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Analysis Of Over The Shoulder Shot Spielberg

1098 Words5 Pages

Spielberg’s Techniques and how they affect the film
Chosen approach: Mr Cox
Select a technique and explain how Spielberg makes use of it to enhance the themes of the film
Structure:

1. Over the shoulder shot
The over the shoulder shot is a notable technique employed by Spielberg, this technique involves the camera being propped over the subject’s shoulder at a certain angle. It is often used when two characters are conversing or to display the perspective of the character behind their shoulder. It also frames the subject through placing the camera over the shoulder of what the subject is looking at. This technique can be used to create suspense, awe or to hide what the subject is seeing. The suspense can be further heightened when what …show more content…

IN HIS COFFIN, ELLIOT LOOKING OUT FROM THE WINDOW
3. Lighting
Lighting is a major trademark if not Spielberg’s most recognisable trait when it comes to film making, he executes this effect to add mysteriousness, tension and fear. This technique involves the subject enshrouded by blankets of high contrast light against deep shadowing of the subject. Light sources both are artificial and natural, however blend seamlessly when taking shots.

This effect eliminates any foreshadowing and creates a intimate yet scary feel within scenes, making what happens next almost unpredictable and exciting. A prime example is when Elliot’s mother, Mary is taking the children away from E.T, we see her rush down the stairs of their home, lighting is used to a very low-key standard, making it feel like sunset has arrived, no lights from the family’s home were turned on either and exposure of objects were strictly minimal, in fact the lighting was focused on the characters with the surroundings in almost complete darkness, this further increases the tension and dark-mood of the scene. As Mary hastily rushes around the house to find an exit, all rooms of the house are barely visible. Most are poorly lit or out of sight, and the quick, sharp camera turns further add tension and an uncertainness of what will happen …show more content…

A spike in tension, nervousness and scariness is what is achieved through Spielberg’s low-key, high-contrast lighting. Spielberg effectively keeps the audience glued to their seats and eyes peeled, awaiting the events of a scene that is made nearly unpredictable procured by genius manipulation of natural and artificial light sources.

Bibliography:
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – Lighting Technique. (2014). aworkofwords. Retrieved 15 November 2017, from https://aworkofwords.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/e-t-the-extra-terrestrial-lighting-technique/
• FREER, I. (2014). Steven Spielberg And Special Effects. Empire. Retrieved 15 November 2017, from https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/steven-spielberg-special-effects/
• 8. Framing characters through rich foreground objects. (2017). Rmwebed.com.au. Retrieved 15 November 2017, from http://www.rmwebed.com.au/web_resources/IT/photography/video/film_video/screen8.html

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