The close up– The close up shot is one for cinemas most well known camera techniques. The close up shot is used to show the details in the scene. The close up is designed to show the audience certain details in the scene that otherwise would be missed. Close up camera angles can be used to show the emotions in the actors face. As scene in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets 1973. Scorsese uses a sequence of close up camera angles to show the actors intoxicated state. By strapping the camera to the actor himself Scorsese has captured the emotions and the moment of the actor, making us as the audience feel like we are in the mans state of mind. Close up’s direct the audience to important details within the scene.

Tracking– Tracking is a specialist camera technique seen in many films. Tracking allows the audience to make sense of chaotic scenes. The camera says fixed on the actor while they move through the scene. A great example of tracking is Max Ophuls’s The Earrings of Madame De made in 1953. Ophuls was one of the first film makers to use the tracking shot. The camera follows the actress as she walks around her bedroom, the camera follows her, showing the audience only what the actress is looking at herself. The whole scene was shot in one take. The camera flows beautifully through the scene following the actress through the room. Even though the scene is busy, tracking allows us as the viewer to maintain a sense of order.

Slow Motion– Slow Motion is an effect used by many film makers. By using slow motion a director can emphasise detail in the scene that would otherwise be missed by the viewer.  A great example of slow motion used in cinema is Wong Kar-Wai’s ‘In the mood for love’ One of the scenes in the movie is shot completely in slow motion. This makes the audience pick up tiny details in the scene that Kar-wai wanted us to see. The way the costume the actors are wearing flow though the scene adds a seductive quality to the scene. The cleaver technique elevates what would be an ordinary scene during the film.

Time Lapse– Time lapse is a camera technique used to show the passing of time with in a scene. A good example of time lapse used within the film industry is George Pal’s The Time Machine made in 1960. During a scene where the actor is seen in his time machine, a manikin is used to show the passing of time as he moves throughout the years. Time lapse is used to show the gradual changes to the models outfit as time moves on. Each time the outfit is changed a quick photograph would be taken, this is repeated over and over until it appears the model is changing clothes at a constant rate. the use of time lapse helps the audience to understand the changes in time zone.

Stillness– Stillness is a popular camera technique often used to introduce a character or point out important detail within the film. A great example of stillness is Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting. Stillness is used at the very start of the movie to introduce the characters one by one to the audience. Each still shot brings out a part of the characters personality to the audience, helping them to connect and build a relationship to the characters. Stillness is a good way to profile each character so the audience can familiarise themselves with each character in the film.

Focus– Focus is a technique to draw the audiences eye to a certain element of the screen, focused is used to make the audience look at a certain part of the scene. Focus is a useful tool because it helps directed the viewer to connected with the right part of the scene at the right time. Without focus the audience could become confused or distracted by the background activity. An example of focus is in the film ‘Young Victoria’ by Jean-Marc vallee. The scene where Victoria is seen sitting in a banquet hall uses a great amount of focus. The focus really helps the audience make scene of the crowed space and follow the story.

Frames in Frames– Framing is a very important part of making a good movie. Framing can be used to portray symbolic meaning in movie scenes. An iconic use of good framing is Wim Wenders ‘Paris Texas’ made in 1984. In this scene shown below, the actors are communicating through a one way glass. The male actor plays an abusive husband talking and watching his wife through a mirrored window. This still shot shows the characters relationship, the abusive husband has consumed his wife and taken over her mind and body. This scene is a great metaphor for the relation the characters have, acting as a meaningful symbol of what is to come in the movie.