Shot sizes:
Establishing shot :
Common to be the first shot in a film, the establishing shot is typically wide enough to establish the geography and time of day. it can also be used to show the subject of the scene in comparison to their surroundings or to cut from scene to scene. In Genres like Science fiction the establishing shot is crucial as watchers would need to understand the new word that could be presented to them.
The example right is the opening scene to 'Blade Runner: 2049'. It helps the watcher understand the new industrialised earth and show them that it is clearly different.
Master shot :
Often placed after the establishing shot the master shot, similar to the establishing shot the establishing shot confirms the location and geography of the scene. It also clarifies which characters are in the scene and where they are in relationship to each other. By filming in the master shot it leaves the editors something to cut to if needed.
To the left is a scene from 'The Godfather: Part 2' which frames the family around the dinner table. Most of this scene is shot like this to show the whole family's close relationship to each other, however later in the scene one one person is left around the table as you see everyone in the scene leave.
Wide shot :
The wide shot presents the subjects visually far from the camera to show their relation to each other or the geography of the scene, This is different from the establishing shot as that is about location, where as the wide shot is more concerned with the scale of the location. It can be used when you need to make subjects appear lost, lonely or overwhelmed or comment of the subjects relationship to their environment.
In this wide shot from 'Phantom Thread' we can see the characters have been dwarfed by a messy ballroom. The director could have ended the scene with closeups to show the characters emotions, but when filmed with a wide shot we consider the two together yet isolated from the rest of the world.
Full shot :
When the subjects full body spans from the top and bottom the the frame the shot is described as full. With the full shot it is not necessary to have the subject be placed perfectly centred in the middle of the frame, but it is often the case
This example from the movie 'Ladybird' is effective as it is able to tell a story by showing her face and enough to further the story bu showing her entire body, posture and wardrobe
Medium full shot / cowboy :
This shot shows the range from just below the subjects waist to the top of their head. It can often be referred to as a cowboy shot because of the height of gun holsters.
This is a medium full shot from the movie 'The Favourite'. The cowboy angle on the character 'Lady Sarah" is particularly strong and confrontational. Even though this movie isnt a western, and features no cowboys but its hard not to think about a classic stand off scene when firearms are deployed like this.
Medium shot :
Perhaps one of the most popular shot sizes in cinema, the medium shot is very mutual, not dramatic like a close up but not distancing like a wide shot. it captures the subject in a size similar how we interact with people. The typical composition for a medium shot starts above the waist but below the chest, and should end just above the head.
In this scene from 'Coco', 'Muigel' is watching a movie staring his Favorite celebrity. The medium shot composition accommodates quite a bit. From his shrine to the animation on the TV and his reactions to it. Its an intimate moment as we get to observe his joy as well as the objects of his affection in one shot.
Medium close up shot :
When a shot frames a subject from mid chest to just above their head it is referred to as a medium close up. These kind of shots are about removing distraction, prioritizing character and focusing on story details. It is used when you need to get intimate with a subject without losing physicality.
To the right is the villainous 'Thanos' about to snap is fingers in the climactic moments of Marvel's 'Endgame'. With this shot size we have room for the 'Infinity Gauntlet' and Thanos' look of cruel satisfaction in thinking that he has won, but when he fails, this medium close up is also designed to capture his reaction.
Close up :
This shot is is the best to highlight a change of emotions or a beat on screen. Close ups are often stationed at eye level to give the spectator a real look into the subject's eyes. In this shot size the watcher will also get a front row seat of the characters thoughts and feelings.
the close up shot is statued around empathy and illustrates how dramatic scenes can be in times of decision
Extreme close up :
An ECU frames a subject to isolate a specific area; this could be lips, ears or nose but the eyes are typically the focus. It is the most intimate of all the shot sizes.
To the right is an example from 'Kill Bill: Vol. 1'. As the bride is swarmed, The shot is able to cut back and forward Between the group and her eyes creating tension.
But when a specific prop or detail is needed within the story of a movie, the director will often rely on an insert shot
angles :
low angle :
Any shot that finds its self below, or looking up at a subjects eye line, looking up at them is a low angle shot. These kind of shots are typically used to make the subject look more powerful, perfect for the movie's villans or heros. The degree can be subtle or extreme low angles are not just confined to human subjects, but the effect is the same.
This scene from the lion king just screams villan, from the colors and the expression of scar, however it is the angle of the shot that brings it all together, it makes him seem very intimidating.
high angle :
Complimentary to the low angle shot yet contrasting, this shot is designed to beat a character down instead of lifting them up. The two shots are often paired in the same scenes to heighten and imbalance the power between characters. The high angle is used to make the character appear weak or vulnerable.
An extreme variation of the high angle shot is the aerial shot, typically used to establish environments, cities and landscapes or to present characters moving through a much larger world. This shot taken from 'The Avengers' is a good example as you see 6 fighters ready to take on their battle.
overhead angle :
This is a 90 degree view over the top of the subject. This can also often be called a birds eye view and happens when the camera is pointed straight down to the subject from above. These kind of shots are great for showcasing complex movement within a scene. They could also suggest a connection with God or the horrific details of a crime scene
This moment from 'The Master' shows 'freddie' laying above his fellow sailors, most likely drunk or unconscious but the shot is presented without context . All we see is a character who is disconnected which leads the watcher confused or puzzled.
dutch angle :
The dutch angle shot eliminates the horizontal angle of the shot and turns it to the side ever so slightly for an off kilter image that can produce a variety of effects. One of these angles can create a sense of unease, mania, terror or bewilderment. A dutch angle can also be used to magnify tension.
In ' Do the right thing' , director Spike Lee uses dutch angles to intensify the vitriol between embittered characters. as the racial tensions rise to a boiling point, so does the angle of the tilt.
eye level angle:
shooting at eye level is perhaps the most commonly used camera height. for the audience is is the most natural height to regard a character, the eye level does not impose judgement on a character in the way a high or a low angle does. but that doesn't mean that it cant be engaging or dynamic.
In this scene from 'Wolf of Wall street' Jordan Belfort delivers his monologue straight into the camera at eye level. The eye level angle creates an instant connection to Jordan and his scheme.
Shoulder level angle :
This shot height is the runner up behind eye level for the most neutral shot. The lower position gives the idea of a lower angle shot without any further connotations. these shots are often used within conversations and frequently become an over the shoulder shot.
the angle can also be used to emphasise a height difference, which translates visually into a power difference. in a romantic situation the barely upturned eye-line can enhance an affectionate glance.
hip level angle :
Though this angle can be found in every genre, it finds its home within western movies, often in conjunction with the
'cowboy shot'. the reason for this is because gun holsters rest at hip height.
In Sergio Leones 'The good, The bad and the ugly', Leone jumps between sinister hip level shots and intense eye level extreme close ups to create an exciting and tense atmosphere.
knee level angle :
This angle ha the camera placed at the subjects knee height, they often find them selves doubling as low angles and can be create way to track through an environment following a character. it can also be a good way to showcase character details that we may have missed in a wider shot.
This shot from 'Forest Gump' allows us to see his personal triumph as he is running.
ground level angle :
the ground level shot finds ehe camera placed all the way down on the ground, or sometimes even slightly below. these kind of shots can also level up as low angles is there is any kind of upwards tilt. Shooting from ground level can be an extremely stylish way to track a characters movement throughout a scene or to capture details through a setting
'The shining' Features one of the most famous ground level shots ever seen. The show is full of dynamic movement as we track behind 'Dannys' tricycle. The iconic carpet pattern and great sound design keeps us intrigued as we watch the long scene.
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