12 Angry Men | How to Use Lensing

Summary

The video script from 'Duel, Angry Men' explores the art of cinematography, focusing on lensing to convey narrative depth. It discusses the use of different focal lengths to manipulate audience perception subconsciously, from wide lenses creating a distant view to telephoto lenses intensifying drama and claustrophobia. The script also touches on camera angles and lighting changes to enhance storytelling, emphasizing the director's role in transforming passive viewers into active participants in the film's experience.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The film '12 Angry Men' primarily takes place in the jury room, utilizing cinematography to convey the story within a confined space.
• 🔍 Lensing is crucial in cinematography, with f-stop and focal length being key variables that affect how light enters the camera and the resulting image.
• 🌌 A long lens compresses the image, creating a shallow depth of field, while a wide lens stretches the image, potentially causing distortion.
• 📏 Sidney Lumet used different focal lengths for different acts in the film, with wider lenses in the first act and progressively longer lenses as the film moves towards its climax.
• 👀 The camera angle shifts from looking down on characters to eye level and then to a more imposing angle as the story unfolds.
• 🌗 The lighting in the film changes with the progression of the story, reflecting the shift from simplicity to complexity and the growing tension.
• 🕰 As the film moves from day to evening, the lighting becomes more dramatic, with prominent shadows that separate characters from the background.
• 📹 The use of telephoto lenses in the last act intensifies the drama, with characters appearing more imposing and the space feeling more confined.
• 💡 The ceiling is introduced as an additional element to enhance the claustrophobic atmosphere of the jury room.
• 🎨 The director's use of lighting, camera angles, and lensing is not just for aesthetic purposes but to create an immersive experience for the audience.
• 🎬 The ultimate goal of these technical choices is to turn the audience from passive observers to active participants, making them feel the story and understand the characters' motivations.

Q & A

What is the primary setting of the film 'Duel' as described in the script?

The primary setting of the film 'Duel' is inside the jury room, with the exception of the opening and concluding scenes.

What are the two variables of a lens in cinematography mentioned in the script?

The two variables of a lens in cinematography are f-stop and focal length.

How does the focal length of a lens affect the image in cinematography?

The focal length determines the size and shape of the image. A long lens compresses the image, making it flat and giving a shallow depth of field, while a wide lens stretches the image and can sometimes distort it.

How does the script describe the use of lenses in the first act of 'Duel'?

In the first act of 'Duel', wider lenses of roughly 18 to 28 millimeters are used, and the camera is positioned slightly above the characters.

What change in camera angle and lens choice is observed as the film progresses from the first to the second act?

As the film progresses to the second act, the camera angle moves to eye level, and the lens choice shifts to around 50 to 70 millimeters, introducing a more compressed space and a claustrophobic feeling.

What is the effect of using a telephoto lens in the last act of 'Duel'?

In the last act, a telephoto lens of around 100 millimeters is used, which crushes the human figures in the frame and makes the close-ups more dramatic, contributing to a sense of confinement and intensity.

How does the script explain the role of lighting in enhancing the film's narrative?

The script explains that lighting changes throughout the film to reflect the progression of time and the increasing ambiguity of the proceedings. Initially, the lighting is even and simple, but as the film moves towards evening, prominent shadows are cast on the walls and characters' faces.

What is the purpose of using different camera angles and lensing techniques in 'Duel' according to the script?

The purpose of using different camera angles and lensing techniques is to create an experience that turns the audience from passive observers to active participants, making them feel the story and understand the characters' motivations.

Why does the script emphasize the importance of lensing in filmmaking?

Lensing is emphasized because it can influence the audience's subconscious interpretation of the story, enhancing their emotional engagement and experience.

What advice does the script give to aspiring directors regarding lensing?

The script advises aspiring directors to consider using lensing creatively in their films to make the audience feel the story and create an immersive experience.