English - Cinematic Techniques

Extreme Close Up

Focuses on a single facial feature like lips or eyes

Why is Extreme Close Up used?

It is used to convey emotion to the audience

Close Up Shot

Usually takes in a character's head and shoulders

Why is Close up shot used?

It is used to emphasise how important a character or object is while also allowing the audience to build a relationship with the character.

Medium Shot

Shows the body from the waist up and some background and whole-body language.

Why is Medium Shot used?

It focuses on the character as it lets the audience see what they’re doing BUT also how they are feeling

Long Shot

Full body is shown

Why is Long shot used?

Used to show location or relationships of characters

Establishing Shot

Mainly used at a new location to give the audience a sense of locality

High Angle Shot

When the camera is angled downwards toward the subject

Why is High Angle shot used?

It is used to make a character look vulnerable and/or weak

Low Angle shot

When the camera is positioned below the person or place

Why is Low Angle shot used

It can make the character look powerful or important

Eye level

An angle that places the audience on eye level with the character

Birds eye view

When the camera is placed overhead or directly above the object or scene

Why is Birds eye view

To make characters and object look small & vulnerable, it can also add a sense of omniscience

Point Of View

When the camera is looking through the subject’s eyes or in their perspective

Why is POV used?

This angle helps us see the action from the subject’s perspective and creates empathy for them.

Mise en Scene

refers to what is colloquially known as ‘the Set’

Setting

creates both a sense of place and a mood

Costume

The clothing and makeup used to reveal a character's personality and social status.

Lighting

The use of light can influence the meaning of a shot.

High Key Lighting

Is used to suggest an upbeat mood.

Low Key Lighting

It is used to create an effect of contrasted light and shadow.

Backlighting

Process of illuminating the subject from the back. This creates a flowing effect on the edges of the subject

Why is Backlighting used?

It can be used as a mystery, intensity, and the ‘Halo’ Effect (used for someone who has passed away and is reappearing).

Background Lighting

Used to illuminate the background area of a set.

Diegetic Sound

It is sound that the characters can hear as well as the audience. Also known as ‘Actual Sound’

Examples of Diegetic Sounds

-Voices of characters

-Sounds made by objects in the story (heartbeats)

-Basic sound effects (dog barking, car passing)

Non-diegetic Sound

Sound that comes from outside the story world

Examples of Non-Diegetic sounds

-Narrator’s commentary

-Voice of God

-Sound effect added for dramatic effect

-Mood music

Narration

-Balance

-Structure

-Verbal perspective

Motif

It is a repeated element in a film that has significance

Motif

A common Motif in movies is seen through a Saviour and Resurrection motif e.g:

Star Wars – Obi Wan and Luke

Lord of the Rings – Gandalf and Frodo

The Lion King - Simba