Shot types- Analysis

Camera shots

A variety of camera shots are used in films to engage the audience and convey the true meaning an emotion in particular scenes. Without a wide variety of camera shots and movement the audience would become bored as the film would be predictable and systematic. However with a strategic use of camera shots the film can show excitement, fear, anger and many more emotions more intensely and clearly, some of the most popular and effective camera shots used in film are:

Establishing shot- sets up or establishes the setting of a scene; this is typically used at the beginning of films to make it clear to the audience where the narrative begins and where the characters will be first introduced. This type of shot can also be used to show a change of one scene to the next to highlight the change in narrative for example if a films narrative has been mainly based in a school and moves to a characters house an establishing shot of this setting will be used to signal to the audience that there will be a change in events.

Example of an establishing shot

Close-up- tightly frames a person or an object to show detail or emotion. This type of shot is often used to show a dramatic response or emotion to part of the film. For example if a character is surprised a close-up shot can be used to show their facial expressions such as eye movement, this creates a more dramatic effect on the audience.

Example of a close-up shot

Medium shot- shot from waist or knees up from medium distance it usually shows more body language and less specific detail.

Over the shoulder shot – enables the audience to view the action or person of interest over the shoulder. Often used between a conversation between two characters

Example of a medium shot

High angle shot- when a camera is placed at an angle facing down towards the character this can often be used to show the characters vulnerability or scenes of confrontation when characters are defeated

Example of a high angle shot

Low angle shot- when the camera is placed at angle that point up to the character this shows there power and makes the audience feel vulnerable to the character on screen. The audience perceives them as threatening and powerful but depending on the content the character can be used to convey a character as noble heroic and strong. 

Example of a low-angle shot