Camera Angles in a Movie

Over this weekend, I watched "Twilight." I have watched it before, but during this viewing, I took special notice of the different camera angles used and had a better understanding of their significance to the movie. I want to have the dramatic black/blue mood in my short film that Twilight uses so I got many ideas by watching this.

Over-the-shoulder

This angle is significant because it is used in one of the opening scenes of the movie and serves to move along the plot as characters are introduced. In this scene specifically, viewers are sharing the experience with Bella as she learns who the mysterious people who just pulled into her driveway are. These characters end up being very important to the movie, which is why this over-the-shoulder shot is essential.

Eye-level close-up

This eye-level close-up is between the two main characters, Edward and Bella. It is utilized to build intimacy between them and to establish a high level of intensity in their conversation. It is especially significant in this scene because this conversation is one of importance to the plot and has many mysterious qualities, so the closeup places emphasis on their reactions to each other’s words and showcases how closely they are looking at each other. By using this technique, viewers can feel the emotions that each character is feeling in this intense moment.

Eye-level Extreme Close-up

This extreme closeup is vital to uncovering a huge mystery and serious plot point of the movie. The camera is so close To Edward’s face places a heavy and specific focus on his eyes and allows viewers to notice that their color has changed. This also implies that Bella is noticing the change as well. This clue is vital to her figuring out that he is a vampire.

Two-Shot

This two-shot angle shows two people in the scene: Bella and Edward. It is from a slightly high angle, which is not significant in this situation. However, this specific two-shot allows viewers to observe the connection building between Edward and Bella and emphasizes the conversation being had. Additionally, this shot foreshadows the intimidate relationship that will develop between Bella and Edward throughout the movie.

Tilted/Dutch Angle

A tilted angle is used frequently in this film, however, this one stood out to me. This tilted angle is used in a moment of high intensity and is used to build suspense as Bella figures out the biggest mystery of the movie, which is that Edward is a vampire. In supernatural movies like this one, tilted angles are often used to create unease and disorient viewers. It allows for a surprise factor to be built, as both the viewer and the character discover something.

Overhead

This angle portrays Bella and Edward lying in the grass next to each other. It gradually zooms out while remaining overhead to place focus on the woods that they are lying in and emphasize the intimacy and romantic connection between the two. Additionally, the shot utilizes the rule of thirds for Bella and Edward, which enables viewers to see both of them lying down and taking in the whole background. This scene also lasts a significant amount of seconds which really allows viewers to take in and process the moments leading up to this moment and the emotions that were experienced by the two characters. This type of angle is also my favorite.

Shoulder Level

This angle is common for slow dance scenes like this one. Its use allows viewers to observe the romance and connection between the two characters and emphasizes the importance of this moment. The space between them also shows their closeness and allows viewers to process the conversation the two are having during the dance.