Camera lesson with Adam

In this lesson we gathered an understanding of different shots. Unbeknown to me before learning about this different types of shot sizes represent different meanings. As an example, an extreme close up (ECU) usually of the face, try to convey an emotion and/or detail whereas a long shot shows the full figure of someone which contextualises the character and their location.
Different shots can also be used to represent someone's authority such as a high angle is when the camera point down above eye line which indicates low status or vulnerability. In contrast a low camera angle (below eye line) can indicate high status, someone in power or someone intimidating.

We used 'Pleasantville' as an example to look at the different shots. Films or programmes usually open with an establishing shot to indicate the location. Pleasantville opened with an establishing shot, then moves on to a three shot which suggests closeness within the group of friends, highlighting people get on at the school. There is then an ECU of the boy showing his emotion. There is then many shot reverse shot close ups with the same eye line to look like the boy is talking to the girl however we realise this is not the case when there is then an establishing shot to show who is in the school grounds and he is no where near the girl and she is actually talking to the boy she is with. There is then a two shot of the girl and boy talking together to emphasise the idea that it was their conversation the girl was replying to. The opening sequence ends on an establishing shot which is also at a high angle emphasising the boys vulnerability.