Research Into Cinematography

Research Into Cinematography 

This in depth analysis of cinematography will be concentrated through the use of a film clip, extracted from 'The Nightmare On Elm Street' newest adaption, 2010 (http://youtu.be/ISzAuk-2NYs) The reasoning behind selecting this particular clip to analyse was because, although it was under four and a half minutes, the clip presented a wide variety of camera angles and devices used throughout the thriller genre.

Crane Shot

A crane shot is when the camera is mounted on to a crane and can therefore lift the shot way above ground level. The camera briefly pans upward with focusing on the protagonist, from a distance, when she steps out-side to search for her dog. This slow progressive height conveys how the female's character is becoming increasingly smaller, in status ans significance. The high camera angle reflects the eye of a predator and presents the female as prey, this forebodes an imminent death. A prevalent theme of vulnerability and helplessness within a female protagonist is classic to a thriller film.

Point Of View

A point of view camera shot is literally pointing the camera in the directing the character is looking. The camera depicts what the female can see at that precise moment. In this example, it slowly reveals the shadowy garden at night, lit with nothing but moonlight, as she desperately searches for her dog. A point of view angle allows the audience to easily put themselves in the position of the character as they are observing a literal character perspective. Not only does this create a relationship between character and audience, but as the film progresses it gives the effect that they have experienced it themselves. Thus rendering a significantly enhanced reaction, to the death of the female character. One of the main features of the thriller genre is to create fear an apprehension in the viewer and this camera angle does so by allowing the viewer to place themselves in the position of the protagonist. 

Long Shot

A long shot shows the entirety of the character whilst including a vast amount of background. In this example from the clip, the female character walks through her old school and ends in the middle of a seemingly endless corridor. This shot is used to give an extended view of the setting, therefore highlighting the importance of the audience acknowledging this. As well as this, the shot makes the audience aware of how alone and vulnerable the female character is, as the narrow walls of the corridor frame her figure. This presents how she is trapped, physically and metaphorically. This shot is a convention typical of the thriller genre; it promotes the prevalent theme of vulnerability, especially in female characters, this is because they are usually alone in these particular shots, much like this particular one.

Eye Level

An eye level shot literally means that the camera is placed so that the audience are viewing the action from the characters eye level. In this scene the female character finishes washing her face and takes a few moment staring into the mirror. The realism of the camera angle allows the audience to connect with the scene easily, as the character is experiencing part of a daily routine. Subsequently, the brief pause in this neutral state creates suspense, as the audience can clearly view the dark circles under the females eyes. Thus reminding the audience of her reasoning behind not sleeping. An immediate tension in created as the audience anticipate a sudden break in the burst of realism. This type of mirror, eye level view is classic to a vast variety of thriller films. The shot makes it perfect for tension building (typical of this film genre) as the audience are left, out of habit, analyzing the main character and not devoting attention to the background. Therefore, it makes an optimum moment for something to appear suddenly within the background. However in this particular scene the audience are taunted by the potential sudden scare, increasing the terror further as they analyse every move the character makes, eyes nervously fleeting to every item in the room.

In conclusion, the varied combination of different camera shots in quick succession provide an enticing viewing for the audience. The crane and long shot serve the purpose of building tension and presenting the female protagonist as alone and therefore very vulnerable. The eye level and point of view shot both work to enhance the relation between audience and protagonist. With this in mind, the combination of all of these classic thriller devices leave the audience on the edge of their seat. Personally, within this scene I would have included more long angle shots as she is searching for her dog outside. The camera could be presented from behind one of the trees or bushes in the garden. This would enhance the idea that someone is with her in the garden, watching her every move. However, this brief clip has inspired me in regards for my future thriller film. I'm going to aim and include the long shot and although it will be hard to achieve I would love to include something much like a crane shot for a different perspective in height. Obviously, the camera would not be mounted onto a crane, but even something as simple as the us of a ladder would just enhance the film that little bit more, in my opinion.