Film Studies

Film Studies

1. Framing

   • Closed frame
     • Character is in closed borders
     • Objects restricting character
     • Gives a sense of being restricted
     • Focuses in on a subject
   • Open frame
     • No objects are impeding
     • Usually in an open space like a field.
     • Usually requires context supplied by other shots

2. Length of Shot

   • Extreme Long shot/ Establishing shot
     • Taken from afar
     • Normally shows the EXTERIOR
     • Little detail visible
     • Scene setting
     • Gives a general impression
   • Long shot
     • Approximately "life" size
     • Full shot of entire human being
     • Establish Character
     • Background detail to contextualize
   • Medium shot
     • Knees/waist up
     • Two people to show relationship
     • Minimal background detail
   • Close up
     • Concentrate on face or detail of mise en scene
     • Magnifies- Shows importance
   • Extreme Close up
     • Magnifies beyond what human eye usually sees

3. Camera Angles

   • Overhead Shot
     • Directly Overhead
     • Godlike position
     • Makes people look ant-like
       • Part of wider scheme
   • High Angle
     • Not as extreme as overhead
     • Gives general overview
     • Makes object look less significant
       • Looked down on
   • Eye Level
     • As if person is actually observing
     • Fairly neutral
     • Not as dramatic
   • Low angle
     • Background- Ceiling or sky
     • Disorientates viewer
     • Makes object look powerful

4. Camera Techniques

   • Fading
     • Indicates end of scene
     • Shot fades in or out of blackness
   • Dissolve
     • When 1 fades another comes in
     • At midpoint both frames can be seen on screen.
     • Suggests close relationship
     • Indicates flashbacks, dreams/thoughts of characters