English 10-1 FILM LITERACY

CAMERA SHOTS & ANGLES

Camera angles and movements combine to create a sequence of images, just as words, word order and punctuation combine to make the meaning of a sentence. You need a straightforward set of key terms to describe them.

When describing camera angles, or creating them yourself, you have to think about two important factors:I. The FRAMING or the LENGTH of shot

II. The ANGLE of the shot

When describing different cinematic shots, different terms are used to indicate the amount of subject matter contained within a frame, how far away the camera is from the subject, and the perspective of the viewer. Each different shot has a different purpose and effect. A change between two different shots is called a CUT. (http://start.sd34.bc.ca/matty/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Camera-Angles.pdf)

Label each shot/angle and next to it, write the description and effect/purpose of each.

I. Framing or Shot Length

1. __________________________ (extreme long shot/establishing shot)

2. _________________________ (long/full shot)

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3. ____________________________ (medium or mid shot/two shot)

4. ________________________ (close up)

5. _________________________ (extreme close up)

6. _________________________ (shot reverse shot)

7. ______________________ (reaction shot)

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8. ______________________ (point of view shot)

II. Camera Angles

1. ________________________ (bird’s eye view)

2. ________________________ (Dutch/canted/oblique/Batman)

3. _________________________ (high)

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4. _________________________ (low)

5. _______________________ (eye level)

Mise-en-scène

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Definition:a French theatrical term meaning “put into the scene” that describes, in cinema, the contents of the frame, including set design, characters, action, camera placement and auditory information.

Comment on the following screen shots with regard to mise-en-scène:

1.

2.

Internal Framing

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Definition: the placement of a figure or figures (or other important objects) within boundaries formed by other mise-en-scène elements (sets, objects, other figures, etc.) A composition often referred to as "frame within the frame."

Comment on the significance and/or symbolic value of the following examples of internal framing:

Motif6

Definition: a recurring object, concept, or structure in a work of literature or film.

The scissor motif is present throughout the film, even in the opening credits. When evaluating the symbolic meaning of scissors in the film, consider what their practical, everyday application is and then apply that idea figuratively to Edward, the people in his life and his surroundings.With regard to Edward specifically, his scissorhands are often placed as a barrier between him and the camera. What effect does the director create with this barrier?

Consider the context of each image, and comment on the meaning/usage of the following examples of the scissor motif:

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