In today’s class, we analyzed the below scene from Lars von Trier’s 2000 masterpiece, Dancer in the Dark, which leveraged more than 100 digital cameras on set to capture the resulting scene from 100 different angles. Instead of shooting the scene multiple times from multiple angles, the scene was composed in the editing room.
The following video from Studio Binder explores the nuances of camera framing –a fundamental aspect of cinematography. While selecting a subject for each shot might appear straightforward, the art lies in how you choose to frame them. Do you opt for the isolation of a single, or introduce complexity with a “dirty single”? When is an over-the-shoulder shot the right choice, and is it always the most effective composition? These are precisely the kinds of questions we delve into on this episode of The Shot List.
The “single” shot proves invaluable when the goal is to focus solely on one character, a framing technique so prevalent it often goes unnoticed. However, introducing another character, or multiple characters, instantly shifts the scene’s dynamic. From two-shots and three-shots to expansive crowd shots, these compositions communicate the relationships between the subjects—be they romantic, conflicting, uncomfortable, or humorous. Each of these shot compositions holds significance in visual storytelling, making a solid understanding of this visual language essential for every filmmaker.
Filmmaking inherently involves a multitude of decisions, and with so many variables at play, the process isn’t always simple. Visual storytelling can range from the simplicity of capturing each character in isolation to consistently employing over-the-shoulder shots during dialogue. Yet, the impact of a strategically timed and positioned two-shot should not be overlooked. Similarly, the immersive quality of a point-of-view (POV) shot can magically place the audience directly into a character’s experience. By mastering these fundamental framing and composition techniques, you can elevate your visual storytelling beyond conventional expectations.
A clip from Lars von Trier’s 2000 masterpiece, Dancer in the Dark: