Effects of Visual Language Features

Close up

Sorrow, Mystery, Focuses our attention, Excludes distraction, Highlights emotional details, Frowning, lips tremble, eyes watering, teeth gritting

Long shot

Establishes location, Wide landscape could suggest challenge, grandeur, isolation

High angle

Vulnerable, Pathetic, Intimidated, Submissive

Low angle

Subject looks strong, heroic, powerful, dominating

Lighting: shadows

Murky, Dangerous, Threatening, Deadly

Music: violins, orchestral

Sympathy, Grand theme, Major climax, Peaceful, Calm Contentment

Music: rock, drums or bass beat

Energy, Urgency, Heart beat - fear, adrenaline, Courage

Zoom in

Events closing in, No escape, Understanding dawning - realisation

Vertical tilt

Tension, Mystery, Anticipation , Revelation, Suspense

Pan

Abundance, Sense of never ending, or a large amount

Editing: cut

Quick pace, Sudden contrast

Editing: fade out

Slow death, Slow passing of time, End of the day

On screen text

Truth, Factual, Informative, Real life

Slow motion

Highlights small details, Inevitable, Unstoppable

Hand held camera

Sense of being there yourself, Urgency, immediacy, Character's point of view

montage

Time passes, Many linked shots, Condenses events, Compact, united