Film Language

Film Language

Camera Framing

Camera framing is what we can see within the frame of the camera screen. 

We concentrate on how far the camera is from the subject and from what angle the shot is taken.There are different types of shots these are; Long shot, Close-up, Point-of-view shot and Mid shot. Different types of shots are used in combination to give you information about where and when something is  happening.

Camera Movement

Camera movement is used in the same way that framing is used to enhance out involvement in the film action, as the way the camera is moved can be used to direct our attention to a particular viewpoint.

Camera movement includes:

A panning shot - this is where the camera moves slowly across from side to side from a fixed axis

A tilt shot - this is where the camera moves up and down from a fixed axis

A crane shot - this is where the camera is mounted on a crane moves around at a distance above ground level

A tracking shot - is where the camera follows the action

A rolling shot - is where the camera moves diagonally, which makes the image askew

Mise En Scene

Is a French term meaning 'Everything in the Frame' A simple shot of a tree can be made to look threatening by stripping of its leaves, adding a creature or some lightening and shooting it in darkness.Giving the Mise En Scene a deathly, haunted atmosphere.The same tree can be given a different look if it is surrounded by children and shot in a sunny light.Giving the MiseEn Sence a happy, normal atmosphere. Settings

The settings used in film are very rarely just backgrounds to the characters' dialogue and we will often see shots of places without any action taking place. Settings can also be used to manipulate an audience by building certain expectations and then the action turns out different.

Props 

Props is the name we give to objects in the setting 

which play a part in the action, rather than just being part of the background.It can also be used to complete someones costume eg, a man in a suit carrying a breifcase. CostumeCostume plays a large part in the mise en scene (everything in the frame) because it can be an instant indicator to us of a characters personality, social status and their job etc. It also tells us whether the film is set in the past, present or future, and what society or culture it will be about. It could also provide a clue to part the part the character will play in the action, througout the film.Make-Up

In the early days of the cinema and film, makeup was used to highlight the actors facial features as black and white film stock could not register detail very well and detail would be lost, especially in their faces. Some certain genres traditionally use make-up more than others. 

And make-up can also be used to create different atmospheres and mis en scene, and could be used to create a more surreal look eg, zombies, dead people etc.