Cinematographic Research

Definition

Cinematography involves the use of the camera. It focuses on the:•Distance•Movement•Angle•Shot composition•Depth of field

Cinematographic Title Analysis for ‘Chasing Shakespeare’ (2013)

One of the key elements of this opening title is the way in which it plays with the watchers awareness for distance by using a range of shots from different distances. This shot is a shallow focus shot that zooms into an extreme close up. This is already indicating to the audience that nature is maybe a theme within the film. I can use this within my film, in order to put a theme across to the watcher.

This shot is deliberately out of focus, as this makes the watcher concentrate on the colours within the frame instead of the images. This means that the watcher reflects upon their interpretations of this colour, which due to the previous shot, should be to do with the theme of nature, which is a strong theme within this sequence. Colour representation is something which I must consider in my film, as it could lead to a misinterpretation of themes.

This is an extreme long shot, as it introduces a section of the setting, and it also shows the audience an overwhelming element of nature. This is effective as again it links to the theme of nature, but it also creates a sense of space and distance. This low angle shot, also gives the sky strength and power. I could use this in my sequence in order to give and object or person a sense of awe and power, or to introduce an impressive setting.

This shot is a complete contrast to the previous shots, as it has changed theme. The lighting also changes to low key lighting. By blacking out everything but the horse, it highlights each feature of the horse’s structure, causing the audience to fully concentrate on it. This shot also uses the rule of thirds to position the horse within the frame. The horses legs are in the bottom third, it’s torso and the title is in the second and most of its head and its eyes are in the first. This is a vital element needed within my filming, as it creates a specific aesthetically pleasing effect on screen.

This shot highlights the effect of having extremely zoomed in shots. The fact that the audience can clearly see every detail of the horse’s eye, makes us think about why the director has chosen to include this shot. It also makes us consider how this shot is relevant to the film, and as it is not something which many people see in detail on a daily basis, it intrigues and interests the watcher. Obscure shots are a good way of catching the audiences attention, and by using shallow focus you can make the shot more interesting. Focus and zoom will be key in my sequence as it can affect the atmosphere of my piece.

This shot is effective in delivering a sense of movement. The scatter of the water projects the idea of an dramatic composition-which could present the idea of drama within the film. Also the horse running towards the camera not only makes the watcher understand how the horse is moving, but the slow motion means that due to the shape of the horse’s legs we know that in real time the horse would be travelling at speed. The director has also chosen to turn the camera upside down, just to challenge the watcher’s concentration and intrigue. This shot is also very memorable which helps when promoting the film. This is a technique that I would like to explore when filming my sequence, as it would be abnormal and original.

Cinematographic Title Analysis for ‘Lord of War’ (2005)The most resounding feature of this shot is the colours used. The colours are dark and gray, which suggests the the atmosphere is not going to be upbeat. This is a simple shot of the first stage of the bullets journey. This is something I could use in my own film, as it is is an effective way of introducing your piece.

This is a low angle shot, which gives the bullet or object a sense of power. I could use this in my sequence when wanting to give something or someone status within the piece. The gold colour also contrasts to the colour around it, making it jump out of the frame. This indicates to the watcher that this is the key focus point. Contrasting colour is something I could think about if I wanted to draw all of my audiences attention to one object or person.

This shot is from the perspective of the bullet, and it is the interesting idea behind this shot that catches the audiences attention. Personification through filming is an idea I would like to explore in my sequence as it is unusual and eye catching.

This shot again uses a low angle shot in order to give the man power. This camera work shows the transition of power from the bullet to the man-this could be a key theme within the film. I could use this technique also to deliver a theme within my sequence.

This shot is an extreme length shot that introduces a setting for the piece. The fact that the bullet is in mid air gives us a sense of the fast movement. This shot is also clearly demonstrating the rule of thirds. The bullet in predominately in the second third, the car in the third, and the sky in the first. This makes the shot more aesthetically understandable for the audience.

This shot has a shallow depth of field, which shocks the audience as this tells us that the bullet is going to hit this child. This sets the tone and atmosphere of the piece, as it is clearly shocking and violent. By extending or shortening the DOF, this frame tells us that this can effect the tone of the sequence, and this is something I should be aware of when filming my opening titles.

Conclusion

Overall, these titles use a range of different camera techniques in order to both attract the audiences attention, and to interest them. By changing the focus, DOF or angle of the camera, different effects are created which can it turn alter the atmosphere or the idea being put across within the piece. This research is very helpful to me, as it indicates all of the different cinematographic elements which I need to include in my opening titles. Through analysing the distance, movement, angle, shot composition and depth of field, I now understand how I need to control all of these features in order to make them particularly effective within my piece. I also understand how these features sometimes work together in order to create an aesthetic effect, and that through utilising more than one technique at a time it can dramatically benefit each frame. An example of this would be to create a wide depth of field, and then have a shallow focus. This would put all of the attention onto one object or person, but would also create a sense of distance between either the décor or objects surrounding the central object or person, and thereby isolate it from the rest of the frame. This could either introduce a theme of isolation, or place more audience attention on this one object or person. This is exemplified by the first shot of the ‘Chasing Shakespeare’ sequence. By concentrating on all of these features, it will enhance my piece and have a greater effect on the audience.

Conclusion

Overall, these titles use a range of different camera techniques in order to both attract the audiences attention, and to interest them. By changing the focus, DOF or angle of the camera, different effects are created which can it turn alter the atmosphere or the idea being put across within the piece. This research is very helpful to me, as it indicates all of the different cinematographic elements which I need to include in my opening titles. Through analysing the distance, movement, angle, shot composition and depth of field, I now understand how I need to control all of these features in order to make them particularly effective within my piece. I also understand how these features sometimes work together in order to create an aesthetic effect, and that through utilising more than one technique at a time it can dramatically benefit each frame. An example of this would be to create a wide depth of field, and then have a shallow focus. This would put all of the attention onto one object or person, but would also create a sense of distance between either the décor or objects surrounding the central object or person, and thereby isolate it from the rest of the frame. This could either introduce a theme of isolation, or place more audience attention on this one object or person. This is exemplified by the first shot of the ‘Chasing Shakespeare’ sequence. By concentrating on all of these features, it will enhance my piece and have a greater effect on the audience.