Analyzing shot types and reading cinematography

In film and television we see a range of different shot types, and they show and suggest many things for the viewer. This includes looks, personality, costuming, race, hair color, body type and preconceived ideas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyML8xuKfoc

Shot size

We use shot size to figure out what the media will be showing. For example, we can establish the rhythm of scenes, the tone of the scene, and the meaning of the scene.

Establishing shot

We use establishing shots to open and close scenes. Establishing shots can be used to create transitions between one scene to another to create a natural flow of the movie and introduce new details. This establishing shot is from Skyfall.

The Master Shot

Using a master shot can show a range of things. They are used for confirming a new location as the scene progresses, showing who is in the scene and where they physically are in the scene, can emphasize the relationships and capture a scene in its entirety. This master shot is from Breaking Bad.

Wide shot

Wide shots are used to show characters in the foreground and whatever is in the background. We can also use it for establishing relationships between characters. This wide shot is from Fight Club.

Full shot

Full shots are used to film to include a character's full body. A full shot can show body language and facial expressions. In this shot from Pirates of the Caribbean, we can see that Jack Sparrow is running away and has a scared facial expression.

Medium-full shot

The medium-full shot is used to show characters from the head to the waist. Sometimes called a cowboy shot as where the shot ends where a gun holster would be. can show confrontation within characters.

Medium shot

Medium shots are neutral meaning the are not extreme closeups but are not far away wide shots. Medium shots are used to show the character and any props or locations around the character.

Medium close up shots

Medium close-up shots are used from mid-chest to just above the head. This means they show body language and facial expressions. Sometimes these are used as a form of reaction shot.

Close up shot

Close up shots are excellent for showing emotion and reaction to something happening in a scene. They can show a change in emotion or a new dramatic tone within the film. Cinematographers and Directors likely choose them as they provide a "window to the soul".

Extreme close up

Extreme close up are created by using a subject to frame a specific area. In this example from Kill Bill Vol 1, the eyes are used to show the focus, where the character is looking and what they may feel about something. They are also used to focus on objects as well as features like eyes.

Reading cinematography

Camera work can be used to explain and show things to the audience without the use of dialogue. Shots can differ with connotations. For example, an extreme close-up could be used to show love and passion or hatred and anger or fear and unfamiliarity.

We can do many different things to analyze shot types and decisions and why they have been used in a scene.

1. Notice: Notice how the shot is seen and what it shown - how does the camera move, in what direction does the camera move, is it moving quickly.

2. Consider context: Understanding what is going on in the characters life, where they themselves are up to and what ,may be going on for them next.

3. Apply meaning: how is the filmmaker trying to say something else and imply something to the audience. This could also link to framing and audio use - for example by using a shakey shot and loud background volume could show its a POV shot.

In some scenes, there is no meaning to camera work and the scene relies on dialogue to explain what the characters are doing and saying. For example, in a conversation, the director and cinematographer may use the 180 rule and a range of mid shots, headshots, wide shots and over-shoulder shots, but there may be no other type of shot to represent a deeper meaning of the scene.

Static shots show symmetry and stillness. It is used to represent anything that is "perfect", this is because the shots are perfectly balanced.