Research: Cinematography - Miss Begum

Cinematography is looking at the way the shot is filmed, framed,  the angle is taken, and the movement of the camera. Cinematography is one of the most important micro elements as the way the shot is taken gives audiences different character representations, and gives them an implication on how the characters feel, which conclude in the audience in responding in different ways towards characters.

There are many camera sizes, ones including:

-Establishing Shot (XLS)- A shot to establish what's going on in the scene including the setting and location around the character
-Long Shot (LS)- A head to toe shot
-Medium shot (MS)- A head to hip shot
-Close up- A head to shoulder shot
-Extreme close up(ECU)- A shot of e to only facial expression
-Point of view- A shot taken in the pint of view of the character.

Camera Angels:


Low angle:  A low angle is when the camera is positioned low under a subject to emphasise and enhance the viewers perspective on superiority and dominance over the object, character or subject.

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These are all examples of Quintin Tarantino movies. He is well known for his use of low angle shots. These scenes are all of high angle car trunk shots, which supports the element of superiority and dominance.

High angle: A high angle is when the camera is positioned high above and over a subject to  emphasise the inferiority and weakness of the character under the subject.

Camera movements:


Panning shot: The panning shot is used to horizontally move the camera from side to side from a fixed point, usually to show more of the scenery.

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This is the opening scene of the movie 'Cowboys and Aliens.' A panning shot is used to establish the setting and show the audience the isolated and abandoned desert. This gets the audience questioning why the desert is stranded. However later on a character appears and questions start to get answered.

Tilt shot: Tit shot is used vertically to move the camera up down, or vice versa. Often a tilt shot is used for showing the vertical importance of your subject. From the feet, you can tilt up towards the head to establish a significant character, especially if the attire is the prime focus of the shot. Tilt shot can also be used to show detail in the structure of an object or character in the shot, this will give the audience an idea of its size and structure.

Examples of camera angles and movements in movies:

                                                                   Panning Shot

This is the scene from the movie Pirates And The Caribbean. It was clear to see that the camera shot used was a panning shot when Will Turner throws the sword as the camera moves along at the same speed as the sword and stabs the door. Moreover a close up shot was used on Will Turners face to show he's fearlessness which continued with a straight cut back and forth to show the difference in character representation, also to show the characters engaging in a conversation as well as a fight.

Point of view

The opening scene of Halloween is one of the most iconic scenes in thriller history. The camera shot used in the opening scene is a point of view shot to show the audience how the character in the film sees the setting. The character is not revealed and not indicated to the audience at first which strikes fear as the audience wonders what kind of a person is capable of achieving horrific acts like that.

                                                              Close up shot

This is a close up shot of the notorious Joker from the movie 'Batman the dark night.' The close up shots are usually used in a characters face to help the audience see the characters facial expression and emotions. In this image we see the Joker juxtaposes his character as unlike his usual jester self, the Joker seems guilty and sad which is portrayed with the use of a close up shot.

                                               
                                                                Long shot


A long shot shows the full head to toe body of a character including some of the setting. The setting isn't as clear as it would be in an establishing shot as the character in the scene is the main focus. The image above is from the movie 'The ring.' The setting surrounding the character gives a slight indication of the antagonists state of mind.

A medium shot is a waist up shot. This allows the viewers to observe the characters facial expression and body language. The image above taken from 'Shutter island' shows the characters body language looking relaxed as his hand is on a chair loosely. However his facial expression looks confused and puzzled as if someone is lying to him and he is wondering why.

                                                            Establishing shot

An establishing shot is an extreme long shot and usually helps the audience determine the setting the scene is set in. Establishing shots are mainly used in the beginning of horror and thriller movies to set the scene and show where the dangers are going to occur.

Conclusion:

In conclusion the research in cinematography techniques have widened my knowledge in camera shots and angles. This means I will be using different techniques in my opening scene to give different character representations to the audience.