Cinematography Brief overview of some terms Things to look for in the films we study in the future

Mise en scene French word for “staging” Setting Subjects being filmed (usually people) Composition: arrangement within the frame Lighting

Some basic vocab. Shot: an uninterrupted picture. Can contain camera movement, and considerable length of time. Sequence: a series of related consecutive scenes, perceived as a major unit of a narrative film, such as the Sicilian sequence in the The Godfather Cut: a sever, splice, while editing; transition b/w shots Narrative: series of unified consecutive events situated in one or more settings Flashback: shot, a few shots, brief scene or an entire sequence that interrupts a film narrative to show earlier events

Framing Basics: Empty space – sense of loss, sense of freedom Lack of space – sense of confinement, chaos, pressure Horizontal lines – usually peaceful Vertical, diagonal lines – often menacing, chaotic

Horizontal

Vertical

Framing Loose framing – subject has ample space and isn’t hemmed in by the edges of the frame (Freedom) Tight framing – little visible space around the subject. As a consequence, the subject usually feels trapped or at least somewhat confined

Loose framing

Tight framing

Both – Creative use of perspectives

Reflections Allow directors to occasionally present all the visual information in ONE SHOT, which maintains the continuity of action, space, and time.

Reflections – multiple subjects