Camera angles and positioning

Camera angles and positioning 

Camera angles are a key feature in thrillers, they help to keep the audience interested. If one shot was shown throughout the whole opening sequence the audience would get bored and not think about the story. They also create meaning as it shows characters different points of view. This makes the audience see the characters in a certain way, helping them to understand each characters feelings and emotions.

Here is an example of an establishing shot from the opening sequence of Shutter Island. This allows the audience to know where the movie is set, and what characteristics the movie may follow as they location may have certain connotations. For example the low-key lighting and dull weather lets the audience know that it must be something to do a thriller. The shot is usually long shot and zooms in.

This is an example of a zoom in from the opening sequence from Shutter Island. Zoom ins make the audience feel like they have been put into the location as if they are one of the characters. As you can see there is a guard opening the gate as the camera zooms in. The audience feels that they are in the characters eyes. It can also make the audience feel as if they have a good sight of all the surroundings in the scene.

Here is an example of a boom shot. A boom shot is a high angle shot and the shot generally moves. In the example the camera spins down the spiral stairs. This creates an illusional feeling and confuses the audience.