Camera Angle Examples

  1. Low: Full Metal Jacket (1987)

This shot from Full Metal Jacket shows the effect a low angle shot can cause on to the viewers; it gives the General a sense of intimidation and authority. It may also appear like he is looking down on the viewer.

2. Eye-Level: Gummo (1997)

The use of this eye-level angle in this scene allows the mise-en-scene and shot distance to speak for itself, as using an alternative camera angle may distract from the desired meaning; the mixture of the distance and mis-en-scene creates a lonely atmosphere, whereas throwing a high angle into the mix (for example) could distort the meaning into one of vulnerability or sadness.

3. High: Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

This high angle shot adds vulnerability and frailty to ‘The Wretched’ people as they are gathered, desperate for water. It also portrays the people as lesser, like the viewer is looking down on them.

4a. Dutch tilt: Snatch (2000)

The abnormality and infrequency of this type of camera angle adds intensity to this scene, almost putting the viewer into Sol’s shoes and replicating the fear that he would be feeling. As we watch a film, we become accustomed to the horizontal camera angles that saturate most scenes. Therefore, if the dutch angle appears it is that much more of a shock to the viewer.

4b. Dutch Tilt: BEYOND THE 3RD WAVE (2021)

This usage of this dutch tilt angle from the Palace Skateboards 2021 video is used instead to accentuate the height and awkward nature of the stair set that is being skated, differing from the traditional usage of this shot.

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