The cinematography in The Cabin In The Woods uses various shots and techniques to effectively engage the audience. Long shots are used to introduce locations and allow the audience to analyze characters and their surroundings. Medium shots and over-the-shoulder shots allow the audience to see character interactions and reactions. Tracking shots and standard focus help the audience follow the characters' movements to enhance realism. A close-up draws attention to a significant detail that will be important later, hooking the audience.

1. Cinematography in The Cabin In The Woods

2. The first shot shows a poster with the writing positioned towards the top-left
corner. Because of this, the audience will have more chance to read the
writing on the poster as it is natural for humans to read from top-left to
bottom-right. This means the audience will be engaged with the film right
from the beginning because they are able to engage with the poster. It also
implies the start off the film is relatively light-hearted.

3. As the two characters are being introduced, a long shot is used so that the
audience are able to analyse their relationship and take in their immediate
surroundings.

4. Multiple over-the-shoulder shots are used to allow the audience to see the two
characters’ reactions as they talk to one another, so the audience are able to assess
the characters and form their own opinions about them.

5. As the characters are about to change scene, a long shot is used to introduce the area.
This allows the audience to take in the new setting first and understand what is
happening in relation to character movement.

6. As the characters are walking, a medium tracking shot is used to keep up with them. Standard
focus is also used. This means the audience are able to keep up with what the characters are
doing as if it is taking place is real-time. This makes the film overall more realistic. They are also
close enough to see their expressions as the characters are talking, so audience members can
start to form a bond with them. The standard focus allows the audience to watch the characters
and see some of the setting without getting too distracted by things happening in the
background.

7. Another long shot is used to introduce a change in location, so the audience are able to keep up
with the characters’ movements. The depth of field appears to be deep focus, to ensure the
audience can still see the characters, even though they are far away from the camera.

8. Panning takes place to follow the characters. Keeping up with the characters is vital if you want
the audience to remain engaged with the film. They need visual accompaniment with the speech
so they are able to comprehend the context in which things are said.

9. Tracking occurs again, in order for the audience to be able to keep up with the conversation the
two characters are having as they drive, keeping the audience engaged with what the characters
have to say. As they set off on their journey, the two characters appear to be positioned slightly
to the left, which allows the audience to focus on them as it is natural for the eyes to look from
left to right. Their eye level is also at the most comfortable level- between the upper third and
the centre third, allowing the audience to connect with them much easier.

10. As a major location change occurs, the camera pans, following an extra on a skateboard, to
introduce the new location. This gives the audience a chance to take in the new surroundings and
understand its likely new characters are about to be introduced. The camera is panning from left
to right, just like our eyes naturally read from left to right. This makes it much easier for the
audience to follow and remain engaged.

11. The camera pans upwards through natural closed framing cause by the trees on either side. This
creates the impression that the camera shouldn’t really be there, it is spying, causing a general
feeling of unease about the situation, fitting in with the horror theme. The camera continues to
pan to reveal the latest character, who is positioned to the left of the shot. Clearly she must be an
important character, as she has intentionally been placed where the audience will immediately
see her, due to the natural way eyes read.

12. An over-the-shoulder, shallow field, close-up is used to draw the audience’s attention
to something significant in the film. They will therefore register this detail in their
minds for future reference, so when the time comes, they will be able to recall it.

13. A close-up two shot reveal both of the new characters’ reactions to the significant object and
their emotions. By being given the chance to study the emotions of the characters, the audience
are able to form an emotional bond with them, enhancing their cinematic viewing experience.
The fact that their eye level is a comfortable height for the audience serves to make forming a
bond with the characters a lot easier, they appear more emotionally approachable.

14. A series of over-the-shoulder shots take place to show the audience how the
characters interact with one another, helping them to understand the characters’
relationship and understand each character’s personality.

15. A medium shot is used so that the audience are able to analyse the body language as
the two characters communicate, which helps them gain a better understanding of
their relationship, as well as their individual personalities.

16. Numerous high and low angle shots are used as another character is introduced. They allow the
audience to get a sense of their personality and the reactions of them and others near them.
However, as the majority of shots for this particular character are from a high angle it makes
them appear smaller and less significant, possibly implying there are not a major character in the
film.

17. I feel there have been a range of techniques used but some appear to be favoured
more than others. For example, there a several circumstances where a series of over-the-
shoulder shots occur, all of which help the audience to grasp the relationships at
play, yet they do feel perhaps a little overused. I feel the most effectively used
technique is the over-the-shoulder, shallow field, close-up. This is because it clearly
highlights something of great significance, which people will be able to recall later in
the film thanks to the focus that has been put on it in this shot. It adds intrigue and
mystery - people are keen to learn what it represents - hooking them for the duration
of the film.
Due to the fact that I have found this shot so successful, I will definitely aim to include
a close-up shot featuring a significant object in my film opening. I also feel that using a
long shot or panning to introduce a location is very effective, however including this in
my film opening will depend on the circumstances under which we film.