nelsonwong1998

[nelsonwong1998]

Technique Exploration (3/3)

Shaun of the Dead (Cuts and Transitions)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeJzHSxRq40

Whole clip

Shaun of the Dead uses transitions to it’s fullest potential as an effective storytelling device. This clip showcases the film’s brilliant use of transitions. It is a signature style of Edgar Wright, the writer and director, to turn a mundane moment into an interesting and entertaining scene. Here, the plan could have been filmed by simply shooting Simon Pegg and Nick Frost talking about what to do but instead insert shots have been added to incorporate character moments, humour, directorial style, as well as efficiently moving the narrative along. Most transitions are varieties of whip pans, which serve to indicate a quick change in location and also to bring a light hearted somewhat comedic brevity to the scene. The transitions become shorter and faster as the plan comes along, this again makes for efficient storytelling and makes the scene increasingly funnier (in part also due to the rule of threes). As the insert shots are also told through Simon Pegg’s character, they also show his delusional belief in what will likely happen and how he will achieve his goals. This imparts the aforementioned character moments, which would not occur if the scene was shot and edited in an uncreative manner without the clever transitions.

[nelsonwong1998]

Technique Exploration (2/3)

10 Cloverfield Lane (Camera Angles)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJTF3NmqF7U

Whole clip

10 Cloverfield Lane is a movie filled with tension, which is highlighted in this scene. Conversational scenes are often seen as boring scenes that are incapable of creative liberties. However, this scene demonstrates a creative use of camera angles that sets up our expectations only for them to be subverted. The scene is mainly comprised of six over the shoulder shots withstanding small instances of close ups and wide shots. Each over the shoulder shot presents a dynamic between two out of the three characters from a perspective of one of those characters. The two over the shoulder shots between Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Gallagher Jr. represent their peaceful relationship but the remaining shots containing John Goodman represent the chaotic relationship shared. When the tension is initially low the shots containing Winstead and Gallagher are shown presenting a safe space. However, when the tension begins to rise, shots containing Gallagher are presented showing an unsafe space. When the tension finally settles we land back on Winstead from Gallagher’s perspective, a safe space, which is subverted by the gunshot to Gallagher and Winstead’s horrified reaction. This is a brilliant use of camera angles as a way to show character dynamics and the audience’s relation to them, which were ultimately used for an unexpected payoff.

[nelsonwong1998]

Technique Exploration (1/3)

The Empire Strikes Back (Editing and Timing)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3-CpzZJl8w

0:33 to 1:23

The Empire Strikes Back utilises editing in conjunction with timing to its full effect. The technique is exemplar when Luke is trying to use the force to lift the ship out of the swamp with Yoda mentoring him. The shots each get longer as Luke reaches the climax of his power only to fail with the shots getting shorter subsequently. This serves too reinforce the build up, apex, and fall of Luke’s training and journey. It is a subtle and simple technique, which definitely aids to show Luke’s failure in a meaningful and purposeful way in spite of his efforts. The pacing also serves to put us in the perspective of Luke and how he is feeling uncertain, then hopeful, and finally disappointment, which is useful for creating a compelling character in an engaging story.

[nelsonwong1998]

Kidding (2018)

This is called

Shaynas Sequence

[nelsonwong1998]

ling xiang          -          https://www.artstation.com/anubis1982918

[nelsonwong1998]

Countdown to Halloween 2018: Day 11

Get Out (2017) Directed by Jordan Peele

[nelsonwong1998]

https://www.patreon.com/posts/22364716

[nelsonwong1998]

Super Slow Motion - Premiere Pro Tutorial (Optical Flow)