LO1 - Camera work analysis

The purpose of camera work is to involve the audience in the scene/narrative and create a spectacle for them to witness. There are many different techniques when it comes to camera work that we will know explore. The first technique we will be looking at is the shot type, close up. In X-men Days of Future Past we can see many examples of this, for example in the a particular scene we can see denoted an argument between two characters (Charles and Eric) it then zooms in on Eric's face at the height of the argument. This connotes tension and aggression as we can see a lot of anger in Eric's face as he says his final statement. The effect on the audience could be that they are quite exhilarated by this and may want to see how other characters react to this.

The  next shot type we will be looking at is a crowd shot. This is denoted  when the X-Men have their first encounter with the sentinels, the X-men stand in a circle ready to fight them. The connotations of this could be tension and unprepared as the X-Men are caught off guard and must quickly form a plan to hold off the sentinels. The effect on the audience could be exhilaration as this is the first action piece in the film and will be excited to see it in its entirety.

The next piece of camera work we will be looking at is a camera angle specifically a low angle shot. This is denoted in the scene where Mystique rescues some mutants from the military the shot depicts a military officer standing above her as he looks down at her. The connotations of this could be fear and dominance as this agrees with the stereotype of men being dominant over women. The effect on the audience could be that they are quite in shock as previously Mystique has been a dominant character, so perhaps she has met her match.

The next piece of camera work we will be looking at is a tracking shot. This is denoted when Wolverine first meets Beast, he forces his way into Charles's mansion and begins to walk through the main corridor. As he walks through the camera follows his movement until Beast pulls him back. This connotes tension as we do not know how this scene will evolve from here. The effect on the audience could be tension as they do not know how the two characters will interact from this point onwards.

The final piece of camera work we will look at is Focus specifically Shallow depth of field. This is denoted when Charles is talking to Eric, Eric is in the foreground and out of focus while Charles is in the background and in focus. This could connote importance to the narrative as what Charles is saying is more important to the current conversation. The effect on the audience could be that they are intrigued as to what Eric's reaction to the  conversation could be.