Reflection 5
In this week, we focus on eyelines. When shooting a film or video production, actors need to know where to look. Consistent eyelines affect continuity in editing, so it is important to consider eyelines in every shot. Eyeline match also refers to an editing technique that ensures continuity of the characters’ gazes. It gives the illusion that the two characters are looking at each other. In a scene with multiple shots of different characters interacting, it must be clear who is looking at whom.
I watched two example that Robin gave, the first is My Sex Life, or How I got into an Arguement (1996) which is a continuing shot that camera follows the character’s movement. The characters in the frame always change position or the other character that need to talk with. So the eyeline in the shot is very important that you need to lead the audience a correct way that what or whom they need to focus on. The scene was kind of interesting, I am digging with continuing shot these days so that is a good scene help me understanding eyeline in one take shot.
The second one is Full Moon in Paris (1984) which is different from the first. That is a mobile static shot. But the cinematographer deals with the camera position and the eyeline so well that audience would focus on the frame.
And Robin showed us Carlos as well that Robin described as a modern style of lighting which means the exposure not always on the face of the character taking. The mise-en-scene is so important and also the camera works. So far I still don’t have more thought about the scene but it is interesting. I need more time to watch it again and again.
The 180 degree rules exists to preserve screen direction. It’s an invisible line drawn down the center of a scene between two actors; a semi-circle extends half of a circle’s radius (or 180 degrees) around them. The rule preserves eyeline in a dialogue sequence, and, crucially, maintains screen direction (so that one character is always moving left and the other, right).
For me, I don’t think that is necessary to follow the 180 degree rules. I mean, there are some great directors break the rules as well. So in my opinion, just make sense in the scene that you shoot. Break the rules does not mean that you are not making sense. In some ways, shooting the scenes without following 180 degree rules is kind of fun.