Tons and tons and tons of viewable clips from amazing films....all on youtube!!!
Sneakers
- This scene involves two characters having a conversation about changing the world. As the sequence begins, we realize that they are under surveillance. They move to a smaller room to continue the dialog.
- First two shots are closeups of the actors, then we go to wide shots as the actors lead us into the "safe" area. The camera pulls back to a very wide shot, before cutting inside the room to a series of closeups and OTS shots.
- The color scheme changes as the characters enter the "safe" area. Blue is used for the area where they can't talk out loud, red and neutral are used in the safe area.
- The tone changes as well. Unsafe area = dark tones, safe area = bright tones.
- The "safe" area is where Ben Kingsley's character explains his seemingly benevolent plan to Redford's character.
Cider House Rules
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JES2fQLPoGU&feature=share&list=PL1E9342504260D7F2
- This is a time-lapse sequence involving Toby M's character reading through a series of letters he has received/sent.
- Fades are used to signify the passage of time between shots.
- In addition, at the end of each shot, the focal element in the shot is framed in a way that it spacially overlaps the focal element in the NEXT shot.
Pi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzfQ2Bwhkcc&list=PL1E9342504260D7F2&index=116
- This is a moment of discovery for the main character. He is about to discover a nautilus shell, which will inspire him to mathematically decode the stock market.
- The first shots are super-high contrast in tone.
- The shots are also ambiguous in their framing. We are in a disorienting, yet inspiring space with the character.
- As the sequence continues, we are put into a more recognizable space, when the main character sees the treasure hunter inspecting the nautilus shell.
- Note how the director chooses to SHOW the main character LOOKING at the hunter/nautilus shell, and then cross cuts to shots of what he is looking at.
Jurassic Park 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7tNqjsclhs&list=PLF4CD53B8ECA3BB87&index=1
- Tons of deep space in this shot.
- The camera work during the dino fight is made to feel as though a documentary filmmaker is there. Just enough camera movement to sell the presence of the camera, not so much to distract from the animation.
- There are several shots where one element is in the shot (human running away), and they react to something off-screen (falling dino), which then enters the frame. Very cool!
The Shining
- The flatness of the shot = super awkward.
- Going from framing Danny far away to super closeup = awkward/jarring
- Letting Danny lead the camera around the corner to reveal the girls heightens the audience's suspense.
- Danny's sweater is one of the most color saturated elements in the scene - blood red
- The close up non-moving camera on Danny's reaction to the girls heightens the horror - he is literally paralyzed with fear.
