KUBRICK CINEMATOGRAPHY – AUTEUR TRADEMARKS

One point perspective:

Stanley Kubrick's One-Point Perspective - YouTube

Kubrick frequently uses one point perspective to give a sense of unease for the viewer, due to how unnatural it is. This perspective also helps draw the audience to something in particular, in this case that something being the door. Due to this, Danny looks vulnerable, as the empty space he is in is emphasized.

Long Steadicam takes

The Shining - Scene sequence - sync w/David Gilmour's 'Cruise' - YouTube

The use of the long Steadicam take here helps build tension as Danny rides his bike around the corridors. By using this take, the audience feels like they are following Danny, but cannot protect him from what he may encounter, highlighting Danny’s vulnerability. Kubrick also uses an intra-diegetic gaze to emphasise this, as you feel closer to him and therefore closer to the danger he comes across.

Deep Focus

Kubrick's 2001 A Space Odyssey - 3

The use of deep focus here helps draw the audience’s attention to what is happening through the window. It helps immerse the audience into the environment, assisted by the intra-diegetic gaze he uses here.

Symmetrical Composition

Stanley Kubrick and “One-Point Perspective”: Watch a thrilling supercut of  Stanley Kubrick's favorite symmetrical composition.

Due to how unnatural symmetry is in normal life, this composition creates a sense of unease for the audience. In this shot specifically, one point perspective is also used in conjunction to emphasise how unnatural they are.

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