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FILM LANGUAGE AND TECHNIQUES
Just like a book, a film has a story, characters, settings, themes and dialogue.
Unlike a book, a film does not rely on words for description or to set the mood.
It uses images instead. To describe a particular scene, a character, or a
moment of tension, films rely on camera shots and angles, lighting and sound
effects. Often we are unaware when watching a film that each shot has been
carefully crafted to manipulate our emotions and our responses to the film.
The Truman Show uses film language very effectively. The shot sizes, the
camera angles, the music, and the sound effects and lighting help us to
further understand the meanings within the film.
Below is an explanation of some of the key terms that you should know when
discussing the film techniques in The Truman Show, or any other film for that
matter.
SHOT SIZES
THE LONG SHOT: This shot is used to show the subject, as well as
his/her body language and the relationship with their surroundings.
You will see the entire body of the person/subject, as well as
background scenery. The subject/person is a long way away from the
character.
THE MEDIUM SHOT: This shot frames about one third of the human
body, bringing the subject/person closer to the camera. It is usually a
frame of the subject from the waist up with some background scenery.
THE EXTREME LONG SHOT: This shot shows even more than the
long shot. This shot is often used to show the audience the location or
setting of the film, showing the characters in their surrounding
environments.
THE CLOSE UP: This shot shows the subject in greater detail than the
above shots. It is used to show expression or feelings and usually
shows only a part of the body, such as the face. It can also be used to
make a character look more powerful.
THE EXTREME CLOSE UP: This shot frames only a very small
portion of the subject/character, forcing the viewer to concentrate on it.
It is sometimes also used as a way to distort reality/size of the subject.
Eg, an ant appearing larger to seem scary or threatening.
CAMERA ANGLES
AERIAL SHOT: Shows the subject from a bird’s eye view. Shows the
setting/location. It can sometimes be used to suggest the subject is
under surveillance.
HIGH ANGLE SHOT: The camera is positioned high/above the
subject, so that it appears to be looking down. Makes the subject
seem weak, shy or vulnerable.
LOW ANGLE SHOT: The camera is positioned low/ below the subject,
looking up. Makes the subject seem dominant, strong, and in control.
It can make the audience feel threatened or inferior.
EYE-LEVEL ANGLE SHOT: The camera is positioned at the same
level as the subject/character.
CAMERA MOVEMENT
PANNING: When the camera remains still, but the lense moves. (left
to right)
TILTING: When the camera remains still, but the lens moves up or
down.
TRACKING: When the camera actually moves to keep up with the
action.
OTHER ASPECTS OF FILM LANGUAGE
FOCUS: Soft or sharp focus is used to make the audience pay
attention to certain important details. The focus is sharp on the part of
the frame that the director wants us to look at, the rest will be out of
focus.
LIGHTING: Lighting is used to create mood and to suggest emotions
and tensions in the story.
SPECIAL EFFECTS: Are used to heighten the emotional responses of
the audience. Also used to emphasise to the audience how the
characters/subjects are feeling.
DIALOGUE: What the characters say.
SOUND EFFECTS: All of the noises heard. Used to create or
reinforce meaning. Sound effects are used either to impact on the
story’s development or to enhance the atmosphere/mood. Sounds
work to give clues to the viewers.
MUSIC: Used to help create a particular mood.