Camera Work 2

One way to enhance the audience's emotional identification with a character is to show the action from his or her point of view. An over-the-shoulder viewpoint can also have this effect while keeping a slight sense of distance or perspective.


Shots dominated by diagonal lines imply motion or tension.

Diagonal lines forming the base of a figure or object (as with the shoulders of the figure above) can suggest instability or danger, especially when the figure is placed high in the shot.


Shots dominated by horizontal lines imply stability, calm, or rest. Notice too how the figure now appears grounded because it fills the lower portion of the screen, in contrast to the previous shot.

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