Close Up Shots that POP | The Best Camera Angles in Film

Summary

In this video, the concept of the close-up shot in modern cinema is explored, from its iconic role in classic films to its contemporary use. Directors like Fincher, McQueen, Bigelow, and the Farrelly Brothers are highlighted for their unique approaches, using close-ups to convey emotion, build tension, or even elicit humor. The video emphasizes the power of the close-up as a storytelling tool, encouraging filmmakers to experiment with this cinematic technique. It also introduces StudioBinder software to assist filmmakers with pre-production tasks, like storyboarding and scheduling, for their projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hollywood has been obsessed with the close-up shot since Norma Desmond's famous line, but its modern usage has become less impactful and more formulaic.
• 😀 The close-up shot typically frames a character's face or an object to highlight plot details, with various types like medium and extreme close-ups.
• 😀 Director David Fincher uses close-ups to convey crucial information, often placing the audience in intense, detailed moments, as seen in 'Zodiac.'
• 😀 Steve McQueen uses close-ups in a deeply emotional way, such as in '12 Years a Slave,' to allow the audience to feel the weight of a character's situation without words.
• 😀 Kathryn Bigelow utilizes extreme close-ups to create tension in 'The Hurt Locker,' reflecting both emotional intensity and the complexity of bomb defusal.
• 😀 Close-ups in comedy, like those in 'There’s Something About Mary,' can be used to heighten the humor by emphasizing characters' reactions to absurd situations.
• 😀 The use of close-ups can vary based on emotional or informational intent, and when done well, it enhances the audience's connection with the story.
• 😀 Close-up shots can be a powerful storytelling tool when used with intention, whether to evoke emotion, convey information, or build tension.
• 😀 Filmmakers like Fincher, McQueen, Bigelow, and the Farrelly Brothers master the close-up by aligning it with the story's emotional or plot-driven needs.
• 😀 The key to a successful close-up is making it purposeful: it should either reveal vital information or evoke a deep emotional response, which captivates the audience.

Q & A

What is the significance of the close-up shot in classical cinema?

The close-up shot was often considered the 'money shot' for classical movie stars. It highlighted their facial expressions and emotions, creating a powerful connection with the audience.

How has the use of the close-up shot evolved in modern cinema?

In modern cinema, the close-up shot is often used just to fill a scene, rather than for its original emotional or narrative power. This shift has made the close-up less impactful, according to the speaker.

Why does the speaker want filmmakers to improve their use of close-up shots?

The speaker encourages filmmakers to improve their use of close-up shots because they treat their low-grade depression by binge-watching films and television. The speaker hopes to see better cinematic works that are more engaging.

What are the different variations of the close-up shot mentioned in the script?

The script mentions two variations: the medium close-up and the extreme close-up. The medium close-up typically frames a character's face, while the extreme close-up focuses on very specific details or objects.

What is the significance of David Fincher's use of close-up shots?

David Fincher uses close-up shots strategically to reveal critical information. His close-ups are highly purposeful, often revealing important plot details or emotional tension, as seen in films like 'Zodiac'.

How does Steve McQueen use close-ups for emotional impact in '12 Years a Slave'?

In '12 Years a Slave', Steve McQueen uses close-ups to convey deep emotional and psychological states. The medium close-up shot in a key scene allows the audience to process the character's suffering and the inhumanity of slavery, emphasizing emotional depth over dialogue.

What role does the close-up shot play in Kathryn Bigelow's 'The Hurt Locker'?

Kathryn Bigelow uses extreme close-ups in 'The Hurt Locker' to heighten tension and immerse the audience in the high-stakes environment of bomb disposal. The close-ups, combined with rapid editing, create a sense of urgency and fear.

How do the Farrelly Brothers use close-ups for comedic effect in 'There’s Something About Mary'?

The Farrelly Brothers use close-ups to capture the characters' reactions in comedic situations. Each new person entering the scene is met with a close-up of their expression, followed by a close-up of Ben Stiller’s horror, culminating in an unexpected, humorous close-up of the situation itself.

What is the importance of the 'show, don’t tell' rule in cinema, as demonstrated in '12 Years a Slave'?

'Show, don’t tell' is a fundamental rule in cinema that advocates for visual storytelling. In '12 Years a Slave', McQueen uses close-up shots to communicate the emotional gravity of a scene, allowing the audience to absorb the inhumanity of slavery without relying on dialogue.

How can StudioBinder’s software assist filmmakers with close-up shots in their work?

StudioBinder’s software can help filmmakers plan and organize their projects more efficiently. It provides tools for creating call sheets, storyboards, shooting schedules, and script breakdowns, which can help filmmakers optimize their use of close-up shots in production.