Cinematography applied to Casino Royale

Jacob Widmann-Oliver

Establishing shots

Establishing Shots set up the context for a scene by showing the relationship between key areas and characters. Establishing shots tend to be long shots or mid shots. In Casino Royale this establishing shot is used in the opening sequence setting the scene in a construction site.

Extreme Long Shot

The extreme long shot is taken from a far distance and is used to set the scene. There is very little visible detail within the shot and gives general information rather than specific information.

Long Shots

Long shots are clips which show the subject as life size. In a cinema the shot would be a real distance between the subject and the audience. Long shots include the full shot of an object or person. The detail is on the subject however background detail is still visible.

Mid-Shot

The mid-shot contains a figure from the waist up and is often used in dialogue scenes between two or three characters, the two shot or three shot. Background detail is kept to a minimum as the location has probably been established by this point. Mid shots are usually used for filming shot reverse shots also.

Close Up

The close up concentrates on a face of a character or a specific detail. The background is blurred so all attention is on the subject. A close up is a very intimate shot . They can be used to make us feel uncomfortable or comfortable about a character.

Extreme Close Up

Extreme close ups magnify beyond what the human eye would experience in reality. It is a very artificial shot and can be used for dramatic effect. The tight focus means that it is important that lighting and the setting up of the shot are inch perfect.

Bilateral Symmetry

Bilateral symmetry positions characters or objects equally on either side of the frame. It looks constructed and can be very dramatic.

Deep Focus

Deep focus has a large depth of field and every part of the image is in focus. It is important that lighting and lenses are used correctly. Because of this it is an unusual shot. However with the increased availability of technology it is becoming more popular.

Shallow Focus

Shallow function has a narrow depth of field and only one plane within the frame is clear and sharp. This is usually in the foreground focusing on a character or object.

Dutch Tilt

The Dutch tilt is the tilting of the camera angle. It creates a sense of tension or unease but can be used to create an unrealistic scenario.

Low Angle

Low angles help give a character the sense of authority. The background of a low angle shot will tend to be just sky or ceiling, the lack of detail about the setting adding to the disorientation of the viewer. The added height of the object may make it inspire fear and insecurity in the viewer, who is psychologically dominated by the figure on the screen.

High Angle

High angles make the object photographed seem smaller, and less significant. The object or character often gets swallowed up by their setting - they become part of a wider picture.