CINEMATOGRAPHY

back to movie making techniques = = =FILMOGRAPHY=

Cinematography is made up of many elements. One key aspect of which is the rule of thirds... Not sure what I am talking about, have a look here:

**Rule of Thirds - As shown through Se7en... **  Lighting and composition are 2 crucial elements in photography and film-making; [|Chiaroscuro] , originally a bold and dramatic painting technique, is now sometimes used by DPs to achieve similar results in motion picture film. For composition, we have the Rule of Thirds.



In simple terms, the Rules of Thirds states that there are certain “hotspots”, areas of intensity that exist within any given image, and if one were to align the subject within the range of influence of these hotspots, it will make for a more energetic and interesting composition. The image above illustrates the rule; the 4 “hotspots” where the red lines intersect, and where Detective Somerset (Morgan Freeman) stands. The intensity of the shot is further increased by a small depth of view and the dynamic, diagonal lines that the fluroscent lights form. Director David Fincher’s Se7en (shot by the cinematographer Darius Khondji, who also worked on Delicatessen, The City of Lost Children, Alien Resurrection, Panic Room, and more) is an excellent film to illustrate Rule of Thirds because of the huge number of still shots that was used in the film. Composition played an enormously important role here in creating tension and interest in the shots when the camera was locked down.  (above) Example 2 : Tracy Mills (Gwyneth Paltrow) lit by a soft, beautiful rim light and composed within the hotspots. Her frame is supported by the various vertical lines formed by the 2 pillars and the windows in the background.  (above) Example 3 : Detective David Mills ( Brad Pitt ) framed within the intersecting lines, his pose furthered strengthened by the energetic vertical and horizontal lines formed by his posture. If chance permits, take a closer look at the film and you will discover that the Rules of Thirds is used again, again and again throughout the entire film. Below are some further illustrations :

Of course, I’m not suggesting that if one should start applying the rule that he or she will instantaneous achieve breathtaking, beautiful results; always it is a case of careful observation as well as a combination of other equally important ingredients like lighting, colour that truly bring out the full effect, no doubt what David Fincher and Darius Khondji did when shooting Se7en, I’m sure.

[] Check out what it really means to be a cinematographer according to this Oscar winner...  [|What is a cinematographer]