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Activity 2: Introduction to Camera Movement

   


  Camera movement is a filmmaking technique that allows a frame or perspective to change based on how the camera is positioned on placed. There are movements like pan and tilt that can make the frame vertical and horizontal. There are even movements like static which does not move at all. Camera movement is commonly used in film to establish a scene or a character's personality. A dolly in shot for example, can be used to show how intense a situation is between two characters. 

  


Many note-worthy directors were known for using different camera movement techniques. John Carpenter, for example, uses zoom in to, show each character's detail. In his case, it mainly applies to creatures, such as vampires, like in the ironically named movie, "Vampires". He zooms in on their teeth after they typically killed someone. This allows the audience to see the blood on the vampires mouth, which also shows how malicious and violent they are. Moreover, you can also see how the victim seems "lifeless".

A shot of a scene from John Carpenter's, Vampire (1998)

  The movie Ghost of Mars, essentially talks about a group of armed officers going to Mars to investigate what was going on on the planet. This shot was my favorite because the camera follows the cast as they are moving in the scene. Ice Cube, the actor in front, was one of the main protagonists in the film, which explains why he is in the front of the cast. To accomplish this, Carpenter used pan camera movement to show the dynamic of the scene. For context, the characters are trying to run to a safe spot so they could run away from "ghosts".

A shot of a scene from John Carpenter's, Ghost of Mars (2001)

  One of Carpenter's critically praised films, Christine, had some great visuals of the car that could send chills up anyone's spine. This visual is my favorite because it highlights how terrifying the car actually is. The car is on fire and it is still moving. The burning car shows that it is near-impossible to destroy the car. Oh and by the way, the car drives on its own, which makes the situation even more creepy. In the shot, the director used the dolly out movement to move away from the car that is approaching them.

A shot of a scene from John Carpenter's, Christine (1983)

  Another great director who is known for directing his films well is Michael Bay. Michael Bay made one of the most successful franchises with Bad Boys. However, my favorite scene from all the movies was the shootout in Bad Boys II. This is my favorite because it highlights the intensity and action that is going on within the scene. Bay used tracking movement to show his movements vertically and horizontally. Will Smith, the actor in the film, jumps to the ground but moves to his right.

 A shot from a scene from Michael Bay's, Bad Boys II (2003)

  This scene from No Good Deed was my favorite because of how much suspense that was built in the scene. Taraji P. Henson, the actor is the shot is trying to decide whether she wants to leap out the window or not. Moreover, suspense is built because as she is making that decision, the killer is approaching her. As a result, she gives off a scared and nervous reaction. Bay uses static camera movement to highlight on Henson's expressions.

A scene from Michael Bay's, No Good Deed (2014)

  In the film, 6 Underground, this was my favorite scene because it adds comedy to the intense action that is happening. For context, Ryan Reynolds, the actor in the shot, is adding comedy to the original action scene because he is acting terrified to show how fast the car is, and how dangerous the people who are chasing him are. Due to him showing comedy in a scene that does not usually have it, it made the scene unique and enjoyable. At least for me. Moreover, Bay used random movement.

A scene from Michael Bay's, 6 Underground (2019)






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