged as her standing in society is one of the most important things to her. Just the thought of someone looking down on her would send her into a foot of rage. Throughout the fight, Zuko keeps his composure, with his clothing staying intact. However, as Azula’s mental deteriorates more and more, as does her clothing. She loses her hair-piece, her clothes are in shambles and her hair is a mess. 

Staging

The staging in this episode is done wonderfully, able to pick up all the little intricacies and dramatics. At first, we see Azula placed above Zuko at the top of the stairs. This is done to show her belief of being superior to everyone else, especially him. It stems from a complex of wishing to be the best, going so far as to damn her own kin if it means she’s able to succeed. After the Agni Kai is initiated, Zuko and Azula are finally on equal ground. While it’s been implied that Zuko is below her in all aspects, here he’s on an equal playing ground ready to end it once and for all. Even the postures of these characters are something to take note of. Azula is frequently looking over her shoulders, with a horrid posture and ready to pounce at any moment. It seems like she’s paranoid over everything, especially with the recent betrayal of her former friends. Zuko, on the other hand, holds himself with maximum confidence. His shoulders are back and he’s clearly ready for anything. Even during the fight, the staging of the characters is intentional. Azula has slightly imbalanced movement, with her feet never being fully set. She’s always moving, showing her anxiousness in what should be an easy fight trying to punish her opponent with aggressive, powerful kicks. All the while, Zuko holds a sure footing, moving calmly without much exertion at all. Their movements symbolize their personalities as well. For the first time ever, Zuko is confident in his ability when Azula is both physically and mentally all over the place. Another interesting thing to note is the sound. The SFX for Azula’s blue flames are extremely harsh and brutal, sounding like a blow torch. Zuko’s is more muted though, with a more natural-sounding flame. The music is something to note as well. In a fight, it should be intense and have you at the edge of your feet. This isn't the case here; it's more of a tragedy, to say the least. It's a fight between a brother and sister that should've never happened in the first place.