Two Kinds of Pain & Interpretation of the Camera

In Using the Camera for Interpretation, many interesting and insightful points are brought up to describe how the camera is used, but also why it is used in certain ways and what that means for the film. Although seemingly complex, once properly broken down, the different camera angles and shot placements become more clear and are easily understood when applied to different films and T.V. shows.

The piece talks a great deal about “Breaking the Fourth Wall” and its effect on the viewers experience of the scene. The chapter talks about its use in theatre and how it very prevalent in the artwork within theatre because it is almost impossible to ignore. After moving forward, it goes on to talk about its use in film and how unusual it is. However, when “Breaking the Fourth Wall” occurs, it is usually down so for a reason, and it has a very big effect, remove the “invisible eye” element that the camera provides us in normal T.V. and film.

This can be easily seen in the American T.V show House of Cards. Kevin Spacey’s character is a ruthless political animal and his character all too frequently address the camera head on and talk to the audience as if they were standing next to him. This can be seen in the opening shot of the first episode, where Kevin Spacey is on the street and then addresses the audience. This is done to set a precedent for the show, and make the viewer feel as if they are experience the events alongside Spacey, removing the “fly on the wall” approach that normal television shows provide.

In the opening scene, Spacey’s character addressing the character is done using a close up shot expressing there seriousness of the situation and allowing the viewer to immersed in Spacey’s situation. It is a level angle shot, but it is clear Spacey character has control because of the setting and the situation at hand. The low-key lighting also gives the scene an ominous feel that perfectly compliments the storyline at this point. Ultimately, the use of lighting, breaking the fourth wall and the type of shot all compliment each other to make this a very unique and memorable scene.

Chapter 1, “Two Kinds of Pain”: http://vimeo.com/65543283