Film Study Terms Flashcards
(40 cards)
Extreme close up
An extreme close-up is a very tight shot on a specific detail, to emphasize it.
Close up
An extreme close-up is a detailed shot showing just the head or a small, significant object, used to isolate a character and focus the audience’s attention on them.
Medium close up
the figure is framed from the chest up
Medium shot
The figure is framed from the waist up
Medium long shot
a balance between figure and background; the figure is usually framed from about the knees up
Long shot
A long shot captures a subject from a distance, showing the full body and some of the surrounding environment.
Extreme long shot
An extreme long shot shows a vast area from a great distance, emphasizing the setting over the subject.
High angle
Looks down on the subject
The angle of destiny
a decidedly high angle shot that suggests an moment of great contemplation of decision–often held for an extended period of time
omniscience, a moment of great contemplation of decision often held for an extended period of time
Low angle
the camera “looks” up at the subject
-often used to give the figure a dominate and powerful presence; the audience is made to feel
submissive
Flat angle
-the camera is at eye level and on the same plane as the subject
The Canted Camera Shot (also known as Dutch Angle)
-the central frame seems unbalanced in relation to the space and action
-often used to suggest a subjective viewpoint, such as that of a person who is drunk, or to suggest a
symbolic unbalance, such as a world that lacks harmony and balance
Reaction Shot
This shot is usually employed to show the effect that someone’s words or actions
have on another individual, or to show how a character reacts generally to a particular scene. A
reaction shot may be a close-up to catch a look of surprise or fear, or a medium shot to show a
person’s body language.
Point of View Shot (POV)
Any shot that is taken from the
perspective of a character in a film
Shot/Reverse Shot
Two shots, commonly linked, each aimed nearly 180 degrees opposite the
other, usually used to show two people talking and listening to each other
The Hand-Held Shot:
The camera is carried, approximating the actual jerky movement of
human progression, by the camera operator; the shot may be, in some ways, more intimate and
realistic, suggesting the subjective perspective of the individual.
The push in
The camera, either slowly or swiftly, tracks up to the subject’s face; it is usually used to build tension leading to a sudden epiphany
The spiral shot
The camera “circles” around an individual or a group of people (usually
gathered around a table)–it may be a quick spiraling motion to suggest disorientation or panic, or a
slow circular motion to suggest languidity or encourage close listening
Cut
An instantaneous change from one shot to another.
Dissolve
A visual effect created by the gradual disappearance of one shot while another
shot gradually appears and comes into clear focus; for a brief time the images blend in
Superim position
(exposure of more than one image on the same film strip), which may be
used to symbolic effect. Dissolves are used to suggest a change of setting or a longer lapse of time than in a cut, so it is often used to begin or end flashbacks.
Fade out/in
Ending a scene by underexposing to black or overexposing to white;
beginning a scene in the same manner, moving from black or white to clear focus. The fade
out/in is usually used to indicate the passage of time or a change of location in narrative.
Freeze frame
As a way of ending a scene, the film appears to stop and the image is
“frozen” or held for a few seconds. Used for dramatic effect, usually to suggest a lack of closure
Jump cut
An abrupt transition between shots, usually made to disorient the audience
because there is a sudden or illogical transition; the usual “laws” of space and time are violated.
