The Language of Film

Film 2 Day 1: Camera AnglesMrs. Kelly Brown

Rio Seco

Lesson Outcome:

• Understand that the positioning of the camera can create and change the meaning of the scene

Angles

• Where the camera will be placed in relation to the subject.

• Low-angle, high-angle, and eye-level.

Another thing you should consider when observingA frame is the angle or camera position.

Was the frame shot from high above looking down?

(a high angle shot)

Was it shot at eye level (straight on)?

Was it shot from a low angle (the camera is below its subject) ?

High Angle

• Opposite effect of low angle

• Camera is above the subject of the shot.

• Subjects appear much weaker, smaller, and powerless.

A frame shot from a high angle is often referred to as God’s eye view because it suggests that ‘someone’ is observing the characters. It can suggest danger and helplessness. These are high angel shots.

300 2006

COMPOSITION OF THE FRAME

Camera Angles High angle

Psycho (Hitchcock)

Apocalypto 2007-High Angel Shot

The Fountain 2007 High Angel Shot

High Angel Shots

COMPOSITION OF THE FRAME

Camera Angles Low angle

Low Angle

• Creates the effect of making the subject more significant, dominating, powerful, and in control.

• Important for creating stronger characters in your movies.

A frame shot from a low angle makes the subject seem larger. These are low angel shots being that the camera is below the subject.

The Postman Always Rings Twice 1946

Citizen Kane 1941

The Dark Knight 2008-Low Angel Shot

Inglorious Basterds 2009- Low Angel Shot

A character that seems larger than another in a frame is usually the dominant character.

From Double Indemnity 1944

From Rebecca

1940

From Gone with the Wind1939

From Letter from an Unknown Woman 1948

High Angle or Low Angle Shot?

Vertigo, Alfred Hitchcock, 1958

Eye Level Angle

• The usual approach in filmmaking.

• The camera is at the same level as the subject of the shot.

• “Neutral shot”

COMPOSITION OF THE FRAME

Camera Angles Eye-level or Straight onRebecca (Alfred Hitchcock, 1940)

The Departed 2006-Eye Level Shot

Eye-level Shots