Analysis of Camera Shots in Movie Clips

Firstly, in this lesson we had a range of different camera shots in photo form and we had to see if we could identify them and put them into a logical order than we think is correct from a scene in ET. Secondly, we analysed two different movie clips: James Bond: Casino Royale and Superman Returns. We analysed the different camera shots that were used and why they were chosen.


1. James Bond: Casino Royale

In this clip there was lots of different camera shots used as it was a very action and adventure based scene. Some of the camera shots included were:

• ES- an establishing shot was used in this scene to make the viewers aware of the environment that they are in

• BEV- this was used for explosion of the fire to show that they were vulnerable as the explosion is happening right infront of the viewers eye. This gives a sense of danger and makes the scene more intense.

• RA- this shot was used to introduce the charater and to show that he was hiding, this shot then turned around to show what he was looking at to emphasise that something was about to happen and made it more exciting.

• LA- a low angle shot was used to show the characters on a crain which was to emphasise the height at which they were at which also gives a dramatic and danger affect to the viewers.

2. Superman Returns

In this second clip there was also a range of camera shots used but in different ways to the James Bond clip, it was more relaxed and was based in a conversation between two people. Some of the camera shots used were: 

• ES- similar to the James Bond clip, an establishing shot was used to introduce the scene but in a more relaxed setting.

• RA- a reverse shot was used to show the reaction of the women from what the man was saying to her. This camera shot was then used to show the reaction of the man, to show the audience the characters point of view. This built up a sense of tension and worry about the fact that she loves Superman.

• A camera movement was used by slowly zooming in to the conversation of the man and women to emphasise the tension in the room and to show the specific emotions on the womens face, but also to highlight that it was a private and personal conversation.

• A close up was also used to focus on Spiderman to show the emotions on his face and know what he is looking at a reverse shot was also again used. 

To conclude, both of these movie clips had a range of different shots used in them, each clip had similar shots that were used in different ways. It shows that the use of camera shots can help to set the scene at atmosphere and can excite the audience if they are used correctly.