Cinematography tasks

Choose two extracts from different eras (e.g. one from the 1940s and one from 1990s) and analyse the cinematography. What are the key differences?

Citizen Kane (1940) directed by Orson Welles 

'Citizen Kane projector room scene' 

The scene is introduced with the use of a long shot to exhibit the many characters present in this large room. The high angle shows the many actors consumed by the setting, at which point the power is neutral and not one character has supremacy. The camera then begins to pan and follow the one character stood up and with the most dialogue. The character's power is challenged by another, but he persists at which point a low camera angle is used to show the superiority of the talkative character. The extract lacks cuts and consists of plenty camera panning to follow the characters subtle movements. The clip concludes with an over-the-shoulder shot at a low angle to show the challenger's inferior position to the talkative character in a one-to-one conversation.

Three colours: White (1994) directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski 

'Shoot scene' 

The expository seconds of the clip establish the setting of action as the character proceeds down a large set of stairs - as displayed by a long shot. This then continues as another character is displayed and many over-the-shoulder shots at eye level are used to show the interaction as well as close-ups to show the facial expressions to show the character's emotions. The end of this extract uses a tracking shot to show the two sliding across the ice from a long-shot, concluding the clip with an establishing shot where the setting is of predominant significance in comparison to the characters. 

Find and analyse four film stills. Consider different camera angles and their effects. 

King Kong (1993)

A very iconic still from the 90s' blockbuster. An aerial establishing shot exhibits Manhattan as it is terrorised by the monstrous 'King Kong' and the havoc associated around it. 

Singin' In The Rain (1952)

Another iconic still, using a long shot to show Gene Kelly and her rainy setting. A low angle shot is used to connote the emotional superiority felt by the character as they enjoy 'singing in the rain'.

       The Shining (1980) 

A film from an 80s' horror film displaying the lunatic facial expression of Jack Nicholson via a close-up at an eye-level angle which creates empathy for the audience to encounter the character in a personal point-of-view. 

Safety Last (1923)

Iconic image from this 20s' film showing Harold Lloyd's vulnerability displayed from a high/aerial angle at a long shot distance to show the surrounding setting which is a threat to the character. Lloyd is in danger and of course, safety is not a first with this one.