Camera Angles

Today we explored how camera angles can influence our interpretation of characters in different scenes. We analysed a number of scenes from an array of different films to investigate the different angles used and how they impact upon the characters, and therefore how the audience perceive that character.

First of all, we established the different camera angles and what they denote:

High Angled Shots - Implies the character is inferior or vulnerable, connoting the character is weak and subordinate.

Low Angled Shots -Suggests that the subject is superior or more powerful, it can make the character appear intimidating.

Two Shots - Portrays two characters in the same shot to convey the nature of a relationship between two people, normally employed to represent a conversation.

Long Shots - Denotes that a character is isolated and alone. When a long shot conveys a scene it is referred to as an establishing shot.

Close Up Shot - Allows the audience to evaluate a characters emotions, the audience are able to view the character intimately through a period of introspection.

Extreme Close Up Shots - Usually increases the tension of a scene, when characters are focused or angry.

Mid-Shots - Captures the majority of the character, can be used for conversations or action scenes to enhance the effects of conflict.

First to be analysed was an extract from 'Kidulthood' - a film based on the struggles of 16-20 year olds in rather more deprived environments, acclaimed heavily due to its appeal to a young demographic.

The scene comprised of a young man and woman, shown seperately although in the same scene, encountering troubles in their relationship after it is unearthed the young woman (approximately 16-17) is pregnant and the biological father is uncertain, which evokes negativity in both characters.

The scene shows both young man and woman roaming the streets aimlessly, and both are reduced to tears. The camera conveys the young mans point of view, a blurry and ambiguous vision that represents his disorientation. Subsequently, he is presented through the process of introspection on a hill through the use of a close up shot, however, the director has intentionally included the surroundings of the character - the city. He is on the outside looking in at the city, connoting that he is isolated and surplus to London. Similarly, the young girl is presented in a blurry environment that is the city in which everyone around her is moving swiftly, whilst she remains roaming aimlessly. This suggested that she too was isolated, and confused as to her destination, seemingy hopeless. Also noticeable was the inclusion of a long/establishing shot, utilised to express the isolation suffered by both parties who, as previously mentioned, where shown seperately. Close up shots where also used to capture the emotions of the two characters, who were both clearly distraught. The combination of all these techniques make the scene very incisive, and ensure the audience fully comprehend the atmosphere of the scene and characters.