Final answer:
The setting of a film or narrative includes the place, time, and cultural background, which altogether shape the viewer's or reader's understanding of the story. Examples include the dystopian future of 'Metropolis' and the bustling city life in San Francisco depicted in Victor Arnautoff's mural 'City Life (5.9.29)'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The setting of a film plays a crucial role in establishing the atmosphere and context in which the story unfolds. It is the frame of reference that includes the place, time, and social/cultural context of the narrative. For instance, if we consider the setting of the 1927 German film Metropolis, we see a dystopian city set in the future, depicted in the film's poster with the Maschinenmensch (Machine-person) symbolizing the technological themes of the story.
In another example, the mural City Life (5.9.29) by Victor Arnautoff, we are given a glimpse into San Francisco in 1929, where city dwellers are depicted as busy and oblivious to the events around them, highlighting the hustle and bustle of city life during that era.
Understanding the setting can give viewers and readers a deeper comprehension of the story's themes and characters, as exemplified by the aforementioned works.