Cinematic Techniques

Question 1

Diegetic sounds

Answer 1

is noise or audio coming from inside the frame of the film and include; voices of characters, noises from objects, music coming from the scene etc.

Question 2

Non-diegetic sounds

Answer 2

is noise or audio coming from ‘outside’ the frame, it might be manufactured or a recording that has been placed over the vision. eg, voice-over, soundtrack, sound effects.

Question 3

Close-up shot.

Answer 3

Contains just one character’s face. Enables viewers to understand the actor’s emotions and also allows them to feel empathy for the character.

Question 4

Long shot.

Answer 4

The camera is at a distance- used to establish setting.

Question 5

Mid-shot.

Answer 5

Contains the characters from the waist up, allows audience to see the characters’ faces more clearly as well as their interaction with others. Gives insight into relationship.

Question 6

Bird’s eye view.

Answer 6

Angle that looks directly down upon a scene. Often helps to establish setting.

Question 7

Lighting.

Answer 7

Lighting is a very important aspect for shaping meaning in films. The lighting technicians in a film crew have the task of creating lighting to suit the mood and atmosphere of each scene in a film

Question 8

Soundtrack.

Answer 8

The soundtrack of the film can help to add further insight into the characters and themes. As you watch the film, consider what songs have been chosen and why.

Question 9

Circular dolly shot.

Answer 9

is used to rotate around a subject, sometimes in a continuous way, to give audiences depth into a character’s emotions.

Question 10

Flackback or Dream Sequence.

Answer 10

This usually involves a break in the linear narrative and provide important character development.