Low- and high-angle shots play a critical role in shaping how characters and scenes are perceived in films. Understanding the nuances of these angles can improve your own work behind the camera.
Coming to you from Sareesh Sudhakaran of wolfcrow, this insightful video breaks down the prevalence and impact of low-angle shots in films compared to high-angle shots. Sudhakaran examines films like "The Dark Knight" and "Anatomy of a Fall," revealing that there are significantly more low-angle shots than high-angle ones. This is not just a random choice but a deliberate stylistic and technical decision.
In real life, we tend to look down more often than up because of the natural position of our heads. However, in cinema, the opposite is often true. Low-angle shots, where the camera is positioned below the subject, looking up, are more commonly used. This technique can make characters appear more powerful and dominant. High-angle shots, conversely, can make characters seem smaller or more vulnerable. Sudhakaran points out that while these conventions have merit, filmmakers like Orson Welles in "Citizen Kane" have successfully used high-angle shots to great effect without adhering strictly to these rules.
Sudhakaran explains that one reason for the preference for low-angle shots is visibility. When filming from a high angle, it’s harder to see the actor’s eyes due to the natural shading from their brows and eyelids. Eyes are crucial for conveying emotion, and in a low-angle shot, the eyes are more visible and expressive. This makes it easier for the audience to connect with the character. Studies support this, showing that viewers form stronger connections with characters they find attractive, and low-angle shots help maintain this attractiveness.
Another reason low-angle shots are favored is their ability to make characters look larger than life. This technique elongates the torso and legs, making the subject appear taller and more imposing. This effect is particularly beneficial in genres like superhero films, where characters need to look impressive and dominant. A high-angle shot can make characters appear less authoritative and less attractive due to the distortion in their facial features and shortened legs.
Low-angle shots also add dynamism and excitement to action scenes. They place the viewer closer to the action, enhancing the sense of movement and intensity. High-angle shots, while useful for surveying a scene, can feel detached and less immersive. This is why action sequences often rely on low-angle shots to keep the viewer engaged and the adrenaline pumping.
Technically, low-angle shots are simpler and cheaper to execute. Raising the camera for high-angle shots requires more equipment like cranes and jibs, which can be costly and time-consuming. This practicality often leads directors to favor low-angle shots, which are easier to set up and shoot.
Sudhakaran also touches on the historical influence of low-angle shots. Iconic directors like Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock have cemented the importance of this technique in film language. Their frequent use of low-angle shots has influenced generations of filmmakers, making them a staple in cinematography. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Sudhakaran.
