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Cinematic Elements: Angles

Camera Angles

The angle from which a character or object appears in a frame can create meaning and can effect a viewers emotional and psychological understanding. Have a look at some of the most common angles below.

Want to dig in a little more? Check out Darious Britt’s 12 minute video, “Using Powerful Shots and Angles for Filmmaking.” If you’d prefer, this “Beginner’s Guide to Camera Angles and Shot Sizes” from nofilmschool.com is full of excellent information as well.

LOW ANGLE SHOTS

Low angle from Pulp Fiction
  • the camera is positioned below the subject looking up.
  • the subject gains a sense of importance, power, and control
  • size or greatness can be implied (like looking up at Godzilla)
LA Harder They Fall

HIGH ANGLE SHOTS

HA Avengers
  • The camera is positioned above the subject, looking down
  • the subject can appear weak and vulnerable
  • high angle can create tension or danger (like hanging off of a ledge)
  • can look down over a crowd or area to convey size and greatness.
HA Stranger Things

EYE LEVEL SHOT

Eye Level Stranger Things
  • the camera looks straight at the subject; this mimics most human interactions
  • this creates equality between the viewer and the subject
  • can create trust and build emotional honesty between the subject and the viewer
Eye Level 1

DUTCH ANGLE, OR CANTED ANGLE

Oblique Inception
  • the camera is tilted from its normal horizontal and vertical position
  • the subject and setting appear out of balance
  • can evoke tension or a psychological meltdown for the characters
Dutch Do the Right Thing