Camera Shots

Extreme Long Shot

An extreme long shot is a shot which is taken for a great distance from the subject and is used to add context to a shot.

Example:

In one of my all time favourite films, David Lean's 1962 masterpiece Lawrence of Arabia, an extreme long shot is used to introduce Omar Sharif's character as he slowly approaches the well where Lawrence stands. This is used effectively as it creates a sense of mystery, intrigue and danger within the audience, mirroring how Lawrence feels in his situation.

Close Up

A close up is a shot which focusses tightly on the subject of the shot.

Example:

In the 1967 masterpiece (again, one of my favourite films), a close up shot is used at the end of the film, (SPOILERS) after Ben crashes Elaine's wedding and they run off together. This is a genius way to end the film, as the whole film focuses on rebellion against society and both characters being under pressure by their parents (and by extension, the society in which they live). At the end of the film, they have realised the gravity of their situation and how they are not truly happy, and that they are only together because of their desire to rebel - a point beautifully shown by the smiles fading from both characters' faces as the melancholy tune of Simon and Garfunkle's "Sound of Silence" begins to play. This shot is certainly one of cinema's truly iconic ones, and has cemented the film as one that will be remembered for years to come.

Medium Shot

A Medium Shot is a shot taken from a medium distance. The subject can be in full or partial detail.

Example:

In the classic Hitchcock film Psycho, a series of medium shots are used when Arbogast first approaches the House. This is done effectively as it gives us a complete overview of the situation that he is about to walk into, as well as creating distance between him and the audience, leading to a sense of dread, which combined with the haunting score, unnerves the audience.

Long Shot

A long shot is a shot taken from a greater distance than a medium shot but not as far away as an extreme long shot, so that people may appear as indistinct shapes.

Example:

In Jim Jarmusch’s 2013 gothic vampire film, Only Lovers Left Alive, a long shot is used here to show and establish to the audience the gothic ruins of Detroit. Detroit as a city, as well as a character, is explored and developed by Jarmusch and so it is important that the audience is well acquainted with the city and what it embodies and represents throughout the film.