Camera Angles

Low Angle- A shot in which the subject is photographed/filmed from below. This shot is from the Inbetweeners Movie, which shows the boys first look at their 'hotel'. The shot is filmed from a Low Angle. The effect of this is to make the hotel seem intimidating and a threat to the hotel. Whilst the angle also makes the boys appear weak and small in comparison to the building. This is another Low Angle shot, this time from the film American Beauty. In both the main office and Brad's, when Brad is being flimed it is always from a Low Angle. This is to show that when looking at him, you have to look up towards him, hinting at the man's power. It also shows that when looking towards him you are inferior and he is powerful. High Angle- A shot in which the sunject is photographed/filmed from below. This is a high angle shot from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The affect of this is to show all of the new students walking into the hall, enabling the viewer to understand the enorminity of the event. It also gives a good perspective of the events magnitude and the size of the hall. This is a second high angle shot this time from American Beauty. The angle is used to emphasise how inferior Lester is in comparison to Brad. The angle makes him look small and isolated from other people, which represents his social life. As well as resembling the relationship he has with his family. Extreme High Angle This extreme high angle shot is from Harry potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The affect of this shot is to show the audience the great height they are travelling down from and the speed and which this is happening. It is also juxtaposed with a low angle shot to enhance the affect of this. This second extreme high angle shot is from Slumdog Millionaire. In this case it is used to show the danger that is posed to the characters by being at such a great height. It also shows the enormity of the structure that they are on. Crane Shot- A shot taken by a camera on a crane, resembling a large mechanical arm. Here the crane shot is used here as it enables the film to be shot from a great height, as well as then being zoomed in easily. This enables the scene to be shot from different heights giving the film a more realistic feel. In addition a crane shot is used in Slumdog Millionaire. It is used to show the boys on the top of the train, whilst it is moving. The effect of using this shot here is that the camera can move in any direction, as it does here follpwing the train. This makes the film seem more realistic, as you feel as if you are moving along with the train. Aerial Shots- These are shots taken from planes or helicopters. This aerial shot is from the opening to American Beauty. Here this type of shot is used to help us establish location. Using this shot a large area can be captured (as is here) meaning the audience can get a good idea of the scenery. The shot can then also be zoomed in to focus on a specific area, or in this case a specific street. This following aerial shot is from Casino Royale. Once again this type of shot is used to help establish the scenes location, giving the audience a clear overview. But here it is also used to film another plane, in which james bond is aboard. The affect of this is to make the viewer feel that they are also, upon a plane. This makes the film feel more realistic. Canted angle- A camera tilted to one side so the horizon is on a slant is canted. Also called a 'Dutch angle' or a 'Dutch tilt'. This clip from the Inbetweeners Movie is filmd at a slight canted angle. This is to show the awkward nature of the dancing and the situation. It is also filmed like this as a metaphor to how they boys (and their dancing) don't quite fit into society. This canted angle shot is from the first Harry Potter film. It is used to show the speed and verocity of the match. By changing angles quickly it makes the audience feel more incolved within the scene. Also the canted angle shows how the game is helping to disorientate Harry. Level of Framing- It is not only the angle which the camera shoots that is important, but also the height it is filmed from. This is a scene from cool runnings where the Bobsleigh team are flimed from different heights. Firstly they are filmed from ground level at their feet. This shows a different persepctive and makes it seem more realistic. Secondly they are also filmed from an on board angle. This makes the viewer feel part of the race, therefore more attached to the film. Finally this is a tiny clip from Fast and Furious using a Low Level of Framing. The affect of filming from ground level is to focus on the cars wheel, making it seem more important, than the rest of the car. It emphasises its power and importance.