Unit-1: Language of Cinema

Camera Movement
As already established previously, everything that we see on frame is intentionally shown by
the director/filmmaker. Every frame, shot and every detail captured is done so with an
intention to aid the storytelling process. So, the very act of moving the camera, i.e., ‘Camera
Movement’, by physically displacing the camera or changing the focal length is an intentional
one. Camera movement thus is not only to capture and reveal information that is important to
the story but also adds an intrinsic meaning to each shot. It can also be a stylistic choice by
the filmmaker, to add an aesthetic vibe to it.

Static Shot
A static shot is the basic camera movement technique. It is as simple as just placing a camera
in a fixed position to capture a subject. This fixed position is achieved by fixing the camera to
aa tripod for stability. This technique is usually employed to capture dialogue scenes of a
character. A static shot helps in creating a very precise composition of the frame. As there is
no movement of the camera, it directs the audience’s focus towards the actor’s performance.
Sometimes, a static shot is used to showcase a character’s helplessness and trapped emotion.
It is neutral observation of the events unfolding before us without putting us into the
character’s feelings or emotions.

Pan Shot
A pan shot is when a camera, fixed on a tripod, moves horizontally in space. This movement
could be right-left or left-right. A pan is used to follow a character’s movement in space or to
reveal information to the audience. Pan could be used at different speeds. A slow pan builds
anticipation in the audience. So, when there is reveal of new, important information, the
payoff is bigger for the audience. It heightens the tension of a scene.
A fast pan is known as a whip pan. A whip pan increases the momentum and tempo of a
scene. It could also be used to highlight the synergy between characters.

Tilt Shot
A tilt shot is when the camera moves in the vertical axis. This means the movement will be
either top-bottom or bottom-top. This is used to reveal information about the verticality of the
universe that the movie is set in. A tilt shot is also used to showcase the dominance or
vulnerability of a character. If a character is dominant, then the bottom-top tilt is used.
Likewise, if a character is in a vulnerable position, then top-bottom tilt is used.
A tilt is also used to reveal information, like a new character, a setting or the scale (size) of an
event.
Push-in
A push in movement is when the camera is physically moved towards the subject. It is a
visual cue to highlight that the scene or moment that is being shown on screen, is an
important one. It highlights the thought process that a character is undergoing while he/she is
about to embark on a defining moment. It emphasises the internal conflict that a character
undergoes. A push in is also a cue for the audience to sympathise with the character.

Pull-out
A pull out is the opposite of a push in. The camera is brought further and further away from
the subject. This is used to reveal context or important information of the scene. It can reveal
the location, setting, number of characters etc. It is used in final shots of films, to detach the
audience from the scene and the film. Further it can used to showcase the loneliness or sense
of abandonment felt by the character. As the camera pulls away, the subject becomes smaller
and smaller in the frame, occupying lesser space. Rather than sympathising with the
character, it abandons the character.

Zoom
A zoom is when a camera is stationary in a spot, but the focal length of the camera is changed
in order to zoom in or zoom out. Since film making is all about illusions and replicating real
life on screen, the audience can recognise that the zoom process is unnatural. A push in
replicates a person moving to an object, but there is no real life equivalent to a zoom effect. A
zoom out can be used to reveal additional information like how a pull out does.
A slow zoom is employed for dramatic effect. It is used effectively in horror movies to show
the eerie and spooky nature of a situation.

Crash Zoom
Crash zoom is when the focal length of the camera, is changed in a sudden fashion to focus
on a particular character or object. Its used particularly, to heighten the comedic value of a
particular scene.

Misc-en-scene
Misc en scene is a French word meaning, “placing on stage”. The word is used to denote
everything that an audience member witnesses on screen, while watching a movie. This
includes the costumes, makeup, background scenery, colour and audio that is showcased in a
scene. The purpose of a Misc-en-scene is to tell a narrative without using any kind of
dialogues. It highlights the setting and surroundings that a story or a character is situated in.
There are 2 kinds of Misc-en-scene, Naturalistic and Theatrical.
A naturalistic Misc-en-scene aims to recreate realistic setting or surroundings within which
the story is set in. This kind of Misc-en-scene is employed to present a realistic narrative in a
dramatic movie.
A Theatrical Misc-en-scene is when characters and the setting they are set in are extravagant
and flamboyant. This is employed in movies which deals with a story in the fantasy genre. Its
used to showcase the difference between the fantasy world the story is set in and the realistic
world we live in.