Analysis of different Camera Shots on Media Texts

In last weeks lesson, we watched and analysed two very different video clips in order to spot all of the different camera shots that were used and discussed why they were used and the effect.

The two video clips we watched were, James Bond: Casino Royale and Superman Returns.

This clip of James Bond is very fast and high action, the director has used many different camera shots and movements, highlighting the drama and intenseness of the piece. 

Camera shots used include:

• BEV: this shot was used showing an explosion rising up into the camera, this is effective as it puts the audience in the action which makes it seem more real and believeable. It also intensifies the danger as the audience will have a sense of what the main characters are experiencing. 
• ES: an establishing shot was used to set the scene and give the audience an idea as to where the film is taking place.
• EL: an eye level shot was used as one of the characters was looking over from where he was hiding, this is effective as it connects with the audience, showing a close up of his face empathsises the emotion and in this case fear and danger he is in.
• RS: a reverse shot was used after the eye level shot, in this case it showed the audience the machine driven by James Bond coming towards the other character, empathsising the danger and action both of the characters are in.
• LA and HA: both the low angle and high angle were used to highlight size,showing what is above the characters, but also how high up the crane was, creating a more dramatic sequence of action. 

The other video clip, Superman Returns contrasted to the action packed and dramatic scene of James Bond, but still used effective camera shots and movements to show a more relaxed and emotional scene. 

Camera Shots include: 

• ES: similar to James Bond, used to set the scene, except it is a more normal and comfortable setting.
• CU: a close up is used on both of characters, showing their emotions through facial expressions as they talk to eachother. 
• RS: reverse shots are used to give the audience perspective, it gives the audience a point of view, almost seeing what the character is seeing and how the other character is reacting/replying.
• As well as camera shots, camera movements are used, the camera throughout the scene zooms in on the two characters, showing their close relationship and the fact its a personal and private conversation. this would have been done on a dolly which makes the scene look more natural.

To conclude these video clips show that camera shots can be used in a range of ways in different that can change the atmosphere and tempo of different media pieces, this is effective as it can help enhance the mood of different scenes. But still making them exciting to watch for the audience.