The document discusses various micro elements used in film openings to convey meaning and elicit audience responses, including different shot types (close-up, extreme close-up, medium shot, long shot, extreme long shot), camera angles (high angle, low angle, bird's eye view, worm's eye view), camera movements (tracking, pan, tilt, zoom), transitions (cut), performance, sound (diegetic and non-diegetic), and mise-en-scene elements within the frame. Each micro element is defined and an example image is provided to illustrate how it can be used to express emotions, establish characters, set locations, and advance the plot.
2. Introduction
In this powerpoint presentation, I will explain how micro elements are used in film
openings to create meaning and provoke response in the audience. I will cover the
range of different shots, angles and transitions.
3. Close Up
This shot is specified for displaying the character’s emotions and what they are
thinking about. The character looks worried and upset because there are tears
visible in his eyes. This shot is an effective way of expressing emotions
because the character’s face is the main focus as it takes up the whole frame.
4. Extreme Close Up
This shot is a close up of a character’s eye. He is looking aggressively towards
the camera which connotes his possible hostile nature. An extreme close up is
a sufficient way of expressing the basic emotions of the character.
5. Medium Shot
The medium shot is significant as it shows the dress sense of the character. It
helps the audience to establish how the character is presented based on their
gestures. The character is shown with his arms down and boxing gloves on.
This shows that he is ready for a fight.
6. Long Shot
A long shot can be used to show the whole body and costume of the character
and it shows the character as the main focus of the scene. Furthermore, it
allows the viewers to understand the character’s location because of the
character’s surroundings. The character in this image has his arms in the air as
if he is celebrating. It seems as though the character has been
training/exercising because of his outfit. He is walking on the pavement in the
city.
7. Extreme Long Shot
This shot is effective because it shows the viewers where the scene or even the
whole film is set. The shot gives an idea of the surrounding environment as
well. This image shows multiple buildings from afar and this shows the viewer
that the scene is set in Philadelphia in America.
8. Camera Angles
High Angle Shot - This angle makes the subject seem vulnerable.
Low Angle Shot - This makes the subject seem tall, strong and powerful.
9. Camera Angles
Birds Eye View - This angle sets the location of the scene.
Worms Eye View - This is from a worm's view which shows the weather or ceiling.
10. Tracking Movement
This movement consists of the camera being placed on the track to follow a
subject. This shot allows the camera to be steady and will not shake. This
movement will allow the audience to discover the way the character moves.
For example using the tracking movement can show the viewer how the
character moves and the pace at which they move at.
11. Pan
The pan shot is effective for showing the whole scene or showing more of a
character as the camera moves horizontally. This image shows how the man is
the subject and what different views you get from when you move the camera
horizontally.
12. Tilt
This movement is similar to a pan movement, however the camera moves
vertically instead of horizontally. The shot can help show the height of the
subject such as a building or a person. The image shows the object being the
subject and the camera tilting up and down which would allow the audience to
understand how tall the subject is.
13. Zoom
This camera movement is effective for presenting the significance of an object by
zooming into it. It also focuses on an object which is a certain distance away.
The movement assists in showing what could start happening onscreen. The
image below shows the building before and after the zoom.
14. Cut
Cut is a type of transition between different shots. It is mainly used in action
packed scenes to show the quick pace of the scene. For example it would be
used in a fight scene to show the quick pace of the fighting. The image shows
how the shot uses the cut transition to change from a extreme long shot to a
close up.
15. Performance
The performance is the main acting within the shot. The better that the acting is,
the more the audience will engage. It is a way in which a performer can show
their skills in acting to the audience. The image below shows two actors
performing to an audience within a film.
16. Diegetic Sound & Non-Diegetic Sound
A diegetic sound is an obvious and clear sound for the audience to hear. For
example an actor speaking in a movie.
A non-diegetic sound is the opposite. These are sounds that are not seen coming
from a subject. For example a narrator’s commentary usually only includes his
voice and he is not seen.
17. Mise-En-Scene
Mise-En-Scene is anything that is within the frame. This can range from:
- Settings and Locations
- Props
- Costume
- Hair and Makeup
- Sound
- Lighting
● These are crucial for a film to make it look good. A film with bad lighting,