Film: Angle, Sound, Composition, Meaning

(Originally published February 9th, 2016)

As our current unit embarks on a discussion of cinematic technique, it is important to consider that the selection of an angle, shot, or sound brings with it a certain connotation. Just like the careful selection of a word or punctuation mark in literature, each cinematic technique has the potential to offer additional meaning in a film. With this in mind, I wanted to point out a few video essays that consider how directors make choices that give the viewer additional information that reinforces what is happening on screen.

The Dutch Angle

This is a camera angle in which the camera is rotated so that the vertical access in the scene is not actually vertical on screen. As you watch these scenes, note what appears to be happening in the frame. What features seem to be shared by the characters? What would you say about their mental state or involvement in their current conflict? How does the dutch angles being used reflect their psychological status?

Is the Dutch angle the black sheep of cinematography? A technique created by tilting the camera any number of degrees to either side, the Dutch angle (also referred to as a Dutch tilt or canted angle) is often met with mixed opinions. Film Noir classics like Carol Reed’s THE THIRD MAN are applauded for their use of the tilt and how it enhances the seedy, discombobulated nature of the films. On the other hand, more modern films such as BATTLEFIELD EARTH and THOR were berated by critics for their excessive use of the angle. Being that the tilted camera angles lines that are straight in reality, we become disoriented as our eyes try to adjust to the tilted environment. When a character makes a devastating realization, a slight tilt of the camera can make the moment all the more uncomfortable for us as a viewer (even on a subconscious level). While some Dutch angles are blatantly obvious and easily defined due to extreme angles, others are subtle to the point of going unnoticed—we sense that something is off, but we can’t quite put our finger on it. The Dutch angle seems to be at its most effective when it is used to convey or enhance a feeling. Here is a look at the Dutch angle used in a variety of films to a variety of extremes. This video has been re-uploaded and was originally created for Fandor Keyframe on September 7, 2015. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

Non-Diegetic & Diegetic Sound (Lynchian Ambiance)

When we consider the sound used in a film, we must first decide if the sound is one that the characters can be expected to hear or if it is for the benefit of the viewer (and listener) only. This latter group are called non-diegetic, and are especially useful in creating a mood for the audience, which in term influences their expectations. If you've heard a stirring film soundtrack that makes you root for an underdog or felt like biting your nails when the theme music in a horror movie starts up, you know non-diegetic sound. This video essay about David Lynch's use of sound includes both diegetic and non-diegetic, but carefully note how powerful these sounds are at creating discomfort in the viewer and (often) expressing discomfort in the subjects in frame. 

Composition - Geometry of a Scene

This last video essay looks at how the composition of characters in a scene creates a structure to the action that both directs viewer attention and suggests connections between characters and conflict. There is a dynamic in the scene being discussed that shows characters as they are isolated, trapped, and intruded on, and the arrangement of characters and setting details are instrumental.

These are just three video essays on the subject, and if you find these at all interesting, I would encourage you to continue researching the topic on your own. Search "Video Essay on Film" and this should provide you with a nearly endless supply, although I would especially encourage watching any by Tony Zhou. There are also a couple on YouTube about the use of color that I really like, one by The Verge and the other by Channel Chriswell. A word of caution though, I didn't include these on this page because of the use or suggestion of sex, drugs, violence, or mature language, so viewer discretion is advised.