Boğaziçi University SPRING 2023

Department of Western Languages and Literatures

Certificate Programme in Film Studies

FA348
Introduction to
Film Analysis
Instructor: Asst. Prof. Cihat Arınç
Session 4
Cinematography and Special Effects: Compositional and Kinetic
Elements in Film

01 Introduction 07 Shot Frame

02 Shot Composition 08 Shot Focus
03 Shot Perspective 09 Shot Movement
04 Shot Level 10 Shot Duration
05 Shot Size 11 Special Effects
06 Shot Angle
 Dunkirk Tommy: "How hard is it to find a dead Englishman on
Dunkirk beach? He didn't kill anyone!"
Christopher Nolan, 2017
01
Introduction
Introduction
What is cinematography?

Cinematography, a term that etymologically comes from the ancient Greek κίνημα (kìnema, or 'movement') and
γράφειν (gràphein, or 'to write'), is the art and science of capturing a story visually through shot composition,
framing, camera angles and movements, film selection, lens choices, zoom, focus, depth of field, colour,
exposure, filtration, lighting, and other visual elements. This process involves the technical recording of light
onto an image sensor or film, and it combines each shot to create a cohesive narrative that engages the viewer.
The term, with its sense of 'writing with movement', best encapsulates the essence of the art of film, where
each shot is carefully composed to capture the story's intended message and emphasise elements that demand
attention within the frame.
Introduction
Who is a cinematographer?

The cinematographer or director of photography (shortened to DP or DoP) is the crew chief that is in charge
of managing the camera and light crews during a film production. They are involved in every stage of the
production and work closely with the director to produce the visual elements of the project.
Introduction
Why is cinematography important?

Cinematography is a crucial aspect of filmmaking, as it establishes and sustains the overall look and tone of a
film's visual narrative. Along with the mise-en-scène of a film, cinematography serves to complement and
enhance the story. Hence, it is the cinematographer's responsibility to ensure that every element is cohesive
and support the story. Given the critical role of cinematography, many filmmakers allocate a significant portion
of their budget to obtain high-quality visuals, which can captivate the audience and bring the story to life on the
big screen. Ultimately, cinematography has the power to transform a good film into a great one by adding depth,
emotion, and visual appeal to the story being told.
Introduction
How can it be analysed?

Cinematography can be analysed by closely examining the camerawork and various visual elements, such as
shot composition, framing, camera angles and movements, film selection, lens choices, zoom, focus, depth of
field, colour, exposure, and filtration. These elements work together to create a cohesive and impactful visual
narrative that supports the overall story of the film. By analysing these elements, one can gain a deeper
understanding of how they contribute to the film's message, themes, and emotional impact on the audience.
Additionally, the context and intent of the film must be taken into consideration when performing an analysis of
cinematography, as each film has its own unique visual language and style. Ultimately, the goal of
cinematography analysis is to gain a more profound comprehension of the film's visual storytelling techniques,
the themes and ideas explored, and how the film connects with its audience.
02
Shot Composition
Shot Composition
Definition

Composition in photography and film refers to the organisation and arrangement of elements in a camera
frame. Shot composition goes beyond merely arranging visual elements; it is an art that combines them to
convey a message, reveal character, and elicit emotion. By understanding the rules of shot composition and
utilising them effectively, one can captivate their audience and maintain their attention throughout the
entirety of the film or photograph.
Shot Composition
Rules of shot composition

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to shot composition, there are some general rules that can help
guide filmmakers and photographers in creating compelling images. These four rules of shot composition -
the Rule of Thirds, Balance and Symmetry, Leading Lines, and Blocking - can be used to create visually
interesting and aesthetically pleasing shots. However, it is important to note that these rules are not set in
stone and should be used as guidelines rather than hard and fast rules. Ultimately, a filmmaker's creative
vision and artistic choices should be the driving force behind the composition of each shot.
The Rule of Thirds The compositional principle of breaking an image down into thirds (both horizontally and
vertically) so that you have 9 parts.
Rules of Shot Composition, 1
Balance and Symmetry A shot captured by positioning the camera at the level of a person's eyes, which creates a
neutral effect on the viewers.
Rules of Shot Composition, 2
 Leading Lines A shot captured by positioning the camera at the level of a person's eyes, which creates a
neutral effect on the viewers.
Rules of Shot Composition, 3
Blocking (Revisited) A shot captured by positioning the camera at the level of a person's eyes, which creates a
neutral effect on the viewers.
Rules of Shot Composition, 4
Shot Composition
Elements of shot composition

