Film 2 Day 1: Camera Angles Mrs. Kelly Brown Rio Seco The Language of Film Film 2 Day 1: Camera Angles Mrs. Kelly Brown Rio Seco 1

Lesson Outcome: Understand that the positioning of the camera can create and change the meaning of the scene

Angles Where the camera will be placed in relation to the subject. Low-angle, high-angle, and eye-level.

Another thing you should consider when observing A frame is the angle or camera position. Was the frame shot from high above looking down? (a high angle shot) Was it shot at eye level (straight on)? Was it shot from a low angle (the camera is below its subject) ? 4

High Angle Opposite effect of low angle Camera is above the subject of the shot. Subjects appear much weaker, smaller, and powerless.

A frame shot from a high angle is often referred to as God’s eye view because it suggests that ‘someone’ is observing the characters. It can suggest danger and helplessness. These are high angel shots. 300 2006 7

COMPOSITION OF THE FRAME Camera Angles High angle Psycho (Hitchcock)

High Angel Shots Apocalypto 2007-High Angel Shot The Fountain 2007 High Angel Shot 9

COMPOSITION OF THE FRAME Camera Angles Low angle

Low Angle Creates the effect of making the subject more significant, dominating, powerful, and in control. Important for creating stronger characters in your movies.

A frame shot from a low angle makes the subject seem larger A frame shot from a low angle makes the subject seem larger. These are low angel shots being that the camera is below the subject. Citizen Kane 1941 The Postman Always Rings Twice 1946 13

The Dark Knight 2008-Low Angel Shot

Inglorious Basterds 2009- Low Angel Shot

A character that seems larger than another in a frame is usually the dominant character. From Double Indemnity 1944 From Letter from an Unknown Woman 1948 From Gone with the Wind 1939 From Rebecca 1940 16

High Angle or Low Angle Shot? Vertigo, Alfred Hitchcock, 1958 17

Eye Level Angle The usual approach in filmmaking. The camera is at the same level as the subject of the shot. “Neutral shot”

COMPOSITION OF THE FRAME Camera Angles Eye-level or Straight on Rebecca (Alfred Hitchcock, 1940)

The Departed 2006-Eye Level Shot

Eye-level Shots