Framing/Shot Distances

The Effect Of Frames

Movie: X-Men: First Class

Extreme Close Up: The extreme close up is used to draw attention to one particular element in extreme detail, whether it is a facial feature or object. Its main objective is to emphasise and is mainly used in dramatic scenes.  

In this scene an extreme close up was used to show the fierceness of the character. The wounds on top of his eyes suggest he was in a fight. The helmet he's wearing connotes he may be a warrior or a fighter of some kind. Because the helmet is metallic and edgy it suggests this may be a warrior from the future. His facial expression is very serious, this sets the tone of the scene which suggests something huge is about to happen. 

Movie: I Am Legend

Close Up: The close up is used to show facial expressions or a specific detail of mise-en-scene. The shots focus is on one element in particular, everything else is just a blur in the background. The shot prominences an object to signify importance. It takes you directly into the world of the character.

In this scene a close up was used to show the worry and confusion of the character. His eyes are red which suggests he's been crying or he's exhausted. And his face looks concerned or weary which connotes he may be riddled with guilt or worry. The lighting is bright which connotes its day time.

Movie: The Titanic

Long Shot: Long shots are used to show entire objects or people in their surroundings. The main aim is to show the shot approximately "life" size. It allows you to visualise the scenario in greater depth, to get a clearer understanding.
  
A long shot was used to set the scene, so the audience understands what happening. In this scene a man and women are in what looks like a flooded room, the expressions on their faces suggest they're afraid. The props in the scene look quite vintage such as the chandelier and the clothes the characters are wearing, this connotes the movie was set in the past.

Movie: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2

Extreme Long Shot: This type of shot is used to establish the scene. It normally shows an exterior such as the outside of a building or a landscape. Its used to show the enormity of an area. Its also typically used to create a sense of intimidation amongst the audience. 

In this scene a extreme long shot is used to show a fight between two people. The lighting is dark which connotes danger and death this is shown through the dead bodies seen scattered around in the frame. The castle in the background and the magic wands connote the genre of the film being fantasy. 

Movie: 17 Again 

Mid Shot: This type of shot is used for dialogue scenes, or to show some detail of action. Background detail is very limited because the location has probably been established in an earlier scene. 


In this scene an over-the-shoulder-shot is used to show a conversation between two people. One of the characters is wearing a baseball jacket which suggests they're students and the other character is holding a basketball which  may have some significance to the film. The scene looks to take place in a cafeteria which further suggests the location is a school. 

Movie: Matilda

High Angle Shot: This type of shot is used to make the object photographed look smaller or less significant or scary. The character or object often gets swallowed up by their setting and they become part of a wider picture. 

In this scene a high angle shot is used to show a young girl looking up. The position of the camera makes her look small and shows that when people look at her this is what they see. The shot is very intimidating, the way it makes her look minuscule compared to everything else. This may connote how no one pays any attention to her because she is so small. The clothes she's wearing and the bow in her hair is typical of a young girl, so if not yet acknowledged allows the audience to know her age. She's in the centre of the frame which suggests she's the main character. The way she is stood with her arms to her sides and the anxious look on her face suggests she's frightened or nervous, she may be in a new place or talking to a person she's never met before.