The Descent Camera Shots Analysis (Clip 3)

Matthew Hillary

Close up

This is a Close up this shows more detail in the shot and also the subject or object should take up the whole frame. In the Descent this shot is used in a first person way this shot might not look important but this is one of the most important shots in the film due to the death of her daughter and also this is the closest way she is going to see her daughter.

Mid Shot (High Angle)

This is a Mid shot this would be used to expose the subject to finer detail the body also it would show the subjects feelings and also if they are hurt. In the Descent this was when Sarah woke up after surviving a car crash. The fact that it is a high angle also makes Sarah look weak.

Wide Shot

This is a great example of a Wide shot as the subject is very far this is nearly a Extreme Wide shot but the subject is still visable. I feel that the Wide shot was used because it shows the audience how isolated and lonely she is.

Trombone Shot/Mid

This shot is called a Trombone shot, this shot stays Mid throughout and the use of Trombone would often would be used in dramatic and scary scenes it would also zoom and also focus on the subject. In the Descent it was used in the hospital and the hallway is getting darker.

Steadicam

This shot is called a Steadicam shot this is when the camera is attached to the camera man. This makes the camera shot more straight and steady. In the Descent this is an example of a Steadicam shot the camera man would walk backwards in this shot and also the shot is straight and very steady on the film. The shot is also an example of a wide shot aswell and this shot stays like this through out the scene.

Follow Shot

This shot is called a Follow Shot this would be a basic shot. The camera man would use a Steadicam and also Follow the subject on Foot. This would give the effect to the audience on someone is following the subject. In the Descent Sarah is running away from the dark side of the hallway and the camera is following her.

Two Shot

This shot is called a Two Shot this is when there are two subjects together and are both noticing each other. This shot is often used in a discussion or some sort of reunion. In the Descent this shot is used to show how fear can be concurred as the fear Sarah is feeling scarred and Juno calms her down

Arc Shot

This is a Arc shot, tis shot would be often used to show the character being introduced or just to show the reaction of something or someone. In the Descent however this is used when Sarah is scarred and holds on to Beth.

Tracking Shot

This camera movement is called Tracking Shot and its quite a easy technique it requires the person with the camera to move slowly in at first but walk away from the subject. This technique is used in The Descent by Sarah hugging Beth and the camera is walking backwards and fades to black to start the intro of the film.

Arc

This is called Arc, this is when the camera goes around the subject or subjects to make them either look heroic or look at the subjects surroundings. In The Descent however this is them Sarah hugs Beth and Sarah is really distraught. You see Sarah and Beth’s surroundings which is a hospital and also you should see Juno in the background as well.

Cutaway

A cutaway is when the camera shoots the subject but there is someone in the shot as well. This is a example of a cutaway shot in The Descent, as you see there is someone in the shot as well.