Framing
Perceptual position of the frame with respect to mise-en-scène
In a film, actions are not staged like in the theatre. They are staged for the camera taking the
frame into account.
Defines both the section on mise-en-scène that is included in the films and the point of view.
Elements:
a. Distance
b. Angle, height
c. Frame mobility
d. Focal length and depth of field
e. Onscreen // Off-screen space
f. Ratio
Distance:
•Extreme long shot: beginning of movies, establishing shots, give us info about the
movie; urban landscapes, nature
•Long shot: used to put actors in context; in musicals and action movies
•Medium long shot or American shot (knees up): conversations,
•Medium shot (waist): see some expressions, changes in gestures, attitude; body
movement
•Medium close-up (from-chest):
•Close-up (head, face):
•Extreme close-up: can sometimes be a detailed shot
•Detail shot: body language
Analyzing distance: post apocalyptic movies, some classical ones
Angle:
•Level and height of the camera in relation to the subject being photographed
•It may express the relation between a character and the camera’s point of view
•Infinite number of angles
•Three main positions:
•High angle (we look down): the camera establishes a relationship of
superiority, they are put in an inferior position, they look defeated
•Straight-on-angle (eye-level):
CTA 1 Unit 2. Framing
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