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Cinematography Techniques
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Dutch Angle
The Dutch angle is a camera angle in which the camera is tilted to one side, creating a feeling of unease or disorientation. Example: The film 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' uses Dutch angles to enhance the surreal feeling.
Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds involves dividing the frame into nine equal rectangles. Placing the subject along these lines or at their intersections often creates a more aesthetically pleasing shot. Example: Wes Anderson often uses the rule of thirds to center characters in his films.
Dolly Zoom
The dolly zoom is an in-camera effect that involves dollying (moving) the camera towards or away from the subject while zooming in the opposite direction. Example: Alfred Hitchcock's 'Vertigo' features a famous dolly zoom to convey disorientation.
High Key Lighting
High key lighting is a style that is bright and evenly lit, resulting in low contrast between light and dark areas. It's often used for comedies and light-hearted scenes. Example: The TV show 'Friends' often employs high key lighting.
Low Key Lighting
Low key lighting is characterized by stark lighting that emphasizes shadows and contrast, commonly used to create mood and suspense. Example: Film noirs like 'The Maltese Falcon' use low key lighting.
Handheld Shot
A handheld shot involves holding the camera by hand to create a shaky, unsteady effect. This often adds realism or intensity. Example: 'The Bourne Ultimatum' uses handheld shots during its action sequences.
Crane Shot
A crane shot is taken by a camera mounted on a crane, which can move in almost any direction. This technique adds scale and movement. Example: The opening shot of 'Touch of Evil' is an impressive long crane shot.
Tracking Shot
A tracking shot follows a subject at a constant distance with smooth camera movement. It's often used to draw the audience into the action. Example: The Copacabana shot in 'Goodfellas' is a famous long tracking shot.
Montage
A montage is a sequence of shots showing a condensed series of events. It can be used to convey passage of time or information quickly. Examples: Rocky training sequences are classic examples of montages.
Match Cut
A match cut is a cut from one shot to another where the two shots are matched by action or subject. Example: '2001: A Space Odyssey' uses a match cut from a bone being thrown in the air to a spaceship.
Deep Focus
Deep focus is a cinematography technique where all elements in the frame, from close-up to background, are in focus. Example: 'Citizen Kane' is well known for its use of deep focus.
Cross Dissolve
Cross dissolve is a transition where one shot fades into another, which can signify the passage of time or a connection between scenes. Example: 'The Godfather' uses cross dissolves to transition between scenes.
Chiaroscuro
Chiaroscuro refers to the use of strong contrasts between light and dark to give a sense of volume and three-dimensionality. Example: The film 'The Third Man' uses chiaroscuro to create dramatic tension.
Tilt Shot
A tilt shot involves the vertical movement of the camera up or down along a fixed axis. Example: The reveal of the massive 'Nostromo' spaceship in 'Alien' employs a tilt shot.
Whip Pan
A whip pan is a quick, sweeping camera movement from one subject to another, which creates a blur and can give energy to a scene. Example: Edgar Wright uses whip pans frequently for comedic effect, such as in 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World'.
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