Analysis Of Micro Elements

The Analysis of Micro Elements

By Abid Ahmed

IntroductionIn this powerpoint presentation, I will explain how micro elements are used in film openings to create meaning and provoke response in the audience. I will cover the range of different shots, angles and transitions.

Close Up

This shot is specified for displaying the character’s emotions and what they are thinking about. The character looks worried and upset because there are tears visible in his eyes. This shot is an effective way of expressing emotions because the character’s face is the main focus as it takes up the whole frame.

Extreme Close Up

This shot is a close up of a character’s eye. He is looking aggressively towards the camera which connotes his possible hostile nature. An extreme close up is a sufficient way of expressing the basic emotions of the character.

Medium Shot

The medium shot is significant as it shows the dress sense of the character. It helps the audience to establish how the character is presented based on their gestures. The character is shown with his arms down and boxing gloves on. This shows that he is ready for a fight.

Long Shot

A long shot can be used to show the whole body and costume of the character and it shows the character as the main focus of the scene. Furthermore, it allows the viewers to understand the character’s location because of the character’s surroundings. The character in this image has his arms in the air as if he is celebrating. It seems as though the character has been training/exercising because of his outfit. He is walking on the pavement in the city.

Extreme Long Shot

This shot is effective because it shows the viewers where the scene or even the whole film is set. The shot gives an idea of the surrounding environment as well. This image shows multiple buildings from afar and this shows the viewer that the scene is set in Philadelphia in America.

Camera Angles High Angle Shot - This angle makes the subject seem vulnerable.

Low Angle Shot - This makes the subject seem tall, strong and powerful.

Camera AnglesBirds Eye View - This angle sets the location of the scene.

Worms Eye View - This is from a worm's view which shows the weather or ceiling.

Tracking MovementThis movement consists of the camera being placed on the track to

follow a subject. This shot allows the camera to be steady and will not shake. This movement will allow the audience to discover the way the character moves. For example using the tracking movement can show the viewer how the character moves and the pace at which they move at.

Pan The pan shot is effective for showing the whole scene or showing

more of a character as the camera moves horizontally. This image shows how the man is the subject and what different views you get from when you move the camera horizontally.

TiltThis movement is similar to a pan movement, however the camera

moves vertically instead of horizontally. The shot can help show the height of the subject such as a building or a person. The image shows the object being the subject and the camera tilting up and down which would allow the audience to understand how tall the subject is.

ZoomThis camera movement is effective for presenting the significance of

an object by zooming into it. It also focuses on an object which is a certain distance away. The movement assists in showing what could start happening onscreen. The image below shows the building before and after the zoom.

Cut Cut is a type of transition between different shots. It is mainly used in

action packed scenes to show the quick pace of the scene. For example it would be used in a fight scene to show the quick pace of the fighting. The image shows how the shot uses the cut transition to change from a extreme long shot to a close up.

PerformanceThe performance is the main acting within the shot. The better that

the acting is, the more the audience will engage. It is a way in which a performer can show their skills in acting to the audience. The image below shows two actors performing to an audience within a film.

Diegetic Sound & Non-Diegetic SoundA diegetic sound is an obvious and clear sound for the audience to

hear. For example an actor speaking in a movie.

A non-diegetic sound is the opposite. These are sounds that are not seen coming from a subject. For example a narrator’s commentary usually only includes his voice and he is not seen.

Mise-En-SceneMise-En-Scene is anything that is within the frame. This can range

from:

- Settings and Locations

- Props

- Costume

- Hair and Makeup

- Sound

- Lighting

●These are crucial for a film to make it look good. A film with bad lighting, costumes and sound won’t entertain the audience as much.