Film Study Elements
FRAMING, PERSPECTIVE, & BLOCKING
What and a director decides to show in any given point in a movie.
What and a director decides to show in any given point in a movie.
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Close up - A close-up of a person emphasizes their emotional state.
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Medium Shot - Shows part of the subject in more detail. For a person, a medium shot typically frames them from about waist up.
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Full Shot - Frames character from head to toes, with the subject roughly filling the frame. The emphasis tends to be more on action and movement rather than a character’s emotional state.
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Wide (long) Shot - A shot that emphasizes character in a surrounding, usually shrinking the subject in the frame. A significant side effect is its tendency to exaggerate perspective.
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Low Angle Perspective - Subject is photographed from below eye level. This can have the effect of making the subject look powerful, heroic, or dangerous.
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High Angle Perspective - Subject is photographed from above eye level. This can have the effect of making the subject seem vulnerable, weak, or frightened.
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Eye level shot - Shot taken with the camera approximately at human eye level, resulting in a neutral effect on the audience.
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Blocking - The arrangements made for the composition of a scene, especially the placement and movements of actors.
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CAMERA MOVEMENTS
Kind of self explanatory
Kind of self explanatory
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Zoom - a change in the lens focal length with gives the illusion of moving the camera closer or further away.
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Crane - Lifting a camera with a long lever.
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Pan - Horizontal left and right movement
Tilt - Moving the camera up or down without raising its position. |
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Handheld - Literally holding the camera with your hand. Gives a shaky effect.
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Track/Dolly - Movement which stays a constant distance from the action, especially side-to-side movement. Sometimes the camera tracks around a subject.
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VIDEO CUTS
A video cut is an instantaneous switch from one clip to another. A director must choose how and when to cut from one camera shot to the next in order to build an effective narrative.
A video cut is an instantaneous switch from one clip to another. A director must choose how and when to cut from one camera shot to the next in order to build an effective narrative.
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Cut on Action
Using action to provide a connection between changing perspective of a cut. |
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Cut Away
Cutting to an object different from the main character or action. Usually provides context or connection. |
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Cross Cut
Cutting to things happening during the same time to show connection or simultaneous action. |
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Jump Cut
Cutting forward in time to show fast passage of time. Usually makes scenes feel more frantic or sped up. |
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Match Cut
Cutting between scenes with similar actions, sounds, or composition. |