OTHER SHOTS

Film Studies v2.0Unit 5

In addition . . . • There are many

other terms used to explain shots in a film.

• These can describe the number of characters in a shot, the position of the camera, and the purpose of the shot.

Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981

Two Shot• A shot containing two

figures.

• Tends to show them as equally important.

• Is useful for conversations.

• Is considered “neutral.”

Ted, 2012

Vertigo, 1958

Three Shot• A shot containing three

figures.

• It requires greater camera distance to get them all in the frame.

• Therefore, it accentuates the setting more than the two-shot.

The Darjeeling Limited, 2007

The Searchers, 1956

Over-the Shoulder Shot• Used to show a

conversation where two actors sit or stand across from one another.

• Cross-cutting between two characters must follow the 180 degree-rule.

Pulp Fiction, 1994

Election, 1999

180 Degree Rule• We measure circles in

degrees, from 0 to 360.

• If you were facing someone and turned 180 degrees, you would have your back to them.

• What would happen if you turned around 360 degrees?

180 Degree Rule• An imaginary line

connects two characters, or a character and an object.

• By keeping the camera on one side of this axis, one character will remain frame right, and the other frame left.

• Otherwise, the audience may be confused.

• Some filmmakers break this rule on purpose

The Shining, 1980 (intentionally “crossing the line”)

Reaction Shot• A cut away from the main

action to show a character reacting to something.

• Is usually a close up, shows emotion, and contains no dialogue from that character.

• Usually advances the story, or tells the audience something about that character, or how they are supposed to react.

The Breakfast Club, 1985

Psycho, 1960

Point-of-View Shot• Shows a particular

character’s perspective.

• As if you are seeing through their eyes.

• Often used in horror or suspense films.

• Can you think of any films that have used point-of-view shots?

Mean Girls, 2004

Force of Evil, 1948

Establishing Shot• An extreme long shot can

introduce a new location.

• In a long shot, all relevant characters are visible in their setting

• A master shot will last the length of the take, and will be one of the editor’s options (in addition to close-ups, medium shots, etc. obtained through coverage.

• Coverage refers to shooting a scene from many different angles and distances to give the editor options.

Little Miss Sunshine, 2006

The Bourne Ultimatum, 2007

Insert Shot• Is not of a person.

• Instead, it is used to emphasize a relevant object.

• Often calls the viewer’s attention to the time, a newspaper story, a symbolic object, police evidence, or what a character is seeing (or not seeing) in a given scene.

Zodiac, 2007

Dark City, 1998

Crane Shot• The camera is placed on a

crane and moved from below.

• Can view actors from above or move up and away from them.

• Allows for long takes without cuts.

• Looks as if the camera is “flying” above and around the action.

• Can achieve a flowing rhythm in a film.

High Noon, 1952

Aerial Shot• An exterior shot filmed

from the air (often by a helicopter).

• Used to establish a location, sometimes an exotic one.

• Often used at the beginning of a film and behind the titles.

• Can also show the insignificance of a character or characters.

American Beauty, 1999

The Shining, 1980