To achieve a successful shot composition, the three essential elements should be considered:

• The dominant contrast

• The subsidiary contrasts
• Density

These elements contribute to the visual hierarchy of the image and enhance the audience's understanding
of the story.
The Dominant Contrast The dominant contrast is the area of the frame where the viewer's eyes are first drawn,
which can be created through various techniques such as object size, focus, colours, and
Elements of Shot Composition, 1
lighting.
The Subsidiary Contrasts The subsidiary contrasts refer to the areas of the image that the viewer sees after the
dominant contrast. These areas work to balance or contrast with the dominant contrast,
Elements of Shot Composition, 2
and are often considered secondary or supporting visual elements.
 Density Density is the amount of visual information that is referred to or packed in the image.

Elements of Shot Composition, 3

Shot Composition
Types of shot composition

There are several types of composition which can be grouped under two main categories:

• Static composition types

• Dynamic composition types
Horizontal Composition Compositions based on horizontal lines draw the eye across the screen, seem visually at
rest and allude to placidity, peacefulness, calmness, and tranquility.
Types of Static Shot Composition, 1
 Vertical Composition A shot captured by positioning the camera at the level of a person's eyes, which creates a
neutral effect on the viewers.
Types of Static Shot Composition, 2
 Binary Composition A shot captured by positioning the camera at the level of a person's eyes, which creates a
neutral effect on the viewers.
Types of Static Shot Composition, 3
 Circular Composition A shot captured by positioning the camera at the level of a person's eyes, which creates a
neutral effect on the viewers.
Types of Static Shot Composition, 4
 Diagonal Composition A shot captured by positioning the camera at the level of a person's eyes, which creates a
neutral effect on the viewers.
Types of Dynamic Shot Composition, 1
 Triangle Composition A shot captured by positioning the camera at the level of a person's eyes, which creates a
neutral effect on the viewers.
Types of Dynamic Shot Composition, 2
03
Shot Perspective
Shot Perspective
Objective Camera Perspective

Objective camera perspective, also known as objective camera point of view, is a cinematic technique where the
camera acts as an impartial observer, detached from the characters and events in the scene. The camera
maintains a neutral distance from the action and presents it in an objective, straightforward manner, without
any bias or subjective interpretation. This technique allows the audience to view the scene objectively, without
any influence from the characters' emotions or perspectives. The camera movements and angles are usually
static and designed to capture the entire scene, rather than focusing on specific details or characters. Objective
camera perspective is often used in documentaries or news broadcasts, where the goal is to present information
in an unbiased, factual manner. Overall, objective camera perspective allows filmmakers to present a scene in a
neutral and objective manner, without any subjective influence from the characters or the filmmaker.
Objective Camera Perspective
also known as Objective Camera Point of View
Shot Perspective
Subjective Camera Perspective

Subjective camera perspective, also known as subjective camera point of view, is a cinematic technique where
the camera acts as the viewpoint of a specific character, allowing the audience to see the world from their
subjective point of view. This technique immerses the viewer in the character's experience, making them feel as
if they are experiencing the events first-hand. The camera movements and angles are designed to mimic the
character's movements and focus on what they are looking at or reacting to. This perspective is often used in
horror films to create tension and fear, as well as in action scenes to create a sense of excitement and urgency.
Overall, subjective camera perspective allows filmmakers to create a more immersive and engaging experience
for their audience by making them feel like they are part of the story.
Subjective Camera Perspective
also known as Subjective Camera Point of View
04
Shot Level
Shot Level
Definition

In cinematography, camera level refers to the height at which the camera is positioned relative to the ground or
the subject being filmed. It is a crucial element in framing and composition as it directly affects the perspective
and the visual impact of a shot. Camera level is often used in conjunction with other techniques such as camera
movement, lens choice, and lighting to convey emotion, enhance storytelling, and create a visual language
unique to each film.
Shot Level
05
Shot Size
Shot Size
Camera distance

Shot size, also known as camera distance, in cinematography refers to the physical proximity of the camera to
the subject being filmed. It can vary from extreme close-up shots to extreme long shots, and everything in
between. Camera distance is an important aspect of shot composition because it can affect the viewer's
perception of the subject and the surrounding environment. It can convey the emotional distance between
characters or the relationship between characters and their environment. Camera distance can also be used to
emphasize or de-emphasize certain elements within the frame, and it can help to establish the mood and tone of
a scene.
Shot Size
06
Shot Angle
Shot Angle
Definition

