Using Cinematography To Become A Better Screenwriter

By: Sarang Padhye

Cinematography is the art of capturing images and visual storytelling through the lens of a camera. It is a combination of technical precision and artistic expression, where each frame serves as a canvas for conveying emotions, perspectives, and narratives.

For both seasoned filmmakers and aspiring screenwriters, a fundamental understanding of cinematography shot types is invaluable. These shot types are the building blocks of visual storytelling in film, allowing filmmakers to communicate with their audience on a deeper level. Screenwriters can benefit from an understanding of cinematography too. Even though adding camera direction and explicit POV statements is frowned upon when writing spec scripts, understanding the visual language of film is essential for maximizing the visual impact of your story. Scripts are there to conjure and convey the visual journey of your narrative, so seeing your story through the eyes of a cinematographer can be a useful tool when writing or polishing your screenplay.

From the sweeping grandeur of Wide Shots to the intimate detail of Close-Ups, each type serves a unique purpose in crafting the narrative. They are the visual language through which stories come to life. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or a screenwriter looking to enhance your storytelling techniques, a basic grasp of these shot types can greatly benefit your creative process.

In this article, we’ll delve into different cinematography shot types, breaking down purposes, and examining the impact having an understanding of them can have on your storytelling. By the end of this article, you’ll have an understanding of these fundamental shot types that shape the visual language of cinema, making it a valuable resource for those interested in a film production career.

1.  Wide Shots

Wide Shots, often referred to as establishing shots, are a cornerstone of cinematography that set the stage for storytelling.

These shots provide the audience with a panoramic view of the setting or location, offering a visual context in which the narrative unfolds.

Wide shots capture the grandeur of landscapes, the intricacies of cityscapes, or the serenity of natural environments making them a powerful tool for filmmakers to convey the essence of a place and inspire viewers to explore it as a sustainable travel destination.

In the epic fantasy film, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, directed by Peter Jackson, wide shots play a pivotal role in establishing the vast and breathtaking landscapes of Middle-earth.

One striking example is the scene where the Fellowship begins its perilous journey through the Misty Mountains. As they navigate treacherous terrain and looming peaks, the camera employs Wide shots to capture the sheer scale and grandeur of the mountain range. These wide shots not only showcase the beauty of the New Zealand landscapes used as the film’s backdrop but also convey the epic and adventurous nature of the quest.

In this instance, wide shots serve as a visual ode to the majestic world created by J.R.R. Tolkien and brought to life through cinematography.

They immerse the audience in the fantastical realm of Middle-earth, where every vista is a testament to the film’s epic storytelling.

Wide shots like these not only establish the setting but also evoke a sense of wonder and awe, reminding us of the powerful impact that visuals can have on cinematic narratives.

For filmmakers and aspiring cineastes eager to deepen their understanding of wide shots and other cinematographic techniques, exploring reputable cinematography courses.

Wide shots, with their ability to establish context and create a visual sense of place, are a fundamental element of cinematic storytelling. They lay the foundation upon which the narrative unfolds, inviting the audience into the world of the film.

2.  Medium Shots

Medium Shots are a versatile and widely used shot type in cinematography that bridge the gap between Wide Shots and Close-Ups.

These shots frame characters from the waist up, offering a balanced view of their body language, facial expressions, and interactions.

Medium shots are an essential tool for establishing connections between characters and the audience, providing just enough detail to convey emotions and reactions without revealing the entire environment.

A compelling example of the effective use of Medium shots can be found in Quentin Tarantino’s iconic film Pulp Fiction.

In the film’s memorable scene where the actors are eating, Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent (John Travolta) engage in a philosophical conversation, and medium shots are employed to focus attention on the characters’ expressions and body language.

Medium shots are particularly valuable in character-driven scenes, where the emphasis is on the emotional and interpersonal dynamics between characters. These shots allow the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level, empathizing with their experiences and motivations.

In Pulp Fiction, the framing allows the audience to focus on the characters’ reactions to each other and the nuances of their dialogue while maintaining spatial context.

For screenwriters, framing an intimate moment between two characters in the written equivalent of a medium shot can enhance their storytelling. By framing your visual telling strategically, you can guide the reader’s imagination, ensuring that the emotional nuances of the characters and their interactions are powerfully conveyed.

3.  Close-Ups

When it comes to conveying raw emotions and drawing the audience’s attention to specific details, Close-Ups stand as a filmmaker’s most potent weapon. These shots, with their laser-like focus on a single subject (frequently a character’s face,) enable the capture of expressions, thoughts, and feelings in unparalleled detail.

The power of close-ups is vividly exemplified in the cinematic masterpiece The Shawshank Redemption.

In this iconic film, directed by Frank Darabont and based on Stephen King’s novella, there is a pivotal moment when the character Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins) escapes from Shawshank Prison.

As Andy stands in the pouring rain, arms outstretched and face upturned toward the heavens, the camera transitions into an exquisite close-up. Raindrops glisten on Andy’s face, his eyes shine with newfound freedom, and his radiant smile speaks volumes. It’s a moment of pure cinematic magic, and the close-up lens captures every nuance of his triumph, conveying the profound emotions of liberation and hope.

Close-ups have the remarkable ability to forge an intense and intimate connection between the viewer and the character, allowing the audience to delve deep into the character’s psyche and share their emotional journey.

As a screenwriter, describing your characters effectively in close-ups invites readers to visualize the emotional depth of your characters and scenes, enriching the reading experience and underwriting the reader’s understanding of how your story might translate from script to screen.

Close-ups, when skillfully employed, possess the power to stir the soul, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer’s heart and mind.

4.  Over-the-Shoulder Shots

Over-the-Shoulder Shots are a versatile and indispensable shot type, frequently deployed during dialogues and interactions between characters in the world of cinematography.

This technique involves situating the camera behind one character while positioning the shoulder and head of the other character in the foreground.

The purpose of this shot extends far beyond maintaining spatial orientation; it serves as a powerful tool for conveying the intricate dynamics and shifting perspectives within a scene.

In Steven Spielberg’s iconic film Jurassic Park, there is a memorable scene in which Dr. Alan Grant (played by Sam Neill), Dr. Ellie Sattler (played by Laura Dern), and John Hammond (played by Richard Attenborough) is introduced to the breathtaking sight of living, breathing dinosaurs for the first time. As they approach a paddock, the camera cleverly employs a series of over-the-shoulder shots to capture each character’s awe-struck expressions as they react to the majestic creatures before them.

In this example, the strategic use of over-the-shoulder shots not only enhances the emotional impact of the scene but also underscores the complex relationship dynamics between the characters. Moreover, using these shots offers a unique narrative advantage by allowing the viewers to inhabit the physical and emotional spaces of multiple characters within a single frame. They convey the subtle shifts in power dynamics, conflicts, and connections between characters as the scene unfolds.

As a screenwriter, mastering the strategic placement of your characters and the timing of reveals in your character’s dialogue can enable your characters to come alive more vibrantly on the page and the screen.

5.  POV (Point of View) Shots

Point of View (POV) shots in cinematography offer a unique and immersive perspective that allows the audience to experience the story through the eyes of a character.

This shot type provides a first-person viewpoint, enabling viewers to see the world as the character does. It’s a potent tool for establishing a deep connection between the audience and the protagonist, immersing them in the character’s emotions and experiences.

A classic example of the effective use of POV shots can be found in Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece Psycho.

In the film’s iconic shower scene, the audience is placed in the shoes (or rather, the eyes) of the character Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh. As Marion steps into the shower, the camera switches to her POV. We see the showerhead, and the water, and hear the ominous sound of running water. Suddenly, the shower curtain is yanked aside, and the audience is brutally confronted with the terror that Marion experiences in that chilling moment.

POV shots are a powerful storytelling tool that allows filmmakers to engage the audience on a profound level. They enable viewers to inhabit the character’s world, share their fears and hopes, and experience their journey firsthand.

For screenwriters and directors, understanding how to strategically incorporate POV shots into their storytelling can enhance the emotional resonance of their narratives. Simply writing POV in your spec script is not going to work. But taking a moment to focus on your character’s interaction with a prop can convey of sense of POV and also be a great way to convey additional layers of meaning into your story or character’s backstory.

6.  Dutch Angle Shots

Dutch Angle shots are a creative and unconventional technique in cinematography that involves tilting the camera at an angle to create a sense of unease, tension, or disorientation within a scene.

This unique framing choice adds a distinct visual element, often used in moments of chaos, or psychological turmoil, or to signify a departure from the norm.

Dutch angle shots serve as a visual cue to the audience, signaling that something unusual or emotionally charged is unfolding.

A striking example of the effective use of Dutch angle shots can be seen in Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller Inception.

In a particularly intense and surreal sequence, as the characters navigate the timeline’s shifting reality, the camera employs Dutch angle shots to great effect. These tilted frames convey the disorienting and topsy-turvy nature of the film’s mythological universe, where gravity-defying events occur and time is convoluted. The Dutch angle shots heighten the sense of confusion and suspense, immersing the audience in the characters’ precarious journey through layers of dreams within dreams.

Screenwriters can use a form of Dutch angle short strategically to convey a character’s mental state, the instability of a situation, or to underscore moments of tension and uncertainty. By incorporating unconventional descriptions of common objects, you can visually communicate complex emotions and narrative themes, inviting your audience to engage with your story on a deeper and more visceral level.

Final Thoughts

Understanding cinematography shot types and how they are commonly used in filmmaking is a valuable skill for screenwriters. The written equivalent of these shot types allows you to convey a wide range of emotions, perspectives, and narratives more effectively, drawing your audience deeper into your creative world visually – as a script should.