Film: Making Meaning 1

MICRO ELEMENTCinematography

A basic introduction to shot sizes and framings & their functions and uses.

Camera (Cinematography)

This is the analysis of how the camera ismanipulated in order to present the filmmaker’s visions of how things shouldlook. It can have a number of desiredeffects.

Following are some examples:

The extreme long shot - ELSThis shot shows a landscape or environment in an expansive way. As the term suggests, the frame captures a fair amount of space and isoften used to establish a setting.Discuss what is prioritised in the image?

The long shot - LSThis shot shows a person or group of people in their whole, i.e. feet to head inclusive. Again, a great deal ofmise en scéne is evident. As the term suggests, the frame captures a fair amount of space and setting canbe evident.

Discuss what is more evident in the image?

The medium long shot - MLSThis is achieved when a figure is captured almost in full, but where the feet and ankles are cropped at the bottom of the frame.

Discuss what is more or less obvious in the image?

The medium shot or mid-shot - MSThis is when a figure is filmed from head to waist. This may be used when a character is to be seen doing something with their hands. For example, the infamous mirror scene in Taxi Driver (1976)Discuss what is given more significance?

The medium close-up - MCUFrom the top of the head to the sternum or

topThe chest bone.Discuss what’s more obvious?

The close-up - CUThis involves the camera focussing on an object or individual in order to draw attention to the filmed subject. When an actor is involved in a close up, an emotional impact can be heightened, simply because more emotion can be seen on the face of the character. Close ups are often used in soap operas, as they are an efficient way of conveying emotional reactions.

The big close-up - BCUThis is a head shot only, drawing

attention to an important emotional response.

The extreme close-up - ECUThis is a close up from the eyebrow to below themouth (or sometimes closer), which may be usedto make a figure seem threatening. For examplein Ang Lee’s Hulk (2003), extreme close ups areused to focus on Bruce Banner’s face just beforehe transforms into the creature. This has theadded effect of appearing like a panel of a comicbook in this case.