Camera Review

Within our Psychological opening sequence we utilise a wide variety of shots, angles and movements. We aimed to conform to the codes and conventions of cinematography within mainstream Thrillers, only challenging the stereotypes of genders.

Close up shots:
We used a variety of close up shots, including medium close ups and big close ups. Close ups are used to draw the audience closer, involving them in the action. Close up shots are commonly used in thrillers to reveal emotions such as fear, upset, anger and evil.

Medium close up:
This medium close up expresses the importance of the three characters, as they are the only subjects within the frame.

Big close up:

This big close up reveals the evil expression on the antagonist face, she is smirking whilst the protagonist is experiencing upset and confusion. 

Establishing shot:

Establishing shots are commonly used at the start of a programme or film, or at the start of a new scene, to establish the relationship between the characters and the location/set.

Our establishing shot abides by the conventions of this shot. We show our establishing right at the beginning of our sequence, presenting our first location

Hand-Held shot & Head-On shot:

We included Hand-Held shots in our opening sequence. These shots are filmed with the camera not on the tripod, however held in hand often whilst walking.

Our Hand-Held shots are right at the start of our sequence. Our protagonist Sid, holds the camera whilst running.  This movement is very shaky, making the audience feel that the scene is more realistic. Our Hand-Held shot is also a Head-On shot. A Head-On shot is where the action comes directly toward the camera. Hand-Held shots are commonly used in thriller and horror film, such as Paranormal activity and The Blair Witch Project.

High Angle:

High angles provide a view from above the subject(s), and are used to communicate many messages.

We used a high angle in order to make our protagonist appear vulnerable, isolated and powerless, as he is controlled and manipulated by the antagonist.

Loose Frame:

Loose frame is a term to describe a shot where there is a lot of space surrounding an object or person.

We used a loose frame to highlight the protagonist's isolation and loneliness. The space surrounding the character makes him seem small. Within our film Sid, our protagonist is alone, receiving no help. His only companions are his good and bad conscious within his imagination, and his evil, manipulative psychiatrist.

Low Angle:

A low angle shot is a shot where the camera approaches a subject from below eye level.

We used a low angle shot when filming Sid running, in order to create a juxtaposition, abiding by Strauss' theory of Binary Opposites. This shot emphasises the size of his foot, making him appear big and powerful. However this isn't the case, as Sid has no power or control within the film.






Tight Frame:
Tight frame is a term that describes a shot that is composed with person or object given very little space around them.

We used a tight frame shot to make the protagonist seem trapped, and vulnerable.