Shot angle in cinematography refers to the placement of the camera in relation to the subject being filmed. It is
one of the essential tools that cinematographers use to manipulate the audience's perception of the action on
the screen. By changing the camera angle, they can create different visual effects and communicate different
meanings or emotions. There are various camera angles in cinematography, such as the high-angle shot, which
looks down on the subject, making them appear vulnerable or weak, or the low-angle shot, which looks up at
the subject, making them appear powerful or dominant.
Shot Angle
High Angle Shot
Shot Angles
Shot Angle
Low Angle Shot
Shot Angles
Shot Angle
Bird's Eye View
Shot
Shot Angles
Shot Angle
Worm's Eye View
Shot
Shot Angles
Shot Angle
Under Shot
Shot Angles
Shot Angle
The Dutch Angle
Shot
Shot Angles
07
Shot Frame
Shot Frame
Definition

Shot frame is the placement and position of the subjects in your shots. Shots are all about composition. Rather
than pointing the camera at the subject, you need to compose an image. For filmmakers and videographers, a
major consideration for framing is the number of subjects you feature in your shots, and their physical
relationship to each other and the camera. Considerations when camera framing a shot:

Size — the size of your subject has a direct relationship to the importance of that subject
Relationships — when we see more than one character in a shot, we are meant to acknowledge their
relationship (romantic, contentious, etc.)
Balance — a "balanced" frame includes elements on the left and right side of the frame
Shot Frame
Shot Frame
Loose Frame
Shot Frames
Shot Frame
Tight Frame
Shot Frames
08
Shot Focus
Shot Focus
Definition

Camera focus in cinematography refers to the sharpness and clarity of the image that is being captured by the
camera. The focus can be set to bring a specific subject into clear focus, while blurring the background or other
areas of the shot. This technique can be used to direct the audience's attention to a particular character or
object in the scene, and to emphasize the emotions or actions of the character. The focus can also be shifted
within a shot, moving from one subject to another, or from foreground to background, to create a sense of
depth and movement within the frame. Camera focus is an essential tool for filmmakers to create a specific
mood, convey information, and enhance the visual impact of the story they are telling.
Shot Focus
Deep Focus
Shot Focus
Shot Focus
Shallow Focus
Shot Focus
Shot Focus
Racking Focus
Shot Focus
Shot Focus
Tilt Shift Focus
Shot Focus
Shot Focus
Shot Focus
09
Shot Movement
Shot Movement
Definition

Camera movement in cinematography refers to the motion of the camera during the filming of a scene. The
camera can move in a variety of ways, including pan, tilt, dolly, crane, and handheld shots. Each camera
movement has a specific effect on the viewer and can be used to convey different emotions and meanings.
Camera movement can create a sense of movement, increase tension, convey a character's perspective, and
reveal information. It is an essential aspect of visual storytelling and can greatly enhance the overall cinematic
experience.
Shot Movement
Shot Movement
Shot Movement
Shot Movement
Shot Movement
Shot Movement
Key Types

• Static Shot (SS), • Dolly-In Zoom-Out Shot (DIZOS), • For further information:
• Pan Shot (PS), • Dolly-Out Zoom-In Shot (DOZIS), https://www.youtube.com/watch?
• Whip Pan Shot (WPS), • Camera Roll Shot (CRS), v=IiyBo-qLDeM&t=1434s
• Tilt Shot (TS), • Tracking Shot (TRAS),
• Push-In Shot (PIS), • Trucking (TRUS),
• Pull-Out Shot (POS), • Arc Shot (AS),
• Zoom-In Shot (ZIS), • Boom Shot (BS),
• Zoom-Out Shot (ZOS), • Handheld Camera Shot (HCS),
• Crash Zoom Shot (CZS), • Random Movement Shot (RMS)
10
Special Effects
Special Effects
Definition

Special effects refer to any technique or tool that is used in cinematography to create visual illusions or enhance
the appearance of a scene. These effects can range from practical effects that are created on set with props,
makeup, and physical objects to digital effects that are created through computer-generated imagery (CGI) or
other post-production techniques. Special effects can be used to create a variety of visual elements, including
explosions, weather effects, futuristic environments, and fantastical creatures. When used effectively, special
effects can add a new level of depth and visual interest to a film, immersing the audience in the world of the
story.
Special Effects
Superimposition
Effect
Special Effects
Special Effects
Split Screen
Special Effects
Special Effects
Rear-Screen
Projection
Special Effects
 Special Effects
Morphing
Special Effects

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered

Country

Special Effects
Matte Work
Special Effects

The Mill and the Cross

Thank you.