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"Cinematography" refers to the choices a director makes about HOW things are filmed. This lesson will begin discussing how the camera relates to what it is filming in terms of depth of field, angle, and distance.
Introduction: Cinematography in Citizen Kane
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Depth of field refers to the range of space in front of the camera lens that is filmed in sharp focus.
Definition: Depth of Field
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This is an example of shallow focus. The depth of field is so narrow that only Leland is in focus, leaving Thompson and the people in the background blurred. This allows us to see the wider setting where Leland is placed yet keeps our attention on him as the most important element of the scene.
Example: Depth of Field--Shallow Focus
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This is an example of deep focus. The depth of field is so wide that even though each character inhabits a different section of the space - foreground, midground, and background - all are visible and in focus. This framing and focus allows us to see all three at once.
Example: Depth of field--Deep Focus
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Because of the wide depth of field, the entire room stays in focus as the camera moves backwards through the room - we can see everything from young Kane in the far background to Mrs. Kane in the foreground. This allows action to take place all throughout the frame.
Example: Depth of field--Deep Focus
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Camera angle refers to the position the camera occupies in relation to what it is filming.
Definition: Camera Angle
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A low angle shot is when the camera is below an object pointing upwards at it. A high angle shot is when the camera is above an object pointing downwards at it. Notice how Kane is seen in a low angle shot, while Susan is shown in a high angle shot. This reflects both their physical positioning (Kane standing while Susan sits) as well as their power dynamic (Susan feeling like Kane is trying to overpower and control her).
Example: Camera Angle--Low/High Angle
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Camera distance refers to how far the camera is placed from the mise-en-scène of the shot. We'll look at how the human body appears in the shot in order to measure differences in camera distance.
Definition: Camera Distance
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In an extreme long shot, the human figure is very small or maybe even hardly visible. In this shot, Kane is very small because the camera is far away in order to show the entire hall.
Example: Camera distance--Extreme Long Shot
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In a long shot, the human figure is more prominent, but is still small enough to fit within the frame and allow the background to be seen. In this shot, Kane walks through his house while the camera keeps its distance - we can see him clearly but the background fills much more of the frame than he does.
Example: Camera Distance--Long Shot
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In a medium long shot, the human figure is usually framed from about the knees up. In this shot, we can see most of Kane's body (and the mud that has splattered on his suit), but there is also room for Susan to converse with him in the frame.
Example: Camera Distance--Medium Long Shot
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In a medium shot, the human figure is shown from the waist up. Here we can see the top half of Kane; the shot keeps him as the focus of the shot while allowing space for the reporter to interview him.
Example: Camera Distance--Medium Shot
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In a medium close up, the human figure is framed from the chest up. In this shot, the camera is close enough to Kane that we can see his distress at what Emily says.
Example: Camera Distance--Medium Close Up
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A close up usually shows shows just the head, hands, feet, or a small object, which deliberately calls a viewer's attention to one very specific thing. In this shot the camera stays very close on Kane's face, allowing us to see his reactions throughout Susan's performance (and almost nothing else).
Example: Camera Distance--Close Up (1)
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This second close up shot of Kane's face lets us see his angry reaction when another audience member mocks Susan.
Example: Camera Distance--Close Up (2)
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An extreme close up usually singles out one portion of the face (like eyes or lips) to isolate and magnify details. This shot only shows Kane's lips, emphasizing the importance of his final word but keeping us from fully seeing him just yet.
Example: Camera Distance--Extreme Close up
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- How does Welles use deep focus and space to show the relationships between characters in the film?
- How does cinematography express changes in Kane's character throughout the film?
Possible Discussion Topics: Cinematography and Character