Cinematic techniques Flashcards
Proximity
Proximity is the closeness or space between people. It can refer to how characters are sitting near each other, side-by-side in a relaxed manner.
Facial expression
Facial expression is used to convey emotions such as sadness, disgust, happiness, fear, anger or surprise
Body language
Body language is the non-verbal signs people and animals use to communicate. It is used to express feelings and attitudes.
Gaze
Gaze is how a subject ina visual is looking. Demand is the eyes of the image demanding audience attention. Offer is when the person in the frame is looking beyond the frame.
Eye level
Eye level is used to make the audience feel equal to the subject involved in the scene. It is a neutral non-judgemental angle.
Gesture
Gesture is a movement of part of the body, such as the hand or head, to express an idea or meaning.
Positioning/framing
Positioning/framing is how something or someone is positioned in a scene. It can be used to draw attention to a focus.
Symbolism
Symbolism is the use of a visual to represent one or more ideas.
Symbolism: Set
for example, large machinery might represent the dominance of a character.
Symbolism: Lighting
In films, light can influence the meaning of a shot/scene. Filmmakers often portray villains that are heavily shadowed. Light can also be used to illuminate a scene.
Symbolism: Clothes
Clothes can be used to represent characters and add meaning to the plot. Blue denim may represent the working class.
Symbolism: Colour
It’s how a film shows feelings and creates a mood or encourages us to feel a certain way. Light, gold colours can represent a feeling of nostalgia and blues may represent a feeling of sadness.
Symbolism: Music
The lyrics can present the story or a key moment in a scene.
Foreground
An object placed in the front and centre is the central focus and this indicates prominence and importance.
Background
An object in the background, whilst still important, add details to the scene and can reveal key elements of the plot